IIE Higher Certificate in Legal Studies Course Requirements at IIE MSA
IIE MSA · IIE Faculty of Law
The IIE Higher Certificate in Legal Studies is a higher Certificate offered by IIE MSA for 2027 learners, taking 1 year full-time (contact); also offered online to complete. This page covers the Grade 12 subjects and admission score you need to qualify, what the course involves, where you can study it, the careers it leads to, and how to apply.
Grade 12 Required Subjects to study IIE Higher Certificate in Legal Studies at IIE MSA
- A National Senior Certificate with at least 40% for English
- An NC(V) with 40% for English is also accepted
- A Senior Certificate with endorsement or an SC(A) with 40% for English also qualifies
- International qualifications need SAQA equivalence at NSC Level 4, with at least 40% for English
About this course
The IIE Higher Certificate in Legal Studies gives you a practical base in South African law and legal office work in one year. It is taught at Ruimsig Johannesburg and several other Emeris campuses, and online. It carries 120 credits at NQF Level 5 (SAQA ID 94696, code HCLS0501) and starts in February.
You study how the legal system works, key areas of private, mercantile and employment law, and the admin side of a law office, such as debt collection and civil procedure. Legal writing and literacy skills are built in from the start, and a year-long work integrated learning module gives you exposure to legal practice.
Modules:
- Semester 1: Legal and Literacy Skills, Fundamentals of the South African Legal System, Aspects of Private Law, Legal Office Support, Work Integrated Learning (year-long)
- Semester 2: Aspects of Mercantile Law, Debt Collection and Civil Procedure, Principles of Employment Law
It suits school leavers who are interested in law but do not yet meet degree requirements, and people already working in legal offices. Graduates can apply to articulate into the IIE Bachelor of Commerce in Law, BA in Law or Bachelor of Laws (LLB).
Possible careers
Course intelligence for IIE Higher Certificate in Legal Studies
Data-driven planning insights for this specific course: job market outlook, NSFAS funding, and how competitive admission is likely to be.
Job market outlook
Good sign: Secretary appears on South Africa’s National List of Occupations in High Demand, a Department of Higher Education and Training analysis of employer hiring activity. Employers have been reporting real recruitment pressure for this role, which generally works in your favour once you’ve completed IIE Higher Certificate in Legal Studies.
NSFAS funding
NSFAS does not usually fund students at private institutions like IIE MSA. Ask IIE MSA directly about its own bursaries or payment plans, and check whether a sector SETA offers funding for this field.
Admission chances
IIE MSA’s intake and this course’s requirements with its published admission requirements generally leave more room than the most sought-after courses, so you likely have a reasonable window to apply without rushing, though applying early is always the safer bet.
These insights are estimates generated from South Africa’s National List of Occupations in High Demand (DHET, November 2023 draft), NSFAS’s published funding rules, and this university’s general applicant demand. They’re planning guidance, not a guarantee. Always confirm funding and admission specifics directly with IIE MSA and NSFAS.
How to apply for 2027 studies
Apply online through the Emeris undergraduate contact portal, choose Ruimsig Johannesburg as your campus and pay the R500 non-refundable application fee. Upload a copy of your ID (or certified passport for international students) and your latest school report or final Grade 12 results. Accept your offer on the portal and pay the R3 000 pre-registration fee, which is deducted from tuition, then submit certified documents for final approval. Applications for 2027 close on 30 October 2026, after which a R2 000 late fee applies.
Ready to apply? This takes you straight to IIE MSA’s own official application page.
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View all Courses at IIE MSA
- Duration
- 1 year full-time (contact); also offered online
- NQF Level
- 5
- Fees
- 2027 Ruimsig tuition R57 360 for the year (full settlement); online R49 680. See the 2027 fee schedules.
- Application deadline
- 30 October 2026 for 2027 (R2 000 late fee after this)
- Campus
- Ruimsig Johannesburg Campus, Roodepoort
What Courses Do I Qualify For in South Africa?
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Related courses
Source: Official website: https://www.emeris.ac.za/qualifications/higher-certificate-in-legal-studies, last verified 2026-09-22. Requirements and fees change. Always confirm current details directly with IIE MSA before applying.