How many LLB graduates are there in South Africa?
Asked by: Mercedes Hessel DVM | Last update: September 14, 2025Score: 4.8/5 (54 votes)
To break it down: In 2017 there was a total of 5185 students that graduated with an LLB degree. The majority of these students were enrolled at UNISA, University of Pretoria, University of KwaZulu-Natal and University of the Witwatersrand.
Is the LLB 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.
How much does an LLB lawyer earn 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.
How many lawyers are there in South Africa?
About the attorneys' profession
There are currently some 29 981 practising attorneys and 5 483 candidate attorneys in South Africa. Attorneys are officers of the court and are registered on the roll of attorneys at the Legal Practice Council.
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.
Become a Lawyer | South Africa | Careers Explained
What is the highest degree in law in South Africa?
Doctor of Laws (LLD)
This is a doctoral-level degree focusing on advanced legal research. It requires the completion of a substantial dissertation. This degree is ideal for candidates pursuing academic careers or high-level legal research and contributes to the development of legal knowledge and scholarly work.
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.
Is there a shortage of lawyers in South Africa?
Current Demand for Lawyers in South Africa
The demand for lawyers in South Africa is reflected in various statistics. As of January 2022, there were approximately 29,981 practising attorneys and 5,483 candidate attorneys in South Africa. However, this demand can be shaped by societal and economic factors.
What type of lawyer is most 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.
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 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 highest paid lawyer in South Africa?
Business and corporate lawyer
They also deal with mergers and acquisitions of companies. Additionally, they handle cases dealing with intellectual property. Of the many types of lawyers in South Africa, corporate lawyers are on average the highest paid, they can earn as much as R3 500 000 per annum.
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).
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.
Is law a good career in South Africa?
Today, the legal industry in South Africa is exceptionally competitive, offering diverse career opportunities for aspirants. There is a growing demand for legal expertise driven by new challenges and emerging fields. As a result, this is encouraging millions of youths to study law and start fulfilling careers.
What type of lawyer makes the most money in the world?
Patent Attorney Salary
Patent attorneys are the highest-paid type of lawyers, with an average salary of $185,351, ranging from $119,88 to $285,530. Various factors contribute to a patent attorney's average salary, including experience, firm, location, and subject matter expertise.
What is a lawyer called in South Africa?
In different regions around the world, licenced legal professionals are called by different names. In South Africa, we refer to someone who performs a legal function as lawyers or attorneys (which can be used interchangeably).
Does law pay well in South Africa?
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.
Which law is in high 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.
What field of law is most in demand?
- Intellectual property law. ...
- Family law. ...
- Immigration & naturalization law. ...
- Real estate law. ...
- Contract management. ...
- Compliance. ...
- Labor and employment. ...
- Corporate transactions. Also known as mergers and acquisitions, or M&A, this work navigates the buying and selling of companies and their assets.
How much do LLB graduates earn in South Africa?
How much does a Llb law make in South Africa? The average llb law salary in South Africa is R 960 000 per year or R 492 per hour. Entry-level positions start at R 223 449 per year, while most experienced workers make up to R 5 464 800 per year.
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.
Is LLB an honours degree in South Africa?
Academic: A Bachelor of Laws (LLB) is the first step to an academic career. The LLB is a equivalent to an Honours degree, and UCT does not therefore offer an Honours degree in Law. LLB graduates wishing to study further would continue into the Master of Laws (LLM) or Postgraduate Diploma programmes.