Becoming a law practitioner attracts so many career opportunities, and with the help of law courses in South Africa, you can achieve your dreams in the law field. South Africa is undoubtedly home to several prestigious universities, and these universities offer a wide range of law courses.
These law Courses in South Africa are designed to provide students with practical and hands-on training through rigorous curriculum, research, and practical case studies.
Therefore, In this article, we will discuss the top 11 law courses in South Africa, exploring their requirements and fees, as well as what they are offering.
Table of contents
- What Are The Requirements For Law Courses In South Africa?
- What Are The Program Specializations In Law?
- Top 11 Law Courses In South Africa | Cost And Requirements
- 1. University Of Cape Town – Faculty Of Law
- 2. University Of Pretoria – Faculty Of Law
- 3. University Of Witwatersrand
- 4. Stellenbosch University – Faculty Of Law
- 5. University Of Johannesburg- Faculty Of Law
- 6. University Of Kwazulu-Natal
- 7. University Of The Western Cape
- 8. Nelson Mandela University – Faculty Of Law
- 9. University Of South Africa
- 10. University Of Fort Hare – Faculty Of Law
- 11. University Of The Free State- Faculty Of Law
- FAQs
- Conclusion
- References
- Recommendations
What Are The Requirements For Law Courses In South Africa?
Pursuing courses or degrees in Law requires you to understand its eligibility requirements. Requirements may vary from school to school. However, the requirements for all law Program in South Africa are:
1. Bachelor’s Degree in Law (LLB):
- A national senior certificate (NSC) with degree admission
- English Home language level 5 or English first Additional language level 6
- A minimum composite Academic Point Score (APS) of 32 is required, excluding Life Orientation.
- Level 4 in Life Orientation
- Mathematical Literacy level 5 or mathematics level 3
2. Postgraduate Diploma in Law
- A completed Bachelor’s degree in law is required or an equivalent undergraduate degree
- Requirements: Your undergraduate degree should be recognized at NQF Level 7, which is the standard level for Postgraduate studies in South Africa
- GPA: A minimum GPA in your Bachelor’s degree, usually around 65% or higher
- Professional Certificate in Law
- Bachelor’s degree: in Law (LLB) is required
- Practical experience: Some schools may require practical experience in the legal field, like internships or working with a lawyer
- Examination: some schools might require pass an entrance exam to assess your legal aptitude
3. Master of Laws (LLM)
- A completed Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree from a recognized institution is required
- Most universities expect a strong academic record with a high GPA in the LLB, usually around 60% or above
- Some LLM programs may require a research proposal as part of the application process, especially for research-focused degrees
- You may need to demonstrate English language proficiency
4. Doctor of Law (LLD)
- A Master’s Degree: in Law (LLM) from a recognized university is required
- Academic Excellence: Demonstrated through prior degrees
- Strong research skills and the ability to demonstrate research potential through a research proposal
- Popular specializations in Law
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What Are The Program Specializations In Law?
There are a variety of specializations in Law, some of which include:
- Criminal Law
- Civil law
- Constitutional law
- Business law
- Corporate law
- Administrative law
- Intellectual property law
- Banking and finance law
- Civil rights law
- Military law
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Top 11 Law Courses In South Africa | Cost And Requirements
Here is a list of the best law Courses in South Africa:
1. University Of Cape Town – Faculty Of Law
This university offers some of the best law courses in South Africa. The school offers numerous law courses, including undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, diplomas, and short courses. Also, The Faculty has 13 different research units and two specialist legal aid clinics.
With about 1400 students registered each year, and over 100 academic staff, UCT Law is a busy, energetic environment. About 19% of their students are international.
