South Africa has many top-tier tertiary educational institutions that offer high-quality legal education and research to domestic and international students. To practice law and other legal professions in the country, students must complete the required four-year Bachelor of Law degree in any state-recognized educational institution in South Africa. Those completing a four-year Bachelor’s in Commerce degree may pursue their law degree in their fifth year.
Additionally, an international student enrolling for a Master of Laws degree must verify if they have equivalent qualifications to a South African LLB degree. Moreover, graduates must undertake a Practical Legal Training course and pass four board examinations to become an attorney. Lawyers in South Africa usually make an annual salary of up to $119,250 a year. Let’s take a look at the top law universities in South Africa!
Is South Africa a good destination for international students?
South Africa was not always known for its formal education and good conditions for international students, but currently that condition is changing and the education system is developing everyday. International students are heading towards South Africa as they are looking for also cultural richness that can help them develop their personalities. If you are interested in studying in South Africa you can check all the cheap universities that are located there so that you can make a better choice.
Is the law degree successful in South Africa?
South Africa is developing as a country and region, and with that development, they need to have a better grasp of the law, for which they need experts in that field. Students tend to apply to this program as they see its rising importance and see it as a good way to have a successful career. The importance of this degree will continue to rise, as with the ongoing development of the country, they will tend to need more experts that can do justice.
Top Law Universities in South Africa
1. University of Pretoria
The University of Pretoria (UP) was established in 1908 and became one of the largest universities in South Africa. It is open to South Africans and international students seeking quality and equal education. Located in the heart of Hatfield, UP is proudly standing as one of the world’s leading research universities. Moreover, it provides South Africa’s only Faculty of Veterinary Science and top Faculty of Law and Business School. The academic institution gives all learners a chance to explore their skills and hone their talents in a professional and student-friendly environment.
This top law school in South Africa gives way for a bunch of career opportunities to the high caliber graduates, from a small school of 32 students in Kya Rosa to a big campus standing at one of the top 1.9% of many universities worldwide. Additionally, the university has produced the most number of research publications among all South African universities. Its Faculty in Law is well-known for its Oliver R Tambo Law Library which has all the updated and primary collection of legal materials for instructions and review in Africa. In 2006, because of its excellence in providing human rights education, it received an award from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)
2. University of Cape Town
University of Cape Town (UCT) is one of South Africa’s oldest public research universities. It was originally founded in 1829 as the South African College for boys which, became a full-fledged university around 1880-1900. With the help of funding and resources from the government, the university continuously prospered and added more faculties and departments for multidisciplinary education and intensive research. It then started accepting women permanently in 1887, beginning a diverse community for all within the campus. Now, the University of Cape Town is one of South Africa’s leading teaching and research institutions.
The university has 6 faculties including, Commerce, Engineering, Environment, Law, Health Sciences, Humanities, and Science. Its excellence in Commerce, Law, and Medicine is top-rated internationally. It is the only African university member of the Global University Leaders Forum (GULF), a group of university presidents from 29 world-class universities.
The Faculty of Law at the University of Cape Town is one of the best law schools in South Africa, well-known for its Students for Law and Social Justice organization. Additionally, UCT holds the highest employment rate for law graduates both internationally and domestically. The university offers undergraduate and postgraduate law degree programs in Private Law, Public Law, and Commercial Law. Students also have the opportunity to participate in mock case trials in its most-sought specialization course known as the Legal Practice Course.
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3. Stellenbosch University
Stellenbosch University (SU) is one of South Africa’s top-leading higher academic institutions, actively helping students access top-quality tertiary education. It has gained the highest success rate in the country by the National Research Foundation. Established in 1859, the university began as a seminary. It then transitioned to a boys’ school, a college, and now a university for all. In 2010, Stellenbosch University became the first university in Africa to sign the Berlin Declaration on open access to education in the sciences and humanities. Moreover, it is the oldest university in South Africa, along with the University of Cape Town.
Garnering a lot of success with some challenges from continuing its operations through the years, SU still aims to provide great excellence for its students. The university has ten faculties: AgriSciences, Economic and Management Sciences, Medicine and Health Sciences, Engineering, Military Sciences, Arts and Social Sciences, Science, Education, Law, and Theology.
Law at Stellenbosch University offers flexible, innovative, and inclusive legal instruction and training to prepare students for their legal professions. Additionally, the faculty at Stellenbosch University in South Africa has a range of available excellent law undergraduate degree programs including, the standard four-year LLB, BA (Law), BCom (Law), and BAccLLB. Other postgraduate courses are also available including, a Diploma in Tax Law, Diploma in Intellectual Property Law, Diploma in Public Procurement Policy and Regulation, a Masters and/or Doctor of Laws.
4. University of Venda
Established in 1982, the University of Venda (UniVen) is a public university in Thohoyandou, Limpopo Province of South Africa, and is of the earlier universities in South Africa that provided tremendous growth throughout its years of standing as a diverse institution offering a full range of courses including law programs. This top law school in South Africa aims to provide an international standard of quality education and research.
The university has four faculties; Faculty of Management Commerce and Law, Faculty of Science Engineering and Agriculture, Faculty of Humanities Social Science and Education, Faculty of Health Sciences. Each commits to nurturing and preparing competitive and high-caliber students for successful professions after graduation. The School of Law in UniVen is a recognized law university in South Africa and also offers world-class legal education for those who would like to hone their skills in the legal field, given the quality support. It offers Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programs in Mercantile and Private Law, Public Law, and Criminal Justice.
Also Check: 5 Best Universities in South Africa for International Students
5. Rhodes University
Rhodes University is a world-class public educational institution in Makhanda, Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. It is the oldest university in town (one of four) and the sixth oldest operating university in the country. Established in 1904, the university is well-known and gained respect especially, from the town folks for pushing academic excellence. It has 6 faculties including, Humanities, Commerce, Law, Science, Education, and Pharmacy. Each aims to help individuals improve their skills and talent, giving them a clear career choice for their future.
The Faculty of Law at Rhodes University is well-known for its Law Clinic which, attorneys offer free legal services to indigent residents and trains law students. Rhodes University in South Africa is one of the high caliber universities that offer top law programs, and it was recognized for representing the case of some family members of Nelson Mandela against his grandson. The university allows undergraduate students studying courses in Humanities, Commerce, and Science to combine with their law degrees.
In conclusion there are multiple universities that offer great value in South Africa and they all try to help students progress in their careers and become experts in the field. The education system in South Africa is developing each day and that makes it fall under the eye of international students that want to also expand their cultural horizon, if you are interested in studying in South Africa you can check all the cheap universities that are located there.
We hope that this article on Best Law Universities in South Africa was helpful. Make sure to also check out the Available Law Programs for International Students!
