Diverse Legal System: South Africa's legal system is a hybrid of Roman-Dutch civil law, English common law, and customary law. This makes studying law here particularly enriching due to the diversity of legal principles and practices.
Constitutional Significance: The country has one of the most progressive constitutions in the world, and the post-apartheid era has seen significant legal developments. This offers students firsthand insight into constitutional law, human rights, and social justice.
International Perspective: South Africa's legal system and practices are highly regarded internationally, providing students with a degree that is respected worldwide. This is especially beneficial for those looking to work in international law or human rights.
Practical Experience: Many South African law schools have legal clinics where students can work on real cases. This practical experience is invaluable, providing students with hands-on experience while still in school.
Cultural Diversity: South Africa's rich cultural diversity and history provide a unique backdrop for the study of law, encouraging a deeper understanding of how law interacts with various cultural norms and societal issues.
Gateway to Africa: South Africa serves as a gateway to the rest of Africa. For students interested in African development, trade, or human rights issues, studying law in South Africa offers strategic advantages.
Affordable Education: Compared to many Western countries, South Africa offers a more affordable education without compromising on quality. This financial aspect is a significant draw for international students.
University |
Program Name |
Specializations |
|---|---|---|
|
University of Cape Town (UCT) |
Bachelor of Laws (LLB) |
Commercial Law, Human Rights Law, Environmental Law, International Law |
|
University of Pretoria (UP) |
Bachelor of Laws (LLB) |
Public Law, Private Law, International Law, Human Rights Law |
|
Stellenbosch University (SU) |
Bachelor of Laws (LLB) |
Corporate Law, Environmental Law, Intellectual Property Law, Labour Law |
|
University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) |
Bachelor of Laws (LLB) |
Business Law, Constitutional Law, Labour Law, International Law |
|
University of Johannesburg (UJ) |
Bachelor of Laws (LLB) |
Corporate Law, Criminal Law, Property Law, Public Law |
|
Rhodes University |
Bachelor of Laws (LLB) |
Environmental Law, Human Rights Law, International Law, Labour Law |
|
University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) |
Bachelor of Laws (LLB) |
Commercial Law, Human Rights Law, Environmental Law, International Law |
|
North-West University (NWU) |
Bachelor of Laws (LLB) |
Labour Law, Environmental Law, Corporate Law, Criminal Law |
|
University of the Western Cape (UWC) |
Bachelor of Laws (LLB) |
Human Rights Law, Criminal Justice, Public Law, Private Law |
|
University of South Africa (UNISA) |
Bachelor of Laws (LLB) |
Family Law, Commercial Law, Constitutional Law, Environmental Law |
University |
Program Name |
Specializations |
|---|---|---|
|
University of Cape Town (UCT) |
Bachelor of Laws (LLB) |
Commercial Law, Human Rights Law, Environmental Law, International Law |
|
University of Pretoria (UP) |
Bachelor of Laws (LLB) |
Public Law, Private Law, International Law, Human Rights Law |
|
Stellenbosch University (SU) |
Bachelor of Laws (LLB) |
Corporate Law, Environmental Law, Intellectual Property Law, Labour Law |
|
University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) |
Bachelor of Laws (LLB) |
Business Law, Constitutional Law, Labour Law, International Law |
|
University of Johannesburg (UJ) |
Bachelor of Laws (LLB) |
Corporate Law, Criminal Law, Property Law, Public Law |