Admission Requirements for a LLM degree
- Have a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree or equivalent qualification
- Have a minimum academic performance level
- Submit a research proposal for research-based LLM programs
- Be proficient in English
Tuition fees
- The tuition fee for a 12-month LL.M. program is around 32,500 ZAR
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2. University Of Pretoria – Faculty Of Law
University Of Pretoria is one of the best universities that offers law courses in South Africa. The school offers a four-year undergraduate program. This program equips students with the legal profession and various other fields. Also, Prospective students have three direct ways to obtain a law degree at the University of Pretoria:
- Attainment of a BCom Law degree, in three years and thereafter completion of an LLB degree in two years, resulting in two degrees over a minimum of five years;
- Attainment of a BA Law degree, in three years and thereafter completion of an LLB degree in two years resulting in two degrees over a minimum of five years; or
- Attainment of an LLB degree minimum of four years
Tuition fees
- Tuition varies from R52,000 to R65,000 in the first year and between R60,000 and R66,000 in the second year.
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3. University Of Witwatersrand
University Of Witwatersrand is one of the best universities that offers law courses in South Africa. The school offers a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree, a four-year program that provides students with a sound knowledge of the general principles of the South African legal system and an ability to use legal materials effectively.
The university also offers a Bachelor of Commerce with Law (BCom) degree, This is a full-time, three-year degree.
Admission Requirements
- Academic Point Score (APS) of 46 or higher
- Have English as your Home Language or Additional First Language Level 6
- Have Mathematics at Level 4 or Maths Literacy at Level 6
Tuition fees
- Tuition is 43,970 ZAR per year for both domestic and international students.
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4. Stellenbosch University – Faculty Of Law
Stellenbosch University is another top university that offers some of the best law courses in South Africa. The university has a long and proud tradition of excellence in teaching, equipping students not only as legal practitioners but also as jurists.
The school’s faculty was founded in 1921, and since then, it has provided countless LLB degrees, LLM degrees, a Postgraduate Diploma in Tax Law, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Intellectual Property Law.
The language of instruction at Stellenbosch University is English language, thereby, making it easier for international students.
Admission Requirements for a LLB degree
- Have a National Senior Certificate (NSC) with an admission point score of 34
- Have a minimum of 50% in English and Mathematics or 60% in Mathematical Literacy
- Have a National Benchmark Test (NBT) aggregate for Academic Literacy and Numeracy Skills
- English or Afrikaans as your Home Language and 60% of it
- Have English or Afrikaans as your First Additional Language and 70% of it
- Have an aggregate of at least 60% in six subjects (excluding Life Orientation)
Tuition fees
- Tuition fees are around R52,900 to R87,950 per year
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5. University Of Johannesburg- Faculty Of Law
University Of Johannesburg is among the best universities that offer law courses in South Africa. It offers traditional law programs such as BA Law, BCom law, and LLB, as well as LLM degrees by dissertation and coursework and LLD degrees in various important fields.
In addition, the faculty also has a strong non-formal programs division that offers postgraduate diplomas and certificates. It also offers short courses in specialized areas Like tax law, compliance, criminal justice and forensic investigation, insolvency law, labor law, corporate law, and drafting of contracts.
Admission Requirements
- Academic performance: A Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree requires a minimum APS of 31 with Mathematics or 32 with Mathematical Literacy, English 5 (60%), Additional Language 4 (50%), Mathematics 3 (40%)
- Applicants who did not learn English as their first language may need to demonstrate English Proficiency.
Tuition fees
- Between R41,661 and R47,837. Fees may increase annually. The Exact fee depends on the qualification and the composition of the modules.
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6. University Of Kwazulu-Natal
University Of Kwazulu-Natal is one of the best universities that offers law courses in South Africa. It offers an LLB degree, a 6-year part-time program that is fully accredited by the Council for Higher Education.
The LLB degree is offered on a part-time basis by the School of Law via the Centre for Extended Legal Studies (CELS), which is based at Howard College Campus.
It also provides a flexible option for individuals who are not able to attend lectures during working hours (The program will be delivered primarily utilizing online teaching).
Admission Requirements
- Have a National Senior Certificate (NSC) with degree admission
- Have a minimum composite Academic Point Score (APS) of 32 (Excluding Life Orientation)
- English at level 5 for your home language, or level 6 for your first additional language
- Have Mathematics at level 3, or Mathematical Literacy at level 5
- Endorsement or University Exemption on the applicant’s Matriculation Certificate.
