What are the minimum requirements to study law in South Africa?

Asked by: Cade Wintheiser MD  |  Last update: July 29, 2023
Score: 5/5 (64 votes)

The average university requirements are:
  • 70% English Home Language or English First Additional Language.
  • 50% for Mathematics (pure math or math literacy)
  • Many universities will require a 65% average over all subjects.

What is required to study law in South Africa?

Entry Requirement

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.

How many years does it take 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.

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.

What subjects do you need to become a lawyer in SA?

Besides English, Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy, there are no compulsory subjects for law studies in South African High Schools. The same applies to other fields such as: Marketing, Social Work, Psychology, Journalism, Human Resources Management, and many others.

YOUR GUIDE TO GETTING INTO LAW SCHOOL AT UCT | Law Student Diaries 🦋

22 related questions found

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.

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.

How do you get into law in South Africa?

The steps of becoming an attorney are as follows:
  • Passing matric with the right marks. ...
  • Studying LLB. ...
  • Doing vacation work at a registered law firm. ...
  • Doing your law articles. ...
  • Preparing for the Board exams. ...
  • Attorneys' admission exam. ...
  • Attorney admission. ...
  • Celebration.

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.

What degree should I study to become a lawyer in South Africa?

Bachelor of Laws (LLB) The LLB degree provides students with a sound knowledge of the general principles of the South African legal system, and an ability to use legal materials effectively. If you want to practice law, you need at least an LLB degree.

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.

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.

Do you need maths to study law in South Africa?

There are no specific subject requirements for Law, and you don't need to have Maths as a matric subject.

Can I study law without matric in South Africa?

The short answer to this question is no, you can`t. But here are the steps you can take to make sure you can study at UNISA in the future without a matric: Nevertheless, if you don`t have any of the courses there or if they don`t fit your career, you may have to look further.

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 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'.

Which law field is in demand in South Africa?

Litigation attorneys are among the types of advocates in high demand today. They defend people in civil lawsuits. Unlike criminal layers, these experts deal with civil cases where neither of the parties involved faces the penalty of jail time.

Can a South African lawyer practice in the US?

It can sometimes be difficult to practice law in the U.S. as a foreign-trained lawyer, but it's not impossible. Each state has different requirements, so how you go about it can depend on where you live and want to work. Potential lawyers must sit for the bar exam in the state where they hope to practice.

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).

Can a foreigner become a citizen in South Africa?

You can apply for South African citizenship by descent or naturalisation. You can also apply to retain your citizenship before you obtain citizenship of another country.

Do lawyers get paid well in South Africa?

The legal profession in South Africa offers one of the highest-paying and most lucrative careers in the country, with many legacy and emerging fields requiring highly skilled individuals to make sure affairs are in order.

What type of lawyer makes the most money in South Africa?

General Counsel salary in South Africa 2023

In South Africa, a general counsel earns an average salary of R1,185,677.00 yearly. The highest-paid lawyers in South Africa, according to the Robert Walters salary benchmark, are general counsels in the financial services, commercial, and industrial sectors.

Which country is the best to study law in Africa?

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