|
Rhodes University |
Bachelor of Laws (LLB) |
Environmental Law, Human Rights Law, International Law, Labour Law |
|
University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) |
Bachelor of Laws (LLB) |
Commercial Law, Human Rights Law, Environmental Law, International Law |
|
North-West University (NWU) |
Bachelor of Laws (LLB) |
Labour Law, Environmental Law, Corporate Law, Criminal Law |
|
University of the Western Cape (UWC) |
Bachelor of Laws (LLB) |
Human Rights Law, Criminal Justice, Public Law, Private Law |
|
University of South Africa (UNISA) |
Bachelor of Laws (LLB) |
Family Law, Commercial Law, Constitutional Law, Environmental Law |
|
University of Cape Town (UCT) |
Master of Laws (LLM) |
Commercial Law, Constitutional & Administrative Law, Environmental Law, International Law |
|
University of Pretoria (UP) |
Master of Laws (LLM) |
International Trade & Investment Law, Human Rights & Democratisation, Environmental Law |
|
Stellenbosch University (SU) |
Master of Laws (LLM) |
International Trade Law, Labour Law, Intellectual Property Law, Tax Law |
|
University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) |
Master of Laws (LLM) |
Corporate Law, Environmental Law, Human Rights Advocacy & Litigation |
|
University of Johannesburg (UJ) |
Master of Laws (LLM) |
Banking Law, Commercial Law, International Law, Labour Law |
|
University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) |
Master of Laws (LLM) |
Maritime Law, Environmental Law, Business Law, International Law |
|
North-West University (NWU) |
Master of Laws (LLM) |
Environmental Law, Labour Law, Corporate Law, Human Rights Law |
|
University of the Western Cape (UWC) |
Master of Laws (LLM) |
Constitutional Law, International Trade Law, Human Rights Law |
|
University of South Africa (UNISA) |
Master of Laws (LLM) |
Criminal Law, Commercial Law, Constitutional Law, Family Law |
University |
Program Name |
Specializations |
|---|---|---|
|
University of Cape Town (UCT) |
Bachelor of Laws (LLB) |
Commercial Law, Human Rights Law, Environmental Law, International Law |
|
University of Pretoria (UP) |
Bachelor of Laws (LLB) |
Public Law, Private Law, International Law, Human Rights Law |
|
Stellenbosch University (SU) |
Bachelor of Laws (LLB) |
Corporate Law, Environmental Law, Intellectual Property Law, Labour Law |
|
University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) |
Bachelor of Laws (LLB) |
Business Law, Constitutional Law, Labour Law, International Law |
|
University of Johannesburg (UJ) |
Bachelor of Laws (LLB) |
Corporate Law, Criminal Law, Property Law, Public Law |
|
Rhodes University |
Bachelor of Laws (LLB) |
Environmental Law, Human Rights Law, International Law, Labour Law |
|
University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) |
Bachelor of Laws (LLB) |
Commercial Law, Human Rights Law, Environmental Law, International Law |
|
North-West University (NWU) |
Bachelor of Laws (LLB) |
Labour Law, Environmental Law, Corporate Law, Criminal Law |
|
University of the Western Cape (UWC) |
Bachelor of Laws (LLB) |
Human Rights Law, Criminal Justice, Public Law, Private Law |
|
University of South Africa (UNISA) |
Bachelor of Laws (LLB) |
Family Law, Commercial Law, Constitutional Law, Environmental Law |
University |
Program Name |
Specializations |
|---|---|---|
|
University of Cape Town (UCT) |
Master of Laws (LLM) |
Commercial Law, Constitutional & Administrative Law, Environmental Law, International Law |
|
University of Pretoria (UP) |
Master of Laws (LLM) |
International Trade & Investment Law, Human Rights & Democratisation, Environmental Law |
|
Stellenbosch University (SU) |
Master of Laws (LLM) |