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7. University Of The Western Cape
The faculty of Law at the University of the Western Cape offers LLM/MPhil degrees in several specialized areas are:
- Human Rights Protection
- Law, State and Multilevel Government
- Labour Law
- Comparative Constitutional Law
- Environmental Law
- Mercantile Law, including Corporate law, Tax law, competition law, trade law, and investment law
- (Transnational) Criminal Justice
- Legal Pluralism and Family Law
Admission Requirements
- Admission to the Master’s program requires a minimum of 60% over the last two years of LLB or equivalent degree
Tuition Fees
- R17,274 per module per year
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8. Nelson Mandela University – Faculty Of Law
Nelson Mandela University offers a variety of law courses, this includes undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in Law.
The University’s faculty is focused on serving and empowering society to fulfill constitutional goals through legal education, research, and engagement. Also, it is driven by justice, integrity, transformation, excellence, and accountability.
Some of the courses offered at Nelson Mandela University – Faculty of Law include:
- Bachelor of Laws (LLB)
- BCom Law
- BA Law
- Postgraduate Diploma in Labour Law Practice
- Master of Laws
- Doctor of Laws
Admission Requirements
- Meet the minimum National Senior Certificate (NSC) requirements
- Achieve a minimum Applicant Score (AS)
- Have minimum English Home Language or English First Additional Language rating
- Achieve a minimum Mathematics ratings
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9. University Of South Africa
University Of South Africa is among the best universities that offer law courses in South Africa. The university’s Bachelor of Law (LLB) degree is a 4-year degree that comprises 40 Modules: 37 compulsory modules and 3 optional modules.
To complete, students must complete 480 credits to finish the qualification, which takes a minimum of four years.
Admission Requirements
- Have a National Senior Certificate (NSC) with a degree endorsement
- Have a minimum of 50% in the language of teaching and learning
- Have a minimum of 60% in Mathematics
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10. University Of Fort Hare – Faculty Of Law
University Of Fort Hare is among the best universities that offer law courses in South Africa. The school offers a Bachelor of Laws degree that prepares students for legal careers. The program covers a wide range of legal topics, including family law, criminal law, and evidence law.
Also, It provides a comprehensive understanding of legal principles, rights, and justice systems. Graduates are equipped to analyze complex legal issues, advocate for fairness, and contribute to shaping society.
Admission Requirements
- An Achievement rating of 4 (50 – 59%) or higher in English Home Language or English First Additional Language.
- Achievement rating of 4 (50-59%) or higher in four subjects plus an achievement rating of 2 (30-39%) or higher in one subject.
- An achievement rating of 4 (50-59%) or higher in Life Orientation.
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11. University Of The Free State- Faculty Of Law
University Of The Free State is another top university that offers a variety of law courses in South Africa. The school is known for its high-quality teaching and research.
Also, The faculty takes pride in its courses, offering a variety of undergraduate and postgraduate law courses, including a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree and an LLM degree.
It also offers short learning programs, including Labour/Commercial Law, Financial Coaching, Financial Planning, and Employee Benefits.
Admission Requirements
- Have a National Senior Certificate (NSC) or National Certificate (Vocational) with an AP score of at least 33
- Passed the NSC with appropriate subject combinations and levels of achievement
- Have credit level passes in English Language, English Literacy, Mathematics or a Science subject
Tuition fees:
- Around R45,390
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FAQs
The top courses related to law are LLB, Constitutional Law, Corporate Law, International Law and Environmental Law offered by Top Universities.
Law programs require at least an undergraduate degree or equivalent, but many law schools will also expect students to have completed studies in legal theory.
LLB (4 Years) & Abv LLM (1-2 Yrs)
A few notable examples are University of Cape Town, University of Pretoria, and Stellenbosch University among others.
South African degrees are recognized internationally, and students seeking international opportunities have links all over the world.
Conclusion
As mentioned earlier, there are several career opportunities attached to earning a law degree, and this includes high earning salaries. This article has listed the best law courses in South Africa, as well as universities that offer them. We hope this article serves as a guide to you.
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