Subjects Needed to Become a Lawyer in South Africa:

To pursue a career as a lawyer in South Africa, you need to focus on selecting the right high school subjects that will help you qualify for admission to a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree at a university. Here’s what you need to know:

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Essential Subjects

  • English: Proficiency in English is crucial, as law studies involve a lot of reading, writing, and understanding complex texts and documents.
  • Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy: While Mathematics is not mandatory for law, it is beneficial for developing analytical and logical reasoning skills.


Recommended Subjects

  • History: Provides a good foundation in understanding contexts, societal developments, and analytical skills.
  • Business Studies: Offers insight into the business world, which can be beneficial, particularly in corporate law.
  • Accounting: Useful for those interested in fields like tax law or corporate law.

Additional Information

  • Life Orientation: Counts towards your matriculation certificate but is typically not calculated into the university acceptance score, known as the APS.

APS Score

To enter an LLB program, universities in South Africa generally require a certain Admission Point Score (APS). This score is calculated based on your best six subject results, excluding Life Orientation. The required APS can vary between universities but generally ranges from about 30 to 38.

University Admission

Make sure to meet the specific requirements of the university you plan to attend. Some might have additional requirements or recommend other subjects. It’s a good idea to check directly with the universities you are interested in for the most accurate and detailed admissions criteria.

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Where to Study to Become a Lawyer in SA?

Here are the names of some prominent universities in South Africa where you can study to become a lawyer, offering a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree:

  1. University of Cape Town (UCT) – Located in Cape Town, UCT is one of the top universities in the country with a prestigious law faculty.
  2. University of the Witwatersrand (Wits University) – Situated in Johannesburg, Wits has a reputable law school known for producing skilled legal professionals.
  3. University of Pretoria (UP) – UP offers an extensive law program and is known for its practical approach to legal education.
  4. Stellenbosch University – Located in Stellenbosch, this university is well-regarded for its comprehensive law degree and scenic campus.
  5. University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) – UKZN provides robust legal training with opportunities for specializations in various aspects of law.
  6. University of Johannesburg (UJ) – Known for its modern approach and support for students, UJ is a strong choice for law studies.
  7. Rhodes University – Located in Grahamstown, Rhodes is noted for its smaller class sizes and strong focus on academic excellence in law.
  8. University of Free State (UFS) – UFS in Bloemfontein offers a dynamic law curriculum that includes practical legal training.
  9. North-West University (NWU) – NWU provides a diverse law program with campuses in Potchefstroom, Mahikeng, and Vanderbijlpark.

Each of these institutions is equipped to provide a thorough education in law, preparing students for a career in the legal field in South Africa.

By focusing on these subjects and ensuring a strong academic performance, you will be well-prepared for your journey towards becoming a lawyer in South Africa.