The University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) in Johannesburg is one of South Africa’s most prestigious institutions for legal education, known for its intellectual depth, emphasis on constitutional values, and rigorous academic standards . For the 2026 academic year, the pathway to a law degree at Wits has changed. Students no longer apply directly for the four-year LLB. Instead, you must apply for a three-year undergraduate degree that includes law courses, after which you can complete an LLB.
Requirements To Study Law At WITS (2026)
This guide provides all the essential information for school-leavers seeking to study law at Wits in 2026.
Understanding the 2026 Law Programmes at Wits
The Wits School of Law offers a comprehensive legal education designed to prepare graduates for legal practice and related professions . The curriculum progresses from foundational principles to advanced legal application, covering subjects such as Law of Persons, Family Law, Constitutional Law, Criminal Law, Contract, and Public International Law .
However, for 2026 admissions, the Faculty of Commerce, Law and Management has indicated that the 4-year LLB programme will not be offered . High school graduates wishing to pursue law must apply to one of two undergraduate degrees that serve as feeders to the postgraduate LLB:
Bachelor of Commerce with Law (BCom with Law)
Programme Code: CB013
Duration: 3 years
Focus: This degree combines law subjects with commerce modules, providing a strong foundation for students interested in corporate law, commercial litigation, or business-related legal fields.
Bachelor of Arts with Law (BA with Law)
Programme Code: AB002
Duration: 3 years
Focus: This degree combines law subjects with humanities modules, ideal for students interested in human rights law, legal academia, or careers where law intersects with social sciences.
After successfully completing either of these three-year degrees, graduates can apply for the two-year LLB programme to fully qualify as lawyers .
Admission Requirements for School-Leavers (NSC)
For applicants currently completing or who have completed the National Senior Certificate (NSC), the admission requirements for the BCom with Law and BA with Law programmes are as follows.
BCom with Law (CB013)
Minimum APS: 43 and above
Subject Requirements: English Home Language or First Additional Language: Level 5; Mathematics: Level 5
Selection Notes: Applicants with an APS between 35–42 and English and Maths at Level 5 may be waitlisted, subject to the availability of places .
BA with Law (AB002)
Minimum APS: 43 and above
Subject Requirements: English Home Language or First Additional Language: Level 5; Mathematics: Level 3 or Mathematical Literacy: Level 4
Selection Notes: Applicants who wish to take law courses in their first year of study must meet these admission requirements .
How Your APS is Calculated
Your Admission Point Score (APS) is a key part of your application. Wits calculates your APS based on your best seven subjects, including Life Orientation . Use the table below to calculate your score.
Here’s a clean, reformatted version of your table for clarity and readability:
| NSC Percentage | APS Score | Wits APS (Maths & English) | Wits APS (Life Orientation) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 90–100% | 8 | 10 | 4 |
| 80–89% | 7 | 9 | 3 |
| 70–79% | 6 | 8 | 2 |
| 60–69% | 5 | 7 | 1 |
| 50–59% | 4 | 4 | 0 |
| 40–49% | 3 | 3 | 0 |
| 30–39% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 0–29% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
*Source: *
Example: A student with marks of 82% for English (APS 7, but 9 for English calculation), 76% for Maths (APS 6, but 8 for Maths calculation), and five other subjects averaging 70% (APS 6 each, total 30) would have a combined APS of 9 + 8 + 30 + Life Orientation score.
Important Notes on Admission
Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee a place. Final selection is subject to the availability of places, academic results, and other entry requirements .
English must be taken either as Home Language or First Additional Language .
Maths is compulsory for the BCom with Law. The BA with Law accepts either Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy .
Applicants who fall slightly below the minimum APS may be waitlisted, with preference given to those with the best results in required subjects .
Graduate Entry Routes
If you already hold a bachelor’s degree, Wits offers alternative pathways into the LLB:
Three-Year Graduate LLB: For applicants who already hold a bachelor’s degree without law modules. Selection is based on completing an undergraduate degree within the prescribed timeframe and a minimum final-year average, commonly around 65% .
Two-Year Accelerated LLB: For students who completed a BA Law or BCom Law at Wits. Credits from prior law courses reduce the duration .
How to Apply for 2026
Online Application
Visit the official Wits applications page at www.wits.ac.za/applications/ .
You may apply for a maximum of three programmes. If you apply for two programmes within one Faculty, you are advised to apply for a third programme in a less restricted faculty (such as Humanities, Commerce or Science) .
Use your full names as they appear on your ID document or passport .
Application Fee
A non-refundable application fee is required:
South African citizens: R100
Foreign citizens: R700
Payment can be made via the self-service portal (Campus Finances tile) .
Closing Dates
30 June 2026: For programmes in the Faculty of Health Sciences .
30 September 2026: For all other University programmes, including the BCom with Law and BA with Law .
30 September 2026: Residence applications .
Additional Requirements
Some degrees may have additional selection procedures such as National Benchmark Tests (NBTs), portfolios, or interviews. Check the Wits website for programme-specific requirements .
Contact Information
For assistance, call the Wits Student Call Centre at +27 (0) 11 717 1888 .
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I apply directly for the LLB at Wits in 2026?
No, the four-year LLB programme will not be offered in 2026. Prospective students must apply for the BCom with Law or the BA with Law and then complete a two-year LLB after graduating .
2. What is the APS requirement for law at Wits?
Both the BCom with Law and BA with Law require an APS of 43 and above. Applicants with slightly lower scores may be waitlisted .
3. What subjects do I need for law at Wits?
For the BCom with Law, you need English at Level 5 and Mathematics at Level 5. For the BA with Law, you need English at Level 5 and either Mathematics at Level 3 or Mathematical Literacy at Level 4 .
4. When is the application deadline for law at Wits in 2026?
The closing date for all programmes except Health Sciences is 30 September 2026 .
5. Can I apply with Mathematical Literacy for a law degree at Wits?
Yes, Mathematical Literacy at Level 4 is accepted for the BA with Law programme. It is not accepted for the BCom with Law, which requires pure Mathematics .
6. Is meeting the minimum APS a guarantee of acceptance?
No, meeting the requirements does not guarantee a place. Final selection is subject to the availability of places and may involve additional selection criteria. Applicants meeting the minimums may be waitlisted rather than offered immediate admission .
7. What if I have already completed another degree?
If you already hold a bachelor’s degree, you may be eligible for the three-year graduate LLB, provided you meet the academic performance requirements .
8. What does the Wits law programme cover?
The curriculum includes foundational subjects like Law of Persons and Constitutional Law, intermediate subjects like Criminal Law and Contract, and advanced courses like Practical Legal Studies and Customary Law .
By planning carefully and ensuring you meet these requirements, you can take the first step toward a legal career through one of Africa’s most respected law schools.