How long is a LLB degree in South Africa?
Asked by: Kale Hermiston | Last update: July 2, 2025Score: 4.7/5 (1 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.
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 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.
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.
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.
Discussion | Career options in law
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.
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.
Which field of LLB is best?
- Advocate. Advocacy is one of the career options after LLB. ...
- Government Services. ...
- Legal Advisor. ...
- Judiciary. ...
- Teaching. ...
- Legal Outsourcing. ...
- Private Companies. ...
- Higher Education.
What is the salary of a judge in South Africa?
Remuneration of judges
In the case of Constitutional Court or Supreme Court of Appeal judges, the monthly salary amounts to R188,367 (equivalent to R2. 26 million annually), while High and Labour Court judges receive a monthly salary of R153,047 (equivalent to R1. 83 million annually).
What happens after an LLB degree in South Africa?
An LLB graduate must serve articles of clerkship with a practicing attorney and then write a professional examination set by the relevant provincial Law Society to become an attorney. Attorneys' work includes drafting legal documents, negotiating settlements of disputes, and preparing cases for presentation in Court.
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.
What is the difference between an attorney and a lawyer?
The primary difference between an attorney and a lawyer is that an attorney is licensed to practice law and represent clients in court, while a lawyer has completed law school but may not be licensed to practice law. All attorneys are lawyers, but not all lawyers are attorneys.
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.
What does LLB mean?
The Bachelor of Laws degree abbreviates to 'LLB', due to the traditional name of the qualification derived from Latin, 'Legum Baccalaureus'.
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 is the highest salary in LLB?
In 2024, the highest paying law firms in India offer starting salaries ranging from ₹15-18 LPA for fresh graduates, with senior lawyers and partners earning up to ₹1 crore annually.
Which law is highest in demand?
Some of the most popular law specializations in India are – Civil Law, Criminal Law , Corporate Law , Cyber Law and Intellectual Property Law .
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.
How much does it cost to study 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.
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.
What type of lawyer is the richest?
Corporate and tax lawyers tend to be the highest earners, with patent and IP lawyers not far behind. Trial lawyers also pull down a lot of money, particularly in the civil litigation field. Other lawyers are more motivated by getting justice for their clients than by collecting the largest possible paycheck.
Which field of law is in demand in South Africa?
In its annual salary survey for 2022, specialist professional recruitment firm Robert Walters revealed the most in demand legal jobs in South Africa were general counsels in the financial services, commercial and industrial sectors. Lawyer salaries depend on years of experience and can range from R400,000 to R3.
What is the average salary of a candidate attorney in South Africa?
The estimated total pay for a Candidate Attorney is ZAR 13,292 per month in the Johannesburg South Africa area, with an average salary of ZAR 12,500 per month.