Top Law Universities in South Africa in 2024: Requirements, Cost, How to Apply?

If you are interested in pursuing a career in law, South Africa offers various options to study this field at different levels and specializations. Whether you want to become a lawyer, a judge, a legal advisor, or a human rights activist, you will need to obtain a degree from one of the recognized law universities in South Africa. In this blog, we will provide you with the law courses, the best universities, and eligibility criteria for studying law in South Africa in 2024. We hope this will help you make an informed decision about your future.

Also Read: Study in South Africa: Application, Colleges, VISA & More

Why Choose to Study Law in SA?

Studying law in SA is an excellent choice for many reasons. Here are some reasons why you should consider enrolling at law universities in South Africa:

1. South Africa’s legal system is a fascinating blend of Roman-Dutch, English common law, and customary law, offering a unique perspective on legal principles.
2. South African law degrees are highly respected internationally, opening doors to careers worldwide.
3. Compared to other developed countries, studying law in South Africa is relatively affordable, especially for international students.
4. South Africa boasts a diverse population, providing a rich cultural tapestry and invaluable opportunities for intercultural understanding.
5. The legal sector in South Africa is thriving, with a growing demand for qualified lawyers across various fields.

Best Law Universities in South Africa

South African universities offer various Law courses for international students at undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral levels. The tuition fees for these courses range from R26,000 to R80,000 per year. Here’s a list of the top law universities in South Africa for international students in 2024, along with their global rankings:

University	QS World Rankings 2024	QS World Ranking by Subject 2023
University of Cape Town	=173	151-200
University of Witwatersrand	=264	251-300
Stellenbosch University	283	301-350
University of Pretoria	=323	151-200
SKEMA Business School	–	–
Monash University	42	–
University of Johannesburg	306	–

Let’s get to know these universities in a bit more detail.

Also Read: Top Art Universities in South Africa in 2024: Requirements, Fees, Process

University of Cape Town (UCT)

Nestled on the slopes of Table Mountain, UCT’s Faculty of Law is internationally renowned for its academic excellence and progressive approach. Boasting strong alumni networks and a focus on social justice, UCT’s curriculum emphasizes critical thinking and practical legal skills. International students are drawn to its diverse research areas, including human rights, environmental law, and African legal systems.

University of Witwatersrand (Wits)

Wits Law is another top contender among the top law universities in South Africa, known for its innovative teaching methods and focus on critical thinking. The faculty includes leading legal scholars and practitioners, ensuring students receive a well-rounded education. Wits Law offers various specialized programs, including commercial law, intellectual property law, and mining law.

Stellenbosch University

Stellenbosch Law School, nestled in the scenic town of Stellenbosch, combines academic excellence with a strong focus on ethics and professional development. The school boasts a vibrant student community and a reputation for producing well-rounded lawyers who are prepared to contribute meaningfully to society. Stellenbosch Law offers specialized programs in areas like tax law, environmental law, and family law.

University of Pretoria

The University of Pretoria’s Faculty of Law is recognized for its strong academic tradition and commitment to legal excellence. The faculty offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs, catering to diverse interests. Pretoria Law is particularly renowned for its expertise in public law, commercial law, and international law.

Cost of Studying Law in South Africa

When looking into law schools in South Africa, you’ll notice that tuition, housing, and living expenses vary greatly. Some colleges in South Africa impose tuition fees of roughly R25,921.10 at the lower end of the pricing spectrum. You’d be better off studying law in China or India at these rates.

Even some of South Africa’s lowest-ranked law schools offer tuition significantly below R37,616.70. A legal degree in South Africa is still a sensible investment at these rates, especially given the expanding demand.

However, it is vital to realize that the cost of living in many countries is expensive, which makes studying there financially difficult. Fortunately, the expense of attending law school in South Africa is not as high as it appears.

Also Read: Music Universities in South Africa: Eligibility, Courses, Fees, Scholarships

Admission Requirements

To apply to Law universities in South Africa, international students must satisfy the following admission requirements. For more course-specific criteria, you can check out your chosen university’s official website:

1. Matriculation certificate (or equivalent qualifications like IB Diploma) with good grades in relevant subjects like English, Mathematics, and possibly History or Social Sciences.
2. For postgraduate Law programs, a relevant Bachelor’s degree with a good academic standing (often a minimum GPA of 70% or equivalent).
3. English Language Requirements:

Test	Minimum Score
IELTS (Academic)	6.5 -7.0 with no band below 6.0
TOEFL iBT	90-100
PTE Academic	63-67

4. Interview, writing samples, or work experience.

Documents Required

Similar to the admission requirements, the documents needed to apply to law universities in SA are different for each institute. Here are some general ones: 

• Completed online application form
• Certified copies of academic transcripts and certificates (original degree certificates may be requested later)
• Proof of English language proficiency (test scores like IELTS, TOEFL, etc.)
• Curriculum Vitae (CV/Resume)
• Reference letters (usually 2-3)
• Personal statement or motivation letter 
• Essays, work samples, or portfolio

How to Apply?

Here are some general steps to apply to Law universities in South Africa in 2024 as an international student:

1. Research South African universities and their Law programs to find the best fit for your interests and qualifications.
2. Each university has specific deadlines for applications, so ensure you submit yours on time.
3. Fill out the application form carefully, providing all required information and uploading necessary documents.
4. Some universities charge an application fee, so be prepared to pay it when submitting your application.
5. Keep track of your application status through the university portal or by contacting the admissions office directly.
6. Some universities may invite shortlisted candidates for an interview. Research common Law school interview questions and prepare beforehand.

FAQs

Relevant Reads:

Here’s a List of Important Documents Required to Study Abroad	How to Get an Application Fee Waiver?
How to Find a Pocket-Friendly University?	What is a Gap Year? Pros and Cons
Education Loan for Abroad Studies by the Indian Government	How to Study Abroad Amid the Havoc of Coronavirus?

We hope that you are now familiar with the top Law universities in South Africa for international students. Stay tuned to Leverage Edu to discover more destinations to study abroad. Thank you for reading!