What is Law?
Law is a set of rules that are created and enforceable by social or governmental institutions to regulate behavior, with its precise definition a matter of longstanding debate. It has been variously described as a science and as the art of justice.
What Is The Best University For Law In South Africa?
1. University of Cape Town (UCT)
The University of Cape Town (UCT) is a top pick on our list. This is South Africa’s oldest university, established in 1829. The university is located in the beautiful city of Cape Town, one of the campuses sitting on the slope of the famous Devil’s Peak.
Studying at the University of Cape Town gives students a chance to enjoy breathtaking views of the city while enjoying quality education.
Having attained quite a reputation, the University of Cape Town Law Faculty accommodates roughly 1000 students every year, meaning there is stiff competition for the limited spaces.
Students are offered an LLB degree, and the requirements are an APS of 36, although one requires more than 44 APS points for probable admission.
2. University of Witwatersrand
The University of Witwatersrand is rated the number two university to study law in South Africa. This is another very reputable institution in the country, having produced four Nobel Prize Winners including former President, Nelson Mandela.
The university has five campuses in the bustling cities of Braamfontein and Parktown in Johannesburg.
Competition for places in this prestigious institution is serious; with minimum entry requirements for a law degree starting at 43 APS points. You would still need to have level 5 English Language and level 3 Mathematics or at least a level 4 Mathematical Literacy.
3. University of Pretoria (UP)
The University of Pretoria was founded in 1908. As the University in the administrative capital of South Africa, the University of Pretoria has a feel of law and order, like an institution that produces leaders in government. This is one of the oldest and largest South African Universities.
The faculty of law offers a four-year LLB degree. Requirements are a minimum APS of 32 and a level 5 for the English language is also required for admission.
Alternatively, you may apply to the faculties of commerce and humanities which also offer BCom Law (minimum 32 APS points with English and Mathematics Level 5) and also BA Law requiring a minimum of 30 APS points with English Level 5. One could then seek admittance to an LLB degree.
4. Stellenbosch University
Stellenbosch University, based in the Western Cape has been around for over 100 years and is currently the fourth-best law university in South Africa.
Stellenbosch University has the largest law library in the country and boasts a faculty made up of some of the most prominent law academics in the country.
To be admitted to study law at Stellenbosch University you are required to have a National Senior Certificate (NSC) with an at least 50% in each of the four school subjects taken.
5. University of Johannesburg
The University of Johannesburg is one of the new breeds of universities. This institution was born in 2005 but has quickly gained a reputation as a solid citadel of learning, producing some of the brightest young minds in the country. The school has gained global recognition within the short time it has existed.
The faculty of law offers an LLB degree program, and the requirements for admission are 28 APS points in Mathematics or 29 APS points in Mathematical Literacy. Aside from that, a level 5 for English is necessary.
For a BA Law degree, you also need 88 APS points with mathematics or 29 APS points with Mathematical Literacy.
For BCom Law, you need English level 5 or better, 29 APS points with Mathematics Literacy or 28 APS points, and also Level 4 Mathematics.
6. University of KwaZulu-Natal
UKZN is well known. The institution is one of the best universities in South Africa for law, it has built a reputation for academic excellence, especially in the fields of health sciences and law. The institution has five campuses across Durban, Pietermaritzburg, and Pinetown.
The fault of law is at the Durban and Pietermaritzburg campuses, and students can study in either cities or even both.
Requirements for admission are 32 APS points excluding Life Orientation, with level 5 English Home Language or Level 6 English First Additional Language. Then you also need level 5 Mathematical Literacy or level 3 Mathematics.
7. Rhodes University
Rhodes University, located in the Eastern Cape Province, is another great university to study law. The University continues to attract some of the brightest young minds in the country, therefore studying here will bring you in close association with staggering intellectual brilliance. The institution is also known for its diverse student population, attracting international students from various African nations.
Requirements include a minimum of Mathematics level 4 or Mathematical Literacy level 5. Students are then required to obtain 3 non-Law credits through the Humanities, Commerce or Science, before registering to study law.
8. University of the Western Cape
The University of the Western Cape, also located in Cape Town, was established in 1904, making it one of the oldest South African universities. This is a historic institution that led the fight to abolish all forms of discrimination based on ethnicity. Even today, conscientious students prefer this institution.
The minimum entry requirements to study law at this university are 37 APS with level 4 English, an additional language with level 3, and Mathematics level 4, or Mathematical Literacy level 4.
9. University of the Free State
The next best law university in South Africa, it the University of the Free State. The University of Free State is located in Bloemfontein, which is the judicial capital of South Africa. This university is the perfect place to study law, especially as it applies to humanitarian issues. The university is home to more than 31000 students.
Requirements for admission for the four-year LLB degree program include an APS of 33 points, with a minimum of level 6 in Afrikaans and English, then you need a minimum of level 6 in Mathematical Literacy or Mathematics level 4.
Is South Africa a good destination for international students?
South Africa was not always known for its formal education and good conditions for international students, but currently, that condition is changing and the education system is developing every day.
International students are heading towards South Africa as they are looking for also a cultural richness that can help them develop their personalities.
If you are interested in studying in South Africa you can check all the cheap universities that are located there so that you can make a better choice.
Is the law degree successful in South Africa?
South Africa is developing as a country and region, and with that development, they need to have a better grasp of the law, for which they need experts in that field.
Students tend to apply to this program as they see its rising importance and see it as a good way to have a successful career.
The importance of this degree will continue to rise, as with the ongoing development of the country, they will tend to need more experts that can do justice.
How many years does it take to study law in South Africa?
four-year
The four-year program comprises mostly law subjects with several humanities or Commerce subjects at the 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.
What qualifications do you need for 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.
- Minimum composite Academic Point Score (APS) 32 not including Life Orientation.
How much does it cost to study law in South Africa?
University fees 2023: how much it costs to study in South Africa
| University | BA | BCom | BSc | LLB | BEng |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Cape Town | R68 300 | R72 680 to R93 850 | R74 500 | R69 410 | R66 260 to R80 380 |
| University of the Witwatersrand | R49 430 to R65 100 | R54 800 to R74 370 | R45 430 to R70 430 | R41 820 to R73 000 | R60 060 |
| Stellenbosch University | R50 692 | R53 728 | R63 470 | R52 513 | R72 393 |
| University of KwaZulu Natal | R49 630 to R64 180 | R50 610 | R43 592 to R58 540 | R48 050 | R56 800 |
| University of Pretoria* | R41 000 to R50 000 | R46 000 to R51 000 | R47 000 to R65 000 | R45 000 to R54 000 | R51 000 to R61 000 |
| Rhodes University | R55 233 | R60 428 | R57 461 | R61 959 | N/A |
| University of Johannesburg* | R41 177 to R50 874 | R51 851 | R43 121 to R71 947 | R41 661 to R47 837 | R48 689 to R60 191 |
| University of Free State | R45 060 | R49 040 | R37 195 to R60 170 | R35 045 | N/A |
Is law in demand in South Africa?
The areas of specialization in demand include personal accident, corporate, divorce, real estate, intellectual property, criminal, litigation, and immigration law.