If you have plans to study law in South Africa, you must have a solid academic foundation to make it happen. But most importantly it’s important to know the subjects and APS (Admission Point Score) required for different institutions. Since we can’t list the requirements for every university and college, we will just pick few popular schools. But not without highlighting the general subjects needed to Study Law in South Africa.
What Subjects are Needed to Study Law in South Africa
Core High School Subjects
What are the subjects Needed For LLB Degree Admission
- English Home Language OR Additional First Language
- Mathematics/Mathematical Literacy
- Life Orientation is not needed
Subjects Needed To Study BA Law
- Mathematics/Mathematical Literacy
- English
- Additional Language
- Life Orientation is not needed
Subjects Needed To Study BCom Law
- English Home Language OR First Additional Language
- Mathematics
University-Specific Requirements
Since requirements differ from school to school, here’s a brief breakdown of the entry requirements at major universities in South Africa.
University of Western Cape (UWC) Law Requirements
- Minimum APS: 37
- English (Home or First Additional Language): Minimum of Level 4 (50-59%)
- Another language (Home or First Additional Language): Minimum of Level 3 (40-49%)
- Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy: Minimum of Level 3 (40-49%) or level 5 (60-69%) respectively.
You’ll need a strong balance of English, Mathematics (or Mathematical Literacy), and another language. You can apply to UWC’s LLB program if you are good in these areas. More info here.
University of Free State (UFS) Law Requirements
- Minimum APS: 34
- English Home Language or English First Additional Language: Minimum of level 6 (70%)
- Mathematical literacy: Minimum of level 6 (70%)
- Mathematics: Minimum of level 4 (50%)
The four-year LLB program requires applicants to have either an endorsed Senior Certificate (up to 2007) with an M-score of at least 34 points or a National Senior Certificate (starting in 2008) or National Certificate (Vocational) with an AP score of at least 33 points. More info here.
University of Cape Town (UCT) LLB Requirements
- No specific subject requirements for Law
- Mathematics is not compulsory
- Admission is based largely on your matric results, excluding Life Orientation
When it comes to the subjects required for their LLB degree, UCT is a little more flexible. More info here.
Stellenbosch University Law Requirements
- English or Afrikaans Home Language: Minimum of level 5 (60%) OR
- Afrikaans or English First Additional Language: minimum of level 6 (70%)
If you wish to take Economics as a university subject, then also:
- Mathematics: minimum of level 5 (60%)
A minimum of 70% aggregate on the NSC or IEB school-leaving certificate (not including Life Orientation). More info here.
University of Johannesburg (UJ) LLB Requirements
- Minimum APS: 31 with Mathematics
- Minimum APS: 32 with Mathematical Literacy
- English (Home Language or First Additional Language: Level 5 (60%)
- Additional Language: Level 4 (50%)
- Mathematics: Level 3 (40%) & Mathematical Literacy: Level 4 (50%)
Applicants with higher APS scores (35+) have a better chance of being selected for the programme, even if the minimum APS is 31. More info here.
University of Pretoria (UP) LLB Requirements
- Minimum APS: 32
- English Home Language or English First Additional Language: Level 5 (60%)
Although math is not compulsory, a strong English score is necessary for this program. While UP grants flexibility based on available space, it also takes proficiency in other major disciplines into account. Also, note that Life Orientation is excluded from APS calculations. More info here.
University of Mpumalanga (UMP) LLB Requirements
- Minimum APS: 33
- English Language (1st or additional language): Minimum of level 4
- Additional Language: Minimum of Level 4
- Mathematics: Minimum of level 3 OR Mathematical Literacy: Minimum of level 4
There are no special selection criteria beyond the minimum admission requirements, so having a higher APS score increases your chances of admission. More info here.
University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) Law Requirements
- Minimum APS: 43+
- English Home Language OR First Additional Language: Level 5.
- Mathematics: Level 3.
- Maths Literacy: Level 4.
Depending on available spots, applicants with APS scores between 40 and 42 can be placed on a waitlist. More info here.
Final Thought
Before deciding on a university or TVET college in South Africa for your LLB degree or legal courses, do a lot of research to ensure they provide precisely what you want. Check the curriculum offered at the institutions because each one may have different requirements.
