Is law school expensive in South Africa?
Asked by: Ms. Meggie Schinner Jr. | Last update: August 12, 2025Score: 4.2/5 (47 votes)
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. On the other hand, international LLB students may face varying tuition fees ranging from around R40,000 to R150,000 or more per year.
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.
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.
Where is law school the cheapest?
The cheapest law schools in the US are the University of the District of Columbia law school and the University of North Dakota law school, which are cheapest only for in-state residents.
Which country is cheapest to study law?
Where is the cheapest place to study law? A. A study has found that The US is the most expensive place to study law, while Germany, China and Sweden are among the cheapest. The tuition might differ because of location, university and more.
Things I wish I knew before law school| Becoming an attorney in South Africa
How much does law school cost for 4 years?
How Much Is Law School Tuition? For the 2023–2024 year, the cost of attending private law schools can range from $12,000–$80,000 a year, with an average cost of $53,034 a year. Public law schools range from $12,000 to $60,000 for in-state students, averaging $29,610 annually.
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.
What is the best law school 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 grades do you need 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.
Are lawyers well paid in South Africa?
Mid-level lawyers, such as associates, earn between R650,000 to R850,000 per year, while senior associates earn R850,000 to R1,400,000 annually.
Can an UK lawyer practice in South Africa?
To practise local law, a foreign lawyer must requalify as a South African attorney. To be admitted as an attorney, an individual must have: an LLB degree from a South African university. two years' service under articles of clerkship with a South African firm of attorneys.
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.
What is the cheapest university in South Africa?
- University of South Africa (UNISA)
- University of Pretoria.
- Rhodes University.
- University of Johannesburg.
- University of Cape Town.
Is law still in demand in South Africa?
Since 27 April 1994, when South Africa became a constitutional democracy, the scope and demand for skilled legal professionals have expanded remarkably. The advent of information technology has opened a vista for the employment of lawyers that could hardly have been predicted fifty years ago.
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 much does law school cost in South Africa?
Cash: Payment in full R28 000 Cash Arrangement: R30 030 (three consecutive monthly payments) Payment Plan 1: Deposit+ 6 consecutive monthly installments R31 100 Payment Plan 2: Deposit+ 10 consecutive monthly instalments R31 500 Pay-as-you-go: Full course = R32 600 - First payment of R4000 includes e-tablet + 1 subject ...
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.
Which law is the greatest in South Africa?
The Constitution is the supreme law
South Africa is a constitutional democracy. This means the Constitution is the highest law of the land. Parliament cannot pass a law which goes against the Constitution.
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 study law in SA?
Rules: 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 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.
What is the cheapest law school in the country?
University of the District of Columbia (Clarke) What is the cheapest law school to attend? The District of Columbia University (Clarke) is the cheapest ABA-accredited law school. Attending UDC is affordable and easily accessible, with a high acceptance rate of 50.3%.
How do people afford law school?
Financial aid can cover the FULL COST of attendance established by the school you attend, if needed. IF YOU NEED TO BORROW loans for this important investment in your future, the flexibility and safety of the federal student loan programs lets you afford repayment of any federal loans you borrow, regardless of career.
Is law school expensive in the UK?
How much does it cost to study Law in the UK? UK law degree tuition fees generally vary between £12,000-£20,000 per year (around $21,000-$34,000 CAD). Living costs are around £10,000-£13,000 ($17,500-$23,000 CAD) depending on location and lifestyle.