IIE Higher Certificate in Legal Studies Course Requirements at Varsity College
Varsity College · Faculty of Law
The IIE Higher Certificate in Legal Studies is a higher Certificate offered by Varsity College 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 Varsity College
- A National Senior Certificate with a higher certificate pass and at least 40% for English
- An NC(V) higher certificate pass, Senior Certificate endorsement or SC(a) higher certificate pass with 40% for English is also accepted
- International applicants need a SAQA evaluation certificate showing NSC Level 4 equivalence
About this course
The IIE Higher Certificate in Legal Studies is a one-year introduction to law and legal office work. It is a 120-credit IIE qualification at NQF Level 5 (SAQA ID 94696) in the Faculty of Law, offered full-time on nine campuses and online, with a February intake. Full-time classes run Monday to Friday over two semesters.
The eight modules are:
- Legal and Literacy Skills
- Fundamentals of the South African Legal System
- Aspects of Private Law
- Legal Office Support
- Aspects of Mercantile Law
- Debt Collection and Civil Procedure
- Principles of Employment Law
- Work Integrated Learning, which runs through the year
The certificate gives you enough legal knowledge and office skill to work in a law firm, court or legal department.
It suits learners who are interested in law but did not qualify for a law degree, or who want to test the field first. Graduates can work straight away as legal assistants and clerks, or articulate into the IIE BA in Law, the IIE BCom in Law or the IIE 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: Paralegal 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 Varsity College. Ask Varsity College directly about its own bursaries or payment plans, and check whether a sector SETA offers funding for this field.
Admission chances
Varsity College’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 Varsity College and NSFAS.
How to apply for 2027 studies
Apply online through the Emeris undergraduate contact portal (portal.emeris.ac.za/application/undergrad-contact/) and pay the R500 non-refundable application fee. Upload a copy of your ID (or a certified passport copy if you are an international student) and your most recent school report or final Grade 12 results. When you receive an offer, accept it on the portal and pay the R3 000 pre-registration fee, which is later deducted from your tuition. Applications for the 2027 intake close on 30 October 2026; late applications are still considered but carry an extra R2 000 fee.
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View all Courses at Varsity College
- Duration
- 1 year full-time (contact); also offered online
- NQF Level
- 5
- Fees
- 2027 tuition R57 360 (Pretoria, Ruimsig, Durban, Cape Town), R66 120 Sandton, R54 840 Waterfall, R57 120 PMB and NMB; full settlement
- Application deadline
- 30 October 2026 for the 2027 intake (late applications carry a R2 000 fee)
- Campus
- Sandton Campus, Sandton
- Pretoria Lynnwood Campus, Pretoria
- Ruimsig Campus, Roodepoort
- Waterfall Campus, Midrand
- Durban North Campus, Durban
- Durban Westville Campus, Durban
- Pietermaritzburg Campus, Pietermaritzburg
- Nelson Mandela Bay Campus, Gqeberha
- Cape Town Newlands Campus, Cape Town
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 Varsity College before applying.