Can international students study law in South Africa?

Asked by: Dr. Carolina Stroman DVM  |  Last update: November 1, 2023
Score: 4.9/5 (66 votes)

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.

Can foreigners study law in South Africa?

This is in accordance to the Legal Practice Act - which only allows South Africans and permanent citizens to be admitted as lawyers. It is despite non-citizens being allowed to study law at South African universities.

Can I go to law school as an international student?

Because the U.S. is a global hub of legal education and practice, American law schools attract many foreign applicants. Most commonly, applicants come from countries with similar common law legal systems, like Canada, the United Kingdom, India and English-speaking nations in Africa and the Caribbean.

What are the minimum requirements to study law in South Africa?

Entry Requirement

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.

Is it a good idea to study law in South Africa?

In high demand

The rigour of a Law school education, and the range of skills in which excellence is required for graduation, ensures that law graduates are sought after across a range of endeavours. In other words, Law graduates enjoy excellent career prospects.

7 things I wish I knew BEFORE studying LAW in South Africa 🇿🇦 ⚖️ #lawstudent #llb #southafrica

22 related questions found

Is a law degree worth it in South Africa?

Law students have a great chance of getting a job or internship straight out of university and completing their studies. While a large percentage of law graduates will go on to practise law, many others study Law just because it's a prestigious degree which opens a vista of other occupations.

How long is law course 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.

How many years does it take to become a lawyer in South Africa?

How long does it take to become a lawyer in South Africa? It takes at least 4 years to become a lawyer in South Africa. However, if you would like to become an attorney, you will need to complete a 4 year LLB degree and 2 years of articles for a total of at least 6 years.

How many years is a law degree in South Africa?

A law degree (LL. B.) in South Africa takes 3–4 years to complete. During your Bachelor of law program, you will devote a significant amount of time to studying law texts and criminal codes, as well as memorizing stipulations and exceptions.

Can Americans go to law school in other countries?

You bet! While it's important to explore the options that make the most sense for your own personal study interests and career goals, law school study abroad is definitely an option that could enhance your overall study experience.

Can I study law in USA and practice in India?

For students who complete their LLB degrees from non-recognised universities: These students are required to apply directly to the Bar Council of India for registration. These applications are considered on a case-to case basis, and, upon approval, these students may be allowed to practice in India.

What degree is best for international law?

  • B.A. in International Relations: International Law. ...
  • BA in International & European Law. ...
  • Bachelor in Comparative, European and International Legal Studies (CEILS) ...
  • Bachelor in International Law. ...
  • Bachelor in International Relations: Concentration in Diplomacy and International Law. ...
  • Hons.

What is the new law for foreigners in South Africa?

Under the bill, foreign nationals would only be permitted to work in South Africa if they have the appropriate work visa, have an asylum seeker permit endorsed with the right to work or if they are permitted to work according to an international agreement.

Is LLB difficult to study in South Africa?

Studying law takes a lot of hard work and dedication. In South Africa, proficiency in the English language is extremely important as students are required to study a multitude of technical legal books and hundreds of cases in English.

Can I practice law in America with a South African degree?

Most states do require a J.D. degree for a US law school in order to sit for the bar exam. There are some states which do allow foreign law graduates to sit for the bar exam, including New York, California, New Hampshire, Alabama, and Virginia.

Do lawyers get paid well in South Africa?

The legal profession in South Africa offers one of the highest-paying and most lucrative careers in the country, with many legacy and emerging fields requiring highly skilled individuals to make sure affairs are in order.

Is law school expensive in South Africa?

Costs of Law Schools in South Africa

Law schools in South Africa are quite costly. One can expect to pay more for full-time law school as opposed to part-time law school. The average cost of law schools in South Africa ranges between R32, 000 – R40, 000.

Can I study law online in South Africa?

Since 2007, the University of Cape Town has partnered with GetSmarter to take its renowned education online. Gain the tools needed to understand and draft legal contracts, and make informed business decisions based on new insights into South African law practices. Click here for more information and registration.

Is it hard 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 is in demand in South Africa?

Which law is in demand in South Africa? The areas of specialisation in demand include personal accident, corporate, divorce, real estate, intellectual property, criminal, litigation, and immigration law.

Which law career pays the most in South Africa?

In South Africa, a general counsel earns an average salary of R1,185,677.00 yearly. The highest-paid lawyers in South Africa, according to the Robert Walters salary benchmark, are general counsels in the financial services, commercial, and industrial sectors.

What can I do after studying law in South Africa?

Possible job titles related to law
  • Administrative lawyer.
  • Advocate.
  • Arbitrator.
  • Attorney.
  • Case manager.
  • Commercial rights manager.
  • Compliance officer.
  • Compliance specialist.