If you aspire to become a lawyer in South Africa, pursuing a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) is essential. The LLB degree equips students with the foundational knowledge and skills needed to navigate the South African legal system. This comprehensive guide explores everything you need to know about the LLB program at the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits), from its various study streams, curriculum, and entry requirements to application processes, fees, and funding options.
Overview of the LLB Degree
Wits University offers the LLB as a degree program designed to provide students with a solid foundation in law. The LLB degree ensures that graduates have a deep understanding of legal principles and the ability to apply legal knowledge effectively in a variety of contexts.
Wits provides multiple pathways to the LLB, which are designed to cater to different academic backgrounds:
- The Four-Year Stream (LFA14) – For students entering directly from high school (matric).
- The Three-Year Stream (LFA13) – For students who already hold a bachelor’s degree in any field.
- The Two-Year Stream (LFA12) – For students who have completed a BA(Law) or BCom(Law) before applying for the LLB.
Four-Year Stream (LFA14)
The four-year stream is designed for students entering directly from matric. It is the most common route, comprising a combination of law courses and a selection of elective subjects in the humanities or commerce. The program begins with foundational law subjects, and as the years progress, it focuses more on specialized areas of law.
Three-Year Stream (LFA13)
This route is ideal for students who have completed a bachelor’s degree in any discipline. These students typically possess advanced analytical and critical thinking skills, which prepare them to tackle legal studies efficiently. They can complete their LLB in three years due to the academic maturity they bring from their undergraduate studies.
Two-Year Stream (LFA12)
Students who have completed a BA(Law) or BCom(Law) are eligible to enter this two-year stream. They benefit from credits granted for the law courses taken during their previous degrees, allowing them to fast-track their LLB education.
Curriculum Overview
The LLB curriculum at Wits is structured to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of various fields of law. The curriculum is divided into the four-year, three-year, and two-year streams, with each stream having distinct course requirements.
Four-Year Stream Curriculum
First Year
- Law of Persons
- Family Law
- Introduction to Law for LLB Students
- Computer Literacy (Certificate of Competence)
- Elective courses from other faculties (36 LLB credits)
Second Year
- Constitutional Law
- Bill of Rights
- Criminal Law
- Delict (Law of Torts)
- Jurisprudence (Legal Theory)
Third Year
- Business Entities (Company Law)
- Contract Law
- Civil Procedure
- Criminal Procedure
- Ethics and Law: Theory and Practice
- Evidence
- Property Law
- Public International Law
Fourth Year
- Practical Legal Studies
- Administrative Law
- Customary Law
- Insolvency Law
- Labour Law
- Four electives
Three-Year Stream Curriculum
Second Year (First Year of Registration)
- Law of Persons
- Family Law
- Introduction to Law for Graduates
- Constitutional Law
- Bill of Rights
- Criminal Law
- Delict
- Jurisprudence
Third Year (Second Year of Registration)
- Law of Succession
- Business Entities
- Contract Law
- Civil Procedure
- Criminal Procedure
- Ethics and Law
- Evidence
- Property Law
- Public International Law
Fourth Year (Third Year of Registration)
- Practical Legal Studies
- Administrative Law
- Customary Law
- Insolvency Law
- Labour Law
- Four electives
Two-Year Stream Curriculum
Third Year (First Year of Registration)
- Law of Succession
- Business Entities
- Contract Law
- Civil Procedure
- Criminal Procedure
- Ethics and Law
- Evidence
- Property Law
- Public International Law
Fourth Year (Second Year of Registration)
- Practical Legal Studies
- Administrative Law
- Customary Law
- Insolvency Law
- Labour Law
- Four electives
Entry Requirements
Four-Year Stream (LFA14)
To be considered for the four-year LLB stream, applicants must meet the following minimum requirements:
- APS (Admission Point Score): 46+
- English: Home Language or Additional First Language Level 6
- Mathematics: Level 5
- Mathematics Literacy: Level 6
Students with an APS of 43-45, combined with English Level 6 and Mathematics Level 5 or Maths Literacy Level 6, may be wait-listed, depending on place availability.
Three-Year Stream (LFA13)
Students applying for this stream must have:
- A completed undergraduate degree (non-law)
- An average of at least 65% in their final year of study
Two-Year Stream (LFA12)
Students applying for the two-year stream must have:
- A completed BA(Law) or BCom(Law) degree
- Completed law courses during their previous degree to be credited toward the LLB
University Application Process
The application process for the LLB at Wits is straightforward but requires careful attention to deadlines and requirements.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Application Submission: Begin by submitting your application through the Student Enrolment Centre. This includes required documents and payment of the application fee.
- Review & Evaluation: An admissions consultant will assess your application and ensure you meet all entry requirements.
- Monitoring Progress: Applicants can track the progress of their applications via the Self Service Portal.
- Acceptance & Registration: Once accepted, successful applicants must complete the registration process and pay any fees.
For international applicants or those with foreign qualifications, there may be additional requirements. Make sure to review the specific details on the Wits website.
Read more:2026 University Application Dates for South African Institutions
University Fees and Funding
The costs associated with studying at Wits vary depending on the program and study stream. The university provides a fees estimator for students to calculate their expected tuition costs based on their stream and qualifications.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
Wits University offers a range of financial aid options to support students, including:
- Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarships
- University Entrance Scholarships
- Equality Scholarships
- Sports Scholarships
- National Olympiad Winner Awards
Additionally, students may apply for funding through NSFAS (National Student Financial Aid Scheme) or explore external bursaries through platforms like Bursaries South Africa.
Read more: NSFAS vs Bursaries: What’s the Difference?
The Bachelor of Laws (LLB) program at Wits University offers a comprehensive legal education that prepares students for a career in law. Whether you’re a high school graduate or someone who already holds a degree, Wits provides multiple streams to accommodate different academic backgrounds. By understanding the curriculum, entry requirements, application process, and financial support options, you can make an informed decision about pursuing this prestigious qualification.
