Can I study law online in South Africa?
Asked by: Mr. Daren O'Conner | Last update: October 21, 2025Score: 4.1/5 (14 votes)
Understanding Online LLB Degree in South Africa An online LLB degree is a law qualification that you can earn through digital platforms where you can study remotely.
Can you study LLB online in South Africa?
Method of teaching: The programme will be delivered primarily by means of online teaching, making use of the University's online learning platform and applications such as Zoom.
Can a person get a law degree online?
Currently, several online and hybrid J.D. programs are offered by ABA-approved law schools via distance education programs under a substantive change/variance granted by the Council.
How many years does it take to study law in South Africa?
The four-year programme comprises mostly law subjects with several Humanity or Commerce subjects at first year level. You must take certain core law subjects if you wish to graduate with an LLB. Other subjects form a set of electives you can choose from.
Can a foreigner become a lawyer in South Africa?
See 'Becoming a legal practitioner'. Further requirements with regard to admission are provided in the Legal Practice Act 28 of 2014. A person must be a South African citizen or permanent resident and be otherwise fit and proper in the opinion of the court to be admitted as a legal practitioner.
My experience studying LLB at Unisa
Are lawyers well paid in South Africa?
Mid-level lawyers, such as associates, earn between R650,000 to R850,000 per year, while senior associates earn R850,000 to R1,400,000 annually.
Can international students study law in South Africa?
We welcome a range of international students from across the world and over 120 different nationalities, who contribute to our thriving international community throughout all our campuses. Whether you want to work in law or business, studying with us will ensure you'll get the best possible start to your career.
Which law is in demand in South Africa?
Which areas of law are currently most in demand in South Africa? Corporate law, environmental law, and human rights law are among the most in-demand areas. The country's focus on compliance and regulation also drives demand in fields such as labor law and tax law.
Is studying law in South Africa worth it?
Choosing law as a career can be rewarding and exciting but it also requires hard work, dedication and a high level of commitment. The legal industry in South Africa is exceptionally competitive and there are many different career paths to choose from.
Is there a 100% online law school?
Purdue Global Law School is a state-accredited, 100% online law school in California. Our online Juris Doctor (JD) program can help you become a lawyer and prepares you to sit for the California Bar Exam.
Are online law degrees legit?
Yes, online law schools are legitimate. California's accreditation regulations fully support and recognize them, confirming their validity and credibility.
How hard is the bar exam?
The bar exam is hard. In fact, it may be one of the most difficult challenges you ever embark on. You must memorize numerous laws and consume a lot of knowledge to answer questions correctly. For many, it feels like trying to hold sand in your hands, knowing that you'll inevitably lose much of it.
Which University in South Africa is best for law?
The best law universities in South Africa include the University of Cape Town (UCT), University of the Witwatersrand (Wits), Regenesys School of Law, University of Johannesburg (UJ), University of Pretoria (UP), Stellenbosch University, North-West University (NWU), and University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN).
Can a law degree be done online?
Online law programs enable students to have a more convenience and flexible option when earning their degree. A small but growing number of law schools now offer law students the ability to earn a J.D. partly or fully online, which has undoubtedly made legal education more accessible for a range of students.
How long does it take to become a lawyer in South Africa?
It takes at least seven years to become an attorney and an additional year to become an advocate. Only some foreign-trained lawyers are able to avoid repeating their LLBs at a South African law school – as usually a South African qualification is necessary.
Which law pays the most in South Africa?
The highest paying fields of law in South Africa typically include corporate law, intellectual property law, and mergers and acquisitions. These areas often involve complex legal issues and high-value transactions, contributing to higher salaries.
Is there a shortage of lawyers in South Africa?
Current Demand for Lawyers in South Africa
The demand for lawyers in South Africa is reflected in various statistics. As of January 2022, there were approximately 29,981 practising attorneys and 5,483 candidate attorneys in South Africa. However, this demand can be shaped by societal and economic factors.
Which country is best to study law in Africa?
#1 in Africa: University of Cape Town, South Africa
The University of Cape Town Faculty of Law is a leader in African legal education.
Can I study law part-time in South Africa?
Overview. The University of KwaZulu-Natal's (UKZN's) Part-time LLB Programme offers aspiring legal practitioners a convenient way of obtaining an undergraduate law degree through part-time study.
Can a foreigner apply for a study permit in South Africa?
If you are a foreign student and wish to study in South Africa you can apply for a study visa by completing Form BI-1738. Study visas must be applied for at VFS Centre across the country near the educational institution you will be studying at or at the nearest South African embassy, mission or consulate abroad.
What are the minimum requirements to study law in South Africa?
- A National Senior Certificate with 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.
How much does it cost to study law in South Africa for international?
South African Law School Fees
For domestic LLB students in South Africa, tuition fees can range from approximately R20,000 to R80,000 or more per year. On the other hand, international LLB students may face varying tuition fees ranging from around R40,000 to R150,000 or more per year.