Can you study Law at a college in South Africa?
Asked by: Leta Greenfelder | Last update: December 22, 2025Score: 4.4/5 (2 votes)
Students study law in South Africa to work in this field, since it is a requirement. Their course of study includes a focus on both practical and textbook
Can you go straight from college to law school?
Most law schools require a college degree, but some may only ask for equivalent course work, and some law schools focus on your legal interest and life experiences and not on your grades or LSAT scores. If being a lawyer is your dream, you can achieve it!
How long is law school 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.
Does Africa University offer law degree?
The School of Law at Africa University is committed to providing a transformative legal education that prepares students to be ethical, competent, and socially conscious legal professionals.
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.
Where To Study Law In South Africa | Careers Portal
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.
Is law school expensive in South Africa?
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.
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 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.
Can I go to law school without becoming a lawyer?
It's true: you can go to law school even if you don't want to be a lawyer. A JD can turbocharge your career prospects and teach you incredibly versatile and in-demand skills.
What is the easiest state to become a lawyer in?
Going by the 2021 bar exam passing rates, Wyoming has the easiest bar exam to pass. However, we don't really get the full picture by just looking at the passing rates. Each state's bar exam can differ in difficulty and content.
Can I study law online in South Africa?
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. These programmes cover the same essential legal principles, practical skills, and specialised areas of law as traditional on-campus degrees.
How much do lawyers earn in South Africa?
Find out what the average Lawyer salary is
How much does a Lawyer make in South Africa? The average lawyer salary in South Africa is R 360 000 per year or R 185 per hour. Entry-level positions start at R 156 000 per year, while most experienced workers make up to R 2 352 000 per year.
What are the 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.
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.
Which university is best for a lawyer in South Africa?
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).
Where is the cheapest place to study law in the world?
The cheapest countries to study law are Germany, China, and Sweden. The tuition fees may differ depending on the university, program type, and location.
What is the highest degree in law?
Doctor of Juridical Science (SJD)
A Doctor of Juridical Science degree is considered the highest level of a law degree and is designed for professionals who are looking to gain an advanced legal education after earning their JD and LLM.
What country pays lawyer the most?
The top countries which offer the highest average Lawyer's salary are the USA, Germany, Canada, the UK, France, Australia, New Zealand, the Netherlands, Ireland, and Switzerland. The legal field presents numerous opportunities for skilled professionals to create significant impacts locally and globally.
Which country has strongest law in the world?
Denmark. Denmark is renowned for having one of the best and most effective legal systems in the world, considering its remarkably transparent and stable government.