Studying law in South Africa opens the door to a rewarding career in justice, corporate governance, or human rights. However, tuition costs can be a challenge, which is why understanding law school requirements and scholarship opportunities is essential.
In this guide, we’ll cover the best law schools in South Africa, the steps to becoming a lawyer, and where to find funding for your legal studies.
Table of Contents
Top Law Schools in South Africa
You should only study law at a university that is both accredited by the Council on Higher Education and recognised by the Legal Practice Council.
BEST LAW FACULTIES IN SOUTH AFRICA:
- University of Cape Town (UCT) – Known for international law and human rights programmes.
- University of Pretoria (UP) – Strong in corporate and commercial law.
- Stellenbosch University – Offers modern legal research opportunities.
- University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) – Renowned for constitutional law studies.
- University of Johannesburg (UJ) – Diverse LLB options and flexible study modes.
- University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) – Focus on African legal systems.
- University of South Africa (UNISA) – Distance learning for working professionals.
Check each law school’s APS (Admission Point Score) requirement before applying.
- 🔥CHECK OUT: How to Calculate Your APS Score for SA Universities.
How to Become a Lawyer in South Africa
To practice as a lawyer in South Africa, you must complete these steps:
- Earn an LLB Degree
- 4-year undergraduate LLB, or
- A 2-year postgraduate LLB program is available if you already hold a bachelor’s degree.
- Practical Legal Training (PLT) or Articles
- Serve 2 years of articles under a law firm, or
- Complete School for Legal Practice (6–12 months) to reduce articles to 1 year.
- Pass the Legal Practice Council Exams
- Covers ethics, legal practice, civil and criminal procedures.
- Apply for Admission in the High Court
- Once you’ve completed training and passed exams, you’ll be admitted as an attorney.
Scholarships and Bursaries for Law Students
Funding opportunities for law students in South Africa include:
Government Funding
- NSFAS (National Student Financial Aid Scheme) – For South African undergraduates from low-income households.
- CHECK OUT – How to Apply for NSFAS Successfully – New Guide.
Prestigious Scholarships
- Mandela Rhodes Scholarship – For postgraduate African students under the age of 30.
- Allan Grey Orbis Fellowship – For entrepreneurial-minded students.
- CHECK OUT – How to Apply for Mandela Rhodes Scholarship 2027.
Law-Specific Bursaries
- Legal Practitioners’ Fidelity Fund Bursary – For LLB students in their final year.
- Department of Justice and Constitutional Development Bursary – Supports legal studies in fields like constitutional law.
Studying law in South Africa is achievable with the right preparation and funding. From world-class universities like UCT and Wits to bursaries like the Legal Practitioners’ Fidelity Fund, you have multiple pathways to achieving your legal dreams.
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