What are the entry requirements for law in South Africa?

Asked by: Edythe Nitzsche  |  Last update: November 9, 2023
Score: 4.7/5 (73 votes)

The South African law requires that a lawyer obtain a law degree, work several years in a legal setting and pass an admissions exam. You must also be at least 21-years-old and a citizen or legal resident of South Africa.

What are the entrance requirements for lawyer in South Africa?

What are the requirements for becoming a lawyer? To become an attorney in South Africa you will need to complete an LLB degree, 2 years of articles, pass the board exams and be admitted as an attorney by the High Court of South Africa.

Can a foreigner become a lawyer in South Africa?

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.

Can international students study law in South Africa?

We welcome a range of international students from across the world and over 120 different nationalities, who contribute to our thriving international community throughout all our campuses. Whether you want to work in law or business, studying with us will ensure you'll get the best possible start to your career.

How to start studying law in South Africa?

An NQF level 4 certificate, such as a National Senior Certificate or a Senior Certificate, is required to study law. In addition, the entrance needs a minimum Admissions Point Score (APS) of 21 points; however, some colleges require 33 points.

How to apply for a law degree in South Africa? Entry requirements, closing dates, degree structure

36 related questions found

Is LLB difficult to study in South Africa?

Studying law takes a lot of hard work and dedication. In South Africa, proficiency in the English language is extremely important as students are required to study a multitude of technical legal books and hundreds of cases in English.

Is law school expensive in South Africa?

Costs of Law Schools in South Africa

Law schools in South Africa are quite costly. One can expect to pay more for full-time law school as opposed to part-time law school. The average cost of law schools in South Africa ranges between R32, 000 – R40, 000.

Is it a good idea to study law 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 law worth studying in South Africa?

Law graduates are well respected

The variety of skills provided by a law degree puts these types of graduates at the forefront of employers' minds. Adding to this, law is one of the world's oldest fields of study, professions and human endeavour.

Why can't foreigners practice law in South Africa?

Foreign law graduates who have lived, studied and completed articles and pupillage in South Africa do not qualify. The court said non-citizens have no rights under Section 22 of the Constitution which entrenches the rights of citizens to choose their trade occupation and profession.

Is there a bar exam in South Africa?

The board exam consists of four examinations that you need to pass as a requirement for becoming a registered attorney in South Africa. This exam is now called the 'competency-based examination for admission as an attorney'.

What are lawyers called in South Africa?

There is not difference between a lawyer and an attorney, other than semantics. 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).

Do lawyers get hired in South Africa?

South Africa needs committed young graduates to join the legal profession. According to the Oxford Dictionary, a profession is a paid occupation which requires a prolonged education and training. Lawyers are part of more than 1 400 professions and careers open to young graduates from universities in South Africa.

Which university produces best lawyers in South Africa?

QS World Rankings ranks UCT as the top university to study law in South Africa. The university is recognized for producing law graduates that are highly sought after both locally and internationally.

Which university can I study to be a lawyer in South Africa?

Best Universities for Law Programs in South Africa 2023
  • Bayswater Education. ...
  • PCi Business School (PCIBS) ...
  • Stellenbosch University. ...
  • University of Cape Town. ...
  • University of Cape Town (GetSmarter) ...
  • SKEMA Business School. ...
  • Stellenbosch Academy of Design and Photography. ...
  • University of Cape Town Graduate School of Business.

How long do you study for 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.

How many years is it to study law in South Africa?

Generally, programs last for four years. International law students are welcome in most of the universities in the country.

Which country is the best to study law in Africa?

Best Law Schools in Africa
  • Egypt.
  • Ghana.
  • Kenya.
  • Nigeria.
  • South Africa.

Is it easy 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 subjects do you need to study law at University in South Africa?

Minimum admission requirements to study Law Courses in South Africa. The admission requirements for law vary with different universities. The average university requires a 70% English Home Language or English First Additional Language, and a 50% for Mathematics (pure math or math literacy).

Which law course is best?

Law diploma courses | Which are the best ones?
  1. Criminal Law diploma courses. Criminal Law is a well-known legal specialty. ...
  2. Diploma in Business Law. ...
  3. Diploma in Co-operative Law. ...
  4. Diploma courses Labor Law. ...
  5. Diploma in Taxation Laws. ...
  6. Cyber Law diploma course. ...
  7. Diploma in Human Rights Law. ...
  8. Diploma in Information Technology Laws.

Is South African law school private?

As far as we are aware we are the only private school that takes its training to that level. Campuses in Cape Town, Johannesburg, Pretoria, and Durban.

Can I study law online in South Africa?

Since 2007, the University of Cape Town has partnered with GetSmarter to take its renowned education online. Gain the tools needed to understand and draft legal contracts, and make informed business decisions based on new insights into South African law practices. Click here for more information and registration.