Do you need maths to study law in South Africa?

Asked by: Dr. Hazel Zboncak MD  |  Last update: September 26, 2025
Score: 4.8/5 (1 votes)

I want to study Law at UCT - what subjects must I have, and how many points do I need to be considered for a place on the LLB programme? There are no specific subject requirements for Law, and you don't need to have Maths as a matric subject.

Can I study law without maths in South Africa?

Subjects needed to study law

That is the only subject requirement although you will also need an Admission Point Score (APS) of 32. This means that you can study law without maths, as long as you complete Maths Literacy.

What are the 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.
  • Minimum composite Academic Point Score (APS) 32 not including Life Orientation.

What marks do I need to study law in South Africa?

Four-Year LLB:
  • A minimum score of 37 points according to the university's points system.
  • Specific requirements:
  • English (Home or First Additional Language): Level 4 (50-59%).
  • Another language (Home or First Additional Language): Level 3 (40-49%).
  • Mathematics: Level 3 (40-49%) OR Mathematical Literacy: Level 5 (60-69%).

Do you need to take math for law?

Although not directly linked to legal studies in a formal sense, studying mathematics can definitely aid in the development of thinking and problem- solving abilities, and such skills are essential in the field of law. Philosophy and ethics are a third useful area.

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

30 related questions found

Do lawyers need a lot of math?

One of the first questions that come up in Google relating to becoming a lawyer is the question “Do lawyers need to be good at maths?” The answer to this question is actually quite simple; no, you don't need to be good at mathematics. You do, however, need excellent analytical skills.

What subjects do I need to study law in Kenya?

MINIMUM ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

1) Be a holder of a Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (K.C.S.E.) with a mean grade of at least C+ (Plus) or its equivalent with a minimum grade B (Plain) in English or Kiswahili. 2) Be a holder of a Kenya Advanced Certificate of Education (K.A.C.E) with at least three principal passes.

Is law hard in South Africa?

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.

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.

Is law in demand 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.

Is it easy to become a lawyer in South Africa?

Becoming an attorney in South Africa involves dedication, perseverance, and a commitment to justice and the rule of law. It starts with earning an LLB degree, completing articles of clerkship, and passing the board examinations.

Which law degree is the best in South Africa?

LLD Law. The University of Pretoria Faculty of Law is the highest ranked law faculty in Africa and in South Africa - according to the 2018 Times Higher Education World University Rankings.

Which course doesn t require maths in South Africa?

List of UNISA Diploma courses that do not require maths:
  • Diploma in Tourism Management.
  • Diploma in Grade R Teaching.
  • Diploma in Public Relations.
  • Diploma in Corrections Management.
  • Diploma in Law.
  • Diploma in Policing.
  • Diploma in Security Management.

Which law pays the most?

What are the highest-paid types of lawyers? The highest-paid lawyers typically specialize in fields such as corporate law, intellectual property, tax law, medical malpractice, and entertainment law. These areas command higher salaries due to the complexity, demand, and financial stakes involved.

Can I study law at UCT without maths?

Yes - there are no specific matric subjects required for Law. Q: Must I write the NBTs? The NBTs are the National Benchmark Tests and are an independent measure used across South Africa for university readiness.

How much do lawyers earn in South Africa?

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.

How long does it take to make a law in South Africa?

Based on the data, it takes President Zuma an average 96 days to sign a bill. The President may also refer a Bill to the Constitutional Court for a decision on its constitutionality but this path is seldom taken.

How many hours does a lawyer work?

Although most lawyers have a regular 40-hour week, a significant percentage of them work more frequently. The average weekly work hours for various types of lawyers are: Lawyers working for large firms: 66 hours per week. Lawyers working for small and medium-sized firms: 42-54 hours per week.

Where can I study law without maths in South Africa?

I want to study Law at UCT - what subjects must I have, and how many points do I need to be considered for a place on the LLB programme? There are no specific subject requirements for Law, and you don't need to have Maths as a matric subject.

Can a South African lawyer practice in the US?

Can a foreign lawyer give counsel in the United States? A foreign lawyer cannot provide legal services in the United States without being admitted to at least one state's bar. Exceptions may exist in some states for example, where foreign lawyers may apply for a license as a foreign law consultant.

What is the hardest subject in a law degree?

Some of the hardest classes in law school, according to current and former students, are:
  • Constitutional Law.
  • Civil Procedure.
  • Contracts.
  • Federal Courts.
  • Federal Income Tax.
  • Administrative Law.
  • Partnership Tax.

How much is a lawyer paid in Kenya?

The estimated total pay for a Lawyer is KES 65,833 per month in the Nairobi Kenya area, with an average salary of KES 60,000 per month. These numbers represent the median, which is the midpoint of the ranges from our proprietary Total Pay Estimate model and based on salaries collected from our users.

What are the best subjects to study for law?

Having an undergraduate degree is a minimum requirement for admission into law school. Most lawyers may have degrees in subjects like English, economics, political science, philosophy, journalism, mathematics and business, but there is no official recommendation regarding any preferred major for law students.