International Trade Law, Labour Law, Intellectual Property Law, Tax Law |
|
University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) |
Master of Laws (LLM) |
Corporate Law, Environmental Law, Human Rights Advocacy & Litigation |
|
University of Johannesburg (UJ) |
Master of Laws (LLM) |
Banking Law, Commercial Law, International Law, Labour Law |
|
University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) |
Master of Laws (LLM) |
Maritime Law, Environmental Law, Business Law, International Law |
|
North-West University (NWU) |
Master of Laws (LLM) |
Environmental Law, Labour Law, Corporate Law, Human Rights Law |
|
University of the Western Cape (UWC) |
Master of Laws (LLM) |
Constitutional Law, International Trade Law, Human Rights Law |
|
University of South Africa (UNISA) |
Master of Laws (LLM) |
Criminal Law, Commercial Law, Constitutional Law, Family Law |
University |
Program Name |
Specializations |
|---|---|---|
|
University of Cape Town (UCT) |
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Law |
Various research areas including Commercial Law, Human Rights Law, Environmental Law, International Law |
|
University of Pretoria (UP) |
Doctor of Laws (LLD) |
Public Law, Private Law, International Law, Human Rights Law |
|
Stellenbosch University (SU) |
Doctor of Laws (LLD) |
Corporate Law, Environmental Law, Intellectual Property Law, Labour Law |
|
University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) |
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Law |
Corporate Law, Environmental Law, Human Rights Advocacy & Litigation |
|
University of Johannesburg (UJ) |
Doctor of Laws (LLD) |
Various research areas including Banking Law, Commercial Law, International Law, Labour Law |
|
University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) |
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Law |
Maritime Law, Environmental Law, Business Law, International Law |
|
North-West University (NWU) |
Doctor of Laws (LLD) |
Environmental Law, Labour Law, Corporate Law, Human Rights Law |
|
University of the Western Cape (UWC) |
Doctor of Laws (LLD) |
Constitutional Law, International Trade Law, Human Rights Law |
|
University of South Africa (UNISA) |
Doctor of Laws (LLD) |
Criminal Law, Commercial Law, Constitutional Law, Family Law |
University |
Program Name |
Specializations |
|---|---|---|
|
University of Cape Town (UCT) |
Postgraduate Diploma in Law (PGDip) |
Various specializations including Tax Law, Environmental Law, Intellectual Property Law |
|
University of Pretoria (UP) |
Postgraduate Diploma in Law (PGDip) |
Labour Law, International Trade Law, Environmental Law, Corporate Law |
|
Stellenbosch University (SU) |
Postgraduate Diploma in Law (PGDip) |
Intellectual Property Law, Tax Law, Labour Law, Environmental Law |
|
University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) |
Postgraduate Diploma in Law (PGDip) |
Corporate Law, Environmental Law, Human Rights Law, International Law |
|
University of Johannesburg (UJ) |
Postgraduate Diploma in Law (PGDip) |
Commercial Law, Labour Law, Banking Law, International Law |
|
University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) |
Postgraduate Diploma in Law (PGDip) |
Maritime Law, Environmental Law, Business Law, International Trade Law |
|
North-West University (NWU) |
Postgraduate Diploma in Law (PGDip) |
Labour Law, Environmental Law, Corporate Law, Human Rights Law |
|
University of the Western Cape (UWC) |
Postgraduate Diploma in Law (PGDip) |
Human Rights Law, International Trade Law, Constitutional Law |
|
University of South Africa (UNISA) |
Postgraduate Diploma in Law (PGDip) |
Family Law, Commercial Law, Criminal Law, Constitutional Law |
