How long does it take to complete LLB in South Africa?

Asked by: Dr. Santa Emard DVM  |  Last update: August 16, 2025
Score: 4.4/5 (45 votes)

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 long does it take to study LLB law in South Africa?

The LLB degree comprises of 40 modules: 37 compulsory modules and 3 optional modules. In order to complete, the qualification students must comply with the 480 (40 modules) credit requirement. The minimum duration is 4 years.

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.

Is an LLB degree worth it in South Africa?

Studying an LLB degree in South Africa opens up a plethora of career prospects for international students. The legal profession in South Africa is diverse, ranging from working as an advocate, attorney, legal advisor, or corporate lawyer.

How much does it cost to do LLB in South Africa?

Tuition fees

In South Africa, LLB programme costs can range from approximately R25,000 to R50,000 per year for local students. International students might have higher tuition fees, often ranging from R50,000 to R100,000 or more per year, depending on the institution.

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27 related questions found

What is LLB law salary in South Africa?

LLB degree holders working as general counsels in commerce and industry can earn between R1,000,000 to R3,500,000 annually, with varying salaries for junior and senior roles.

Can I study LLB online in South Africa?

Studying for an LLB degree through online programmes in South Africa offers a flexible and accessible path to a fulfilling legal career.

Which field of 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.

Which university offers the best LLB 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).

What jobs can I do with an LLB in South Africa?

Related Job titles
  • Administrative lawyer.
  • Advocate.
  • Adjudicator *
  • Arbitrator.
  • Associate legal professional *
  • Attorney *
  • Case manager.
  • Commercial rights manager.

What type of lawyer is most in demand in South Africa?

What types of lawyers are in high demand in South Africa? High demand exists for lawyers in corporate, criminal, human rights, environmental, and intellectual property law. Moreover, lawyers specialised in family, employment, and property law are also in high demand due to their relevance to everyday issues.

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.

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.

What level is an LLB in South Africa?

The LLB degree prepares students for entry into legal practice, into a wide range of other careers which require the application of law, and for post-graduate studies in law. relevant societal contexts. The exit level of the qualification is NQF level 8.

How long does it take to be a qualified lawyer in South Africa?

The only academic qualification that is presently recognised for the purpose of admission as an attorney is an LLB degree (the course duration of which is not less than four years) obtained at any university in the Republic.

How many years to study doctor in South Africa?

In total, the journey to becoming a doctor in South Africa takes around 6-7 years. In the United States, there is no direct pathway to medical school. Instead, students must follow these steps: Aspiring doctors must complete a 4-year undergraduate degree in Pre-med, Biological Sciences, Chemistry, or a related major.

Is LLB in demand in South Africa?

FAQS on Is Law (LLB) in demand in South Africa

Yes, LLB graduates are in demand in South Africa, particularly in specialized areas such as corporate law, environmental law, and intellectual property law. The evolving legal landscape continues to create opportunities for law professionals.

Which field of LLB is best?

If you're wondering what to do after LLB, below are major LLB career options that will be in high demand in 2025.
  1. Advocate. Advocacy is one of the career options after LLB. ...
  2. Government Services. ...
  3. Legal Advisor. ...
  4. Judiciary. ...
  5. Teaching. ...
  6. Legal Outsourcing. ...
  7. Private Companies. ...
  8. Higher Education.

How much does a Lawyer get paid in South Africa per month?

In South Africa, lawyers' salaries vary by role and experience. Candidate attorneys earn R13,000 a month. Qualified associates make R22,709 monthly. Senior associates earn R29,722; partners can make R591,378 per year.

What type of Lawyer is most in demand?

Some of the most universally in-demand legal specialties include intellectual property law, family law, immigration law, real estate law, and corporate law. Other quickly growing areas of law also include intellectual property law, data privacy and cybersecurity law, litigation, and labor and employment law.

How long does it take to study LLB 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 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.

Is Unisa LLB Recognised internationally?

Unisa is inter alia listed in the International Handbook of Universities published by the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and officially verified by the International Association of Universities.