Top 10 Law Universities In South Africa (2024)

South Africa is a top destination to study law. The country is full of top institutions offering high-quality education, making South Africa a major destination for students from all over the world. Choosing which university to study law can be difficult with all the good options available. 

When making a choice one does not select based on reputation, but also on the basis of the individual benefits that come with every unique institution of learning. Law is a wide field of study, and the area of law that each institution excels at is usually different. With that in mind, it is a good idea to observe each university based on the number of successful lawyers they have produced, and what area of specialization they have gained their reputation. 

The following paragraphs are a presentation of the top universities to study law in South Africa.

Top 10 Law Universities 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.

An alternative route is to apply for BA Law or BCom Law degrees through the faculties of humanities and commerce, respectively. The BCom Law and BA Law would be required to meet less stringent hurdles, and then successfully pass all their first-year subjects in one sitting. While doing so they would need a minimum average of 65% for BA Law and 63% for BCom Law. They would then be allowed into the law program.

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 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 with Mathematics or 29 APS points with 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 faulty 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. 

Related:

• How To Become A Lawyer In South Africa
• Requirements To Study Law At UCT
• List Of Universities That Offer PGCE In South Africa

Conclusion:

Availing to yourself the opportunity to study law at any of the universities above would be a truly wise investment. However, we must state that the reputation of each institution as presented here is just as important as the effort put in by each individual student. Therefore, we urge you to study not just with the certification in mind but with the mind to make a difference. South Africa and the world needs Lawyers; people to make a real difference.