What are the requirements to study law in South Africa?

Asked by: Dr. Roel Wisoky  |  Last update: February 19, 2022
Score: 4.2/5 (50 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 subjects do you need to study law in South Africa?

Luckily these are compulsory subjects at high schools in South African.
  • English. In law school, you will be required to read a lot of case law, academic articles and textbooks. ...
  • Math v Math Literacy. ...
  • History. ...
  • Business Studies, Accounting, Economics. ...
  • A third language. ...
  • Drama. ...
  • Physical Science and Biology.

What subject do I need to study law?

Having an undergraduate degree is a minimum requirement for admission into law school. Although most lawyers have degrees in subjects like English, economics, political science, philosophy, journalism, mathematics and business, there is no official recommendation regarding any preferred major for law students.

How many years does it take to study law in South Africa?

The degree must be obtained from an accredited South African law school at one of the various universities or colleges in South Africa. The LLB degree usually takes four years to complete and the BCom plus LLB degrees five years.

What qualifications do I need to be a lawyer in South Africa?

The Qualification of Legal Practitioners Amendment Act of 1997 confirms that an LLB Law Degree is required to practice law in South Africa. The degree is required to be achieved from an accredited South African law school in South Africa which could be one of the leading Universities in South Africa and/or a college.

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

20 related questions found

What are the 4 types of law?

Aquinas distinguishes four kinds of law: (1) eternal law; (2) natural law; (3) human law; and (4) divine law.

Which university is best for law in SA?

University of Cape Town (UCT)

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.

What jobs can I get with a LLB law degree in South Africa?

Possible job titles related to law
  • Administrative lawyer.
  • Advocate.
  • Arbitrator.
  • Attorney.
  • Case manager.
  • Commercial rights manager.
  • Compliance officer.
  • Compliance specialist.

How many points are needed for law?

The minimum requirement to study law is a NQF level 4 certificate, which a National Senior Certificate or a Senior Certificate. For most universities a minimum Admissions Point Score (APS) score of 21 points is need for admission, but you'll find that certain universities requires a minimum of 33 points to study law.

Is maths required for LLB?

A: As per the eligibility criteria of the LLB course, the candidates holding a bachelor degree in any discipline can pursue the course. No such requirement of Mathematics as a mandatory subject for admission to an LLB course.

Do you need math to study law?

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

How many years does it take to study law?

Before law school, students must complete a Bachelor's degree in any subject (law isn't an undergraduate degree), which takes four years. Then, students complete their Juris Doctor (JD) degree over the next three years. In total, law students in the United States are in school for at least seven years.

What do lawyers earn in South Africa?

The average lawyer salary in South Africa is R 847 950 per year or R 435 per hour. Entry-level positions start at R 324 000 per year, while most experienced workers make up to R 8 400 000 per year.

How many modules does law have at Unisa?

LLB degree comprises of 40 modules: 37 compulsory modules and 3 optional modules.

What does LLB stand for?

The LLB is an abbreviation of the Latin 'Legum Baccalaureus' which translates to a Bachelor of Laws degree.

What field of law is most in demand?

Highest Client Growth Rates by Practice Area
  • Insurance: +2190% (YoY) ...
  • Criminal Law: +1680% (YoY) ...
  • Civil Rights: +1160% (YoY) ...
  • Personal Injury: +660% (YoY) ...
  • Estate Planning: +330% (YoY) ...
  • Bankruptcy: +280% (YoY) ...
  • Employment Law: +190% (YoY) ...
  • Business Law: +140% (YoY) (Top growth area: Contracts)

How much do LLB graduates earn in South Africa?

The average llb law salary in South Africa is R 701 898 per year or R 360 per hour. Entry-level positions start at R 150 000 per year, while most experienced workers make up to R 5 486 400 per year.

How long is LLB at Unisa?

12. The rules from 2018 onwards are presented per NQF level below. 13. The minimum duration is 4 years.

Can I study law at Unisa?

The College of Law provides comprehensive open distance learning in a socially responsible and distinctive manner that produces excellent scholarship and research, provides quality tuition and fosters active community engagement.

Which type of lawyer gets paid the most in South Africa?

Top earners include General Counsel (GC) and partners, both of which can expect to take home R5 million a year at the high-end of market. At the other end of the scale, candidate attorneys can expect to earn between R250,000 and R300,000 a year at top law firms.

Is law school difficult?

In summary, law school is hard. Harder than regular college or universities, in terms of stress, workload, and required commitment. But about 40,000 people graduate from law schools every year–so it is clearly attainable.

Which kind of lawyer makes the most money?

Medical Attorneys

Medical lawyers are among the highest paid types of lawyers and earn one of the highest median salaries in the legal field.

Where can I study LLB part time in South Africa?

The LLB degree is offered on a part-time basis by the School of Law, via the Centre for Extended Legal Studies, both in Pietermaritzburg and in Durban (Howard College Campus) and provides a flexible option for individuals who are not able to attend lectures during working hours.

Is law difficult or easy?

Nothing in the word is easy ,it all depends on your dedication and interest. Same thing is applicable on law if you are firm determinated then it is as easily understandable. But there is slight edge for persons who are habitual reader and a good reading speed. It also requires some critical thinking ability.