Africa is an enormous continent widely known for its abundant natural resources, diverse cultures, and wildlife. As to everyone’s knowledge, Africa is the ideal destination for tourists. The continent is comprised of 58 unique countries. Despite being the least wealthy continent, Africa is a developing continent with so much to offer.
The higher education system has gradually progressed, and some of its universities occupy top positions in global rankings. Many prestigious universities are scattered in the continent, most of which are located in South Africa. And for students seeking to study law in Africa, the high-quality standard in legal education is at par with internationally recognized universities around the world.
Listed below are the top law schools in Africa. Each university is widely recognized in their country and the whole African region.
Is Law School Expensive in Africa?
Law schools in Africa is relatively affordable compared to countries in Europe and North America. Tuition fees average between USD 1,700 to USD 2,200. However, it’s noteworthy that the cost of living in Africa might not be budget-friendly, especially in major cities such Johannesburg and Cape Town. While tuition fees may even be lower in some universities, students may still face additional costs such as textbooks, housing, and transportation.
Learn More: Cost of Studying and Living in South Africa for International Students
Top Law Universities in Africa
1. University of Cape Town – Faculty of Law
The UCT Law Faculty continues to set high standards in providing excellent legal education in South Africa. The UCT Law Faculty is recognized as a leading university for Law in Africa that aims to produce competent leaders that are qualified to hold critical positions in the private and legal sector in the country and the whole African continent.
The faculty has proposed several ways to obtain degree programs suitable for aspiring law students. They offer the following undergraduate programs: a four-year LLB program, a three-year LLB program aimed at graduates of non-law degree holders, and a five or six-year program for combined degrees between the Faculty of Law and Faculty of Humanities or Commerce. The School for Advanced Legal Studies supervises postgraduate study programs. PGDip or postgraduate diploma program, LLM or Professional Masters programs, MPhil study programs, and Ph.D. in Law are the four study programs available for law and non-law professionals. Each category on the postgraduate programs offers a variety of specialized courses aimed at professionals of their specific field of interest.
Check Also: Best Universities in South Africa for International Students
2. University of Pretoria (UP) – Faculty of Law (UP Law)
The Faculty of Law at the University of Pretoria offers a range of advanced study programs that equip students with relevant knowledge and exceptional skills in law. The faculty is one of the reputable law schools in South Africa and occupies a top place in global rankings.
There are currently three undergraduate programs and over 31 postgraduate programs. The school offers the following LL. B programs: LL. B. degree that can be completed in four years, full-time, double-degree in BA (law) and LL. B., and double-degree in BCom (law) and LL. B.
Postgraduate programs are categorized into LLM/MPhil (master’s program) and LLD/Ph.D. (doctoral program). There are numerous master’s programs available in the faculty. These are primarily specialized programs aimed at local and international students. The LLM Corporate Law program, in particular, is a specialized program designed for students who seek a career in a senior-level position in the corporate legal sector. This is a one-of-a-kind postgraduate program, and the faculty only admits 10 to 15 students with outstanding grades yearly.
3. Stellenbosch University – Faculty of Law
Another renowned law school in South Africa is the Faculty of Law at Stellenbosch University. The faculty was established in 1921 and had a long and rich history of providing impactful contributions in research and teaching in law.
There are many ways to obtain a degree in the Faculty of Law. They give degree certifications in bachelor’s programs (LL. B.), master’s programs (LL. M.), doctoral programs (LL. D.), and specialized postgraduate programs. The undergraduate study offers four distinct degree programs: 1.) LLB with a concentration on the fundamentals of law, 2.) BAccLLB is a joint program between the Faculty of Law and the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences, 3.) dual degree programs in BA (law) and BCom (law) with LLB program, and 4.) three-year program LLB that is designed for students who seek to obtain a second degree.
The faculty is offering four unparalleled postgraduate programs. These study programs are intended for law students and professionals working in a specific sector as these programs are patterned to their chosen careers. The faculty awards degree certification to the following programs: LLM degree, a postgraduate degree in Tax Law, a postgraduate degree in Intellectual Property, and a postgraduate degree in Public Procurement Policy and Regulation. The highest degree a student can obtain that the faculty offers is the LLD or doctoral degree.
See Also: Best Scholarships in South Africa for International Students
4. University of Witwatersrand –– School of Law
The University of Witwatersrand is one of the best law schools in Africa that is located in Johannesburg, South Africa. The School of Law is under the Faculty of Commerce, Law, and Management supervision. Its premium quality in law education makes it a leading university in Africa. This is evident as many prominent leaders are alumni of the faculty. The late President, Nelson Mandela, is a graduate of the renowned law school.
There are various law degree programs held in the university. These study programs are suited for law students, law professionals, non-law degree professionals, and international students. The undergraduate programs comprised of LL. B. degree, and joint degree programs in BA with Law, and BCom with Law. On the other hand, postgraduate study programs offer PGDip in Law and LLM programs. Both programs are aimed to advance the students’ knowledge in specialized fields. It can be completed in one year, full-time or two years, part-time. Research degree programs in Ph.D. (Law) and Masters of Law by Dissertation are for law professionals and scholars who desire to work in academia.
5. Cairo University – Faculty of Law
The only law school included in the list that is not located in South Africa is the Faculty of Law at Cairo University in Egypt. It is regarded as one of the top universities in Egypt and also an excellent law school in Africa. It is the first faculty to be established in the country and is one of the well-respected law schools in the Arab nation.
The faculty offers study programs from bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs. Most programs are taught in Arabic, English, and French. They offer a variety of postgraduate programs for Egyptian and non-Egyptian students; however, international students must acquire the required language level needed to be admitted to the study program. For scholars and exceptional law graduates, the school offers a degree in the Doctorate in Law.
Africa has several prestigious law schools that offer high-quality legal education. The continent is home to some of the top universities in the world, with notable institutions such as the University of Cape Town, University of Pretoria, and Stellenbosch University. If you’re interested in studying law in Africa, check out our list of the best law universities in South Africa and start your journey towards a fulfilling legal career.
We hope that this article on Best Law Universities in Africa was helpful. Check also the our Law Programs for International Students to learn more about studying abroad.
