What are the requirements to study law in South Africa as of 2024?
Law is among the most prestigious careers in contemporary South Africa. Working as an advocate or an attorney in the country requires obtaining a degree in the field of law. This can be done at the undergraduate and postgraduate level. Discover the requirements to study law in South Africa today.
Source: UGC
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Requirements to study law in South Africa as of 2024
- What are the minimum requirements to study Law at UJ?
- Which university can you study law in South Africa?
- How many years is law school in South Africa?
- Can you become a lawyer without going to law school in South Africa?
- How long does it take to get an LLB in South Africa?
- Can you study law without maths in South Africa?
South Africa has a hybrid legal system. This means the country combines civil law inherited from the Dutch with customary law or the African Customary Law. Consequently, studying law in South Africa may require one to understand various procedural aspects of the legal system. If you are an aspiring lawyer, you should know the requirements to study law in South Africa as of 2024.
Requirements to study law in South Africa as of 2024
A law degree is mandatory for individuals who wish to enrol as lawyers or attorneys in South Africa. Students who wish to get started may make a direct entry into law programmes at the undergraduate level. Alternatively, they can opt for the postgraduate plan.
Ways you can study law in SA
Before delving into the specific LLB law requirements in SA, it is important to understand various ways in which you can become a qualified lawyer in the country.
LLB (direct entry for undergraduate students)
LLB is the abbreviation for the Bachelor of Laws. Many people use this option in SA. It takes four years for full-time students and a minimum of six years for part-time to complete this programme. Some students may take longer than the standard period, depending on the circumstances.
BA (Law) or BCom (Law) combined with LLB
The difference between this degree and direct entry LLV is that at the end of BA Law or BCom Law, you will have attained two degrees, i.e., BA or BCom and an LLB).
Graduate LLB
This option is suitable for people who have completed another degree before applying to study law. It takes a minimum of 3 years to graduate. A graduate LLB programme equips a student with a reflective understanding of the law to apply legal services to the community.
Subject requirements for law in SA
Knowing what subjects you need to become a lawyer can improve your odds of achieving this goal. The knowledge helps you prioritise and specialise in subjects that are staples for this career path.
In South African high schools, the subjects required for law study are History, Business Studies, English, Mathematics, Government, and Life Orientation. A prospective lawyer must have good diction, whether they take English as a First Language or English as an Additional Language.
Here is a comprehensive breakdown of why these disciplines are crucial for anyone pursuing a legal degree.
- English: Strong language skills are essential for legal writing and communication. English language courses will help you develop your vocabulary, grammar, and writing abilities.
- Mathematics: While not directly related to law, mathematical skills can help analyse data, understand legal calculations, and solve problems.
- History: This subject provides essential information about prior legal systems, societal norms, and constitutional advancements. It also helps pupils grasp societal shifts and human rights challenges.
- Life Orientation: This subject incorporates a component of social and environmental responsibility and human rights, which are similar to concerns found in legal studies.
- Business Studies: While optional, business studies can provide a practical understanding of business law and legal issues that arise in the business world.
- Government: Studying government systems, laws, and political processes will give you a solid foundation for understanding the legal framework and the role of the law in society.
Source: UGC
General requirements to study law in South Africa
It is important to note that the specific requirements for pursuing law may vary slightly from one institution to another, e.g., the requirements to study law at UCT may vary slightly from the requirements to study law at Wits.
This means that the Admission Point Score (APS) may vary in different universities. Even so, here are the general requirements for all institutions of higher learning.
- A National Senior Certificate with a degree admission
- English Home Language level 5 or English First Additional Language level 6
- Mathematical Literacy level 5 or Mathematics level 3
- Life Orientation level 4
- Minimum composite Academic Point Score (APS) 32, not including Life Orientation
Students aspiring to study law at the university level should focus on obtaining a Bachelor's degree pass in their National Senior Certificate. This requires achieving at least 40% in three subjects (including one Home Language) and 30% in three additional subjects.
Universities may have additional admission criteria, so aiming for the highest possible marks in all subjects is essential.
Remember, the better your academic performance in high school, the greater your chances of being accepted into your desired university and course.
If you are looking for a list of the requirements to study law in South Africa online, you should contact the specific institution you desire to join for more details. Note that not all institutions of higher learning offer the programme online.
Admission examination for law in South Africa
In South Africa, aspiring lawyers must pass the Admission Examination administered by the Legal Practice Council. This exam evaluates their practical skills and knowledge across four key areas, as listed below.
- High Court Procedure
- Magistrates’ Court Procedure
- Ethics and Professional Responsibility
- Wills and Estates
Types of lawyers in demand in SA
Lawyers protect and defend clients and are well-versed in the laws of the Constitution of South Africa. There are different types of lawyers who specialise in various areas.
Some areas of specialisation attract higher remuneration packages than others. Here is a list of the best-paid types of lawyers in the country.
- E-discovery lawyers
- Constitutional lawyers
- Medical malpractice lawyers
- Personal injury attorneys
- Environmental attorneys
- Employment law attorneys
- Intellectual property attorneys
- Real estate lawyers
- Divorce attorneys
- Tax attorneys
- Corporate/ business attorneys
- Criminal attorneys
- Human rights lawyers
Source: UGC
What are the minimum requirements to study Law at UJ?
To pursue law at the University of Johannesburg, you need an NQF level 4 certificate (national senior certificate/senior certificate), a minimum APS score of 31 in Mathematics or 32 with Mathematical Literacy English 5 (60%), Additional Language 4 (50%) Mathematics 3 (40%), and Mathematical Literacy 4 (50%).
Which university can you study law in South Africa?
Multiple universities offer law in SA, including The University of Cape Town, the University of Venda, the University of the Witwatersrand, the University of Johannesburg, the University of Pretoria, Stellenbosch University, and Rhodes University.
How many years is law school in South Africa?
It takes about four years to pursue an undergraduate degree in law. This may vary slightly from one institution to another.
Can you become a lawyer without going to law school in South Africa?
No, you cannot. It is mandatory to go to law school at the undergraduate or postgraduate level to become a lawyer in SA.
How long does it take to get an LLB in South Africa?
It takes about four years to get an LLB in SA. This is the standard period in most institutions.
Can you study law without maths in South Africa?
You cannot. Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy is mandatory for anyone who wishes to pursue law in SA.
The general requirements to study law in South Africa include a National Senior Certificate with a degree admission. Specific requirements may vary from one institution to another.
Briefly.co.za recently published a list of the best universities in Africa that offer quality education. Having an education is termed as vital for anyone looking to achieve success in their life.
With so many universities, not all can be said to be offering quality and fulfilling education. This is why one should choose wisely to ensure their time and resources are well spent. It is wise to choose an institution from among the best universities in Africa.
Source: Briefly News
Cyprine Apindi (Lifestyle writer) Cyprine Apindi is a content creator and educator with over six years of experience. She holds a Diploma in Mass Communication and a Bachelor’s degree in Nutrition and Dietetics from Kenyatta University. Cyprine joined Briefly.co.za in mid-2021, covering multiple topics, including finance, entertainment, sports, and lifestyle. In 2023, she finished the AFP course on Digital Investigation Techniques. She received the 2023 Writer of the Year Award. In 2024, she completed the Google News Initiative course. Email: cyprineapindi@gmail.com
Sheila Kamau Sheila Kamau is a content writer who writes magazines, press releases, blogs and newsletters. She currently writes on matters ranging from life hacks to biographies on Briefly. She can be reached at kamausheila6@gmail.com