University |
Program Name |
Specializations/Focus Areas |
|---|---|---|
|
University of Cape Town (UCT) |
Short Courses in Law |
Commercial Law, Human Rights Law, Environmental Law |
|
University of Pretoria (UP) |
Continuing Education Programmes (CEP) in Law |
Labour Law, Environmental Law, Corporate Law, International Law |
|
Stellenbosch University (SU) |
Executive Short Courses in Law |
Tax Law, Intellectual Property Law, Labour Law |
|
University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) |
Short Courses in Law |
Corporate Law, Environmental Law, Human Rights Law |
|
University of Johannesburg (UJ) |
Short Learning Programmes (SLPs) in Law |
Commercial Law, Labour Law, International Law |
|
University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) |
Short Courses in Law |
Maritime Law, Environmental Law, Business Law |
|
North-West University (NWU) |
Short Learning Programmes (SLPs) in Law |
Labour Law, Environmental Law, Corporate Law |
|
University of the Western Cape (UWC) |
Short Courses in Law |
Human Rights Law, International Trade Law, Constitutional Law |
|
University of South Africa (UNISA) |
Short Courses in Law |
Family Law, Commercial Law, Criminal Law, Constitutional Law |
University |
Course Programs |
|---|---|
|
University of Cape Town (UCT) |
Bachelor of Laws (LLB), Master of Laws (LLM), Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Law, Postgraduate Diploma in Law (PGDip), Short Courses in Law |
|
University of Pretoria (UP) |
Bachelor of Laws (LLB), Master of Laws (LLM), Doctor of Laws (LLD), Postgraduate Diploma in Law (PGDip), Continuing Education Programmes (CEP) in Law |
|
Stellenbosch University (SU) |
Bachelor of Laws (LLB), Master of Laws (LLM), Doctor of Laws (LLD), Postgraduate Diploma in Law (PGDip), Executive Short Courses in Law |
|
University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) |
Bachelor of Laws (LLB), Master of Laws (LLM), Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Law, Postgraduate Diploma in Law (PGDip), Short Courses in Law |
|
University of Johannesburg (UJ) |
Bachelor of Laws (LLB), Master of Laws (LLM), Doctor of Laws (LLD), Postgraduate Diploma in Law (PGDip), Short Learning Programmes (SLPs) in Law |
|
University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) |
Bachelor of Laws (LLB), Master of Laws (LLM), Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Law, Postgraduate Diploma in Law (PGDip), Short Courses in Law |
|
North-West University (NWU) |
Bachelor of Laws (LLB), Master of Laws (LLM), Doctor of Laws (LLD), Postgraduate Diploma in Law (PGDip), Short Learning Programmes (SLPs) in Law |
|
University of the Western Cape (UWC) |
Bachelor of Laws (LLB), Master of Laws (LLM), Doctor of Laws (LLD), Postgraduate Diploma in Law (PGDip), Short Courses in Law |
|
University of South Africa (UNISA) |
Bachelor of Laws (LLB), Master of Laws (LLM), Doctor of Laws (LLD), Postgraduate Diploma in Law (PGDip), Short Courses in Law |
University |
Program Level |
Typical Intake Periods |
|---|---|---|
|
University of Cape Town (UCT) |
Undergraduate (LLB) |
February |
|
|
Postgraduate (LLM) |
February, July |
|
|
PhD/Doctoral |
Throughout the year |
|
|
Short Courses |
Varies, often multiple intakes per year |
|
University of Pretoria (UP) |
Undergraduate (LLB) |
February |
|
|
Postgraduate (LLM) |
February, July |
|
|
PhD/Doctoral |
Throughout the year |
|
|
Short Courses |
Varies, often multiple intakes per year |
|
Stellenbosch University (SU) |
Undergraduate (LLB) |
February |
|
|
Postgraduate (LLM) |
February, July |
|
|
PhD/Doctoral |
Throughout the year |
|
|
Short Courses |
Varies, often multiple intakes per year |
|
University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) |
Undergraduate (LLB) |
February |
|
|
Postgraduate (LLM) |
February, July |
|
|
PhD/Doctoral |
Throughout the year |
|
|
Short Courses |
Varies, often multiple intakes per year |
|
University of Johannesburg (UJ) |
Undergraduate (LLB) |
February |
|
|
Postgraduate (LLM) |
February, July |
|
|
PhD/Doctoral |
Throughout the year |
|
|
Short Courses |
Varies, often multiple intakes per year |
|
University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) |
Undergraduate (LLB) |
February |
|
|
Postgraduate (LLM) |
February, July |
|
|
PhD/Doctoral |
Throughout the year |
|
|
Short Courses |
Varies, often multiple intakes per year |
|
North-West University (NWU) |
Undergraduate (LLB) |
February |
|
|
Postgraduate (LLM) |
February, July |
|
|
PhD/Doctoral |
Throughout the year |
|
|
Short Courses |
Varies, often multiple intakes per year |
|
University of the Western Cape (UWC) |
Undergraduate (LLB) |
February |
|
|
Postgraduate (LLM) |
February, July |
|
|
PhD/Doctoral |
Throughout the year |
|
|
Short Courses |
Varies, often multiple intakes per year |
|
University of South Africa (UNISA) |
Undergraduate (LLB) |
January |
|
|
Postgraduate (LLM) |
January, June |
|
|
PhD/Doctoral |
Throughout the year |
|
|
Short Courses |
Varies, often multiple intakes per year |
University |
Program Level |
Tuition Fees (Approximate per year, USD) |
|---|---|---|
|
University of Cape Town (UCT) |
Undergraduate (LLB) |
$6,000 - $8,000 |
|
|
Postgraduate (LLM) |
$7,000 - $10,000 |
|
|
PhD/Doctoral |
$3,000 - $5,000 |
|
|
Short Courses |
$1,000 - $2,500 |
|
University of Pretoria (UP) |
Undergraduate (LLB) |
$5,500 - $7,500 |
|
|
Postgraduate (LLM) |
$6,000 - $9,000 |
|
|
PhD/Doctoral |
$3,500 - $5,000 |
|
|
Short Courses |
$1,000 - $2,000 |
|
Stellenbosch University (SU) |
Undergraduate (LLB) |
$6,500 - $8,500 |
|
|
Postgraduate (LLM) |
$7,500 - $10,500 |
|
|
PhD/Doctoral |
$3,000 - $4,500 |
|
|
Short Courses |
$1,500 - $3,000 |
|
University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) |
Undergraduate (LLB) |
$6,000 - $8,000 |
|
|
Postgraduate (LLM) |
$7,000 - $9,500 |
|
|
PhD/Doctoral |
$3,500 - $5,500 |
|
|
Short Courses |
$1,200 - $2,500 |
|
University of Johannesburg (UJ) |
Undergraduate (LLB) |
$5,000 - $7,000 |
|
|
Postgraduate (LLM) |
$6,500 - $8,500 |
|
|
PhD/Doctoral |
$3,000 - $5,000 |
|
|
Short Courses |
$1,000 - $2,000 |
|
University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) |
Undergraduate (LLB) |
$5,500 - $7,500 |
|
|
Postgraduate (LLM) |
$6,000 - $9,000 |
|
|
PhD/Doctoral |
$3,500 - $5,000 |
|
|
Short Courses |
$1,000 - $2,500 |
|
North-West University (NWU) |
Undergraduate (LLB) |
$5,000 - $6,500 |
|
|
Postgraduate (LLM) |
$6,000 - $8,000 |
|
|
PhD/Doctoral |
$3,000 - $4,500 |
|
|
Short Courses |
$1,000 - $2,000 |
|
University of the Western Cape (UWC) |
Undergraduate (LLB) |
$5,000 - $7,000 |
|
|
Postgraduate (LLM) |
$6,500 - $8,500 |
|
|
PhD/Doctoral |
$3,000 - $5,000 |
|
|
Short Courses |
$1,200 - $2,500 |
|
University of South Africa (UNISA) |
Undergraduate (LLB) |
$4,000 - $6,000 |
|
|
Postgraduate (LLM) |
$5,000 - $7,000 |
|
|
PhD/Doctoral |
$2,500 - $4,000 |
|
|
Short Courses |
$800 - $2,000 |
University |
Program Level |
Specific Requirements |
|---|---|---|
|
University of Cape Town (UCT) |
LLB |
APS of 36+, minimum 60% in English, Mathematics/Math Literacy |
|
|
LLM |
LLB degree with minimum average of 65%, research proposal |
|
|
PhD |
LLM degree, detailed research proposal, academic references |
|
University of Pretoria (UP) |
LLB |
APS of 34+, minimum 60% in English |
|
|
LLM |
LLB degree, relevant work experience (optional) |
|
|
PhD |
LLM degree, research proposal, interview |
|
Stellenbosch University (SU) |
LLB |
APS of 36+, minimum 60% in English, good overall performance |
|
|
LLM |
LLB degree with strong academic record |
|
|
PhD |
LLM degree, comprehensive research proposal |
|
University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) |
LLB |
APS of 39+, minimum 60% in English, good grades overall |
|
|
LLM |
LLB degree, strong academic record |
|
|
PhD |
LLM degree, detailed research proposal |
Scholarship Name |
University |
Eligibility Criteria |
Scholarship Details |
|---|---|---|---|
|
UCT Law Faculty Scholarships |
University of Cape Town (UCT) |
Academic excellence, financial need |
Partial to full tuition coverage |
|
UP Law Bursaries |
University of Pretoria (UP) |
Academic excellence, financial need |
Partial to full tuition coverage |
|
SU Law Scholarships |
Stellenbosch University (SU) |
Academic excellence, financial need |
Partial to full tuition coverage |
|
Wits Law Scholarships |
University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) |
Academic excellence, financial need |
Partial to full tuition coverage |
|
UJ Law Faculty Bursaries |
University of Johannesburg (UJ) |
Academic excellence, financial need |
Partial to full tuition coverage |
|
UKZN Law Scholarships |
University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) |
Academic excellence, financial need |
Partial to full tuition coverage |
|
NWU Law Scholarships |
North-West University (NWU) |
Academic excellence, financial need |
Partial to full tuition coverage |
|
UWC Law Scholarships |
University of the Western Cape (UWC) |
Academic excellence, financial need |
Partial to full tuition coverage |
|
UNISA Law Bursaries |
University of South Africa (UNISA) |
Academic excellence, financial need |
Partial to full tuition coverage |
|
Canon Collins Scholarships |
N/A |
Academic excellence, leadership potential, financial need |
Up to full tuition, living expenses |
|
DAAD Scholarships |
N/A |
International students, academic excellence |
Up to full tuition, living expenses |
|
Mandela Rhodes Scholarships |
N/A |
Academic excellence, leadership potential |
Up to full tuition, living expenses, research grants |
Career Path |
Description |
Average Salary (USD/year) |
|---|---|---|
|
Attorney |
Represents clients in legal matters, provides legal advice, drafts documents |
$20,000 - $60,000 |
|
Advocate/Barrister |
Specializes in courtroom advocacy, represents clients in higher courts |
$30,000 - $70,000 |
|
Corporate Lawyer |
Provides legal services to corporations, including compliance, contracts |
$40,000 - $80,000 |
|
Legal Advisor |
Offers legal advice to organizations, ensures legal compliance |
$30,000 - $60,000 |
|
Judge/Magistrate |
Presides over court proceedings, interprets laws, delivers judgments |
$50,000 - $100,000 |
|
Public Prosecutor |
Represents the state in criminal cases |
$30,000 - $50,000 |
|
Public Defender |
Provides legal representation to indigent defendants |
$20,000 - $40,000 |
|
Legal Consultant |
Provides specialized legal advice in areas such as tax, intellectual property |
$35,000 - $70,000 |
|
Academia (Law Professor) |
Teaches law at universities, engages in legal research |
$40,000 - $70,000 |
|
Human Rights Lawyer |
Works with NGOs or international organizations to protect human rights |
$25,000 - $50,000 |
|
Environmental Lawyer |
Focuses on laws related to environmental protection, policy |
$30,000 - $60,000 |
|
Intellectual Property Lawyer |
Specializes in copyright, patents, trademarks |
$35,000 - $70,000 |
|
Labour Lawyer |
Deals with employment law, representing employees or employers |
$30,000 - $60,000 |
|
Mediator/Arbitrator |
Facilitates dispute resolution outside of court |
$40,000 - $70,000 |
