The University of Johannesburg requires a minimum APS of 31 with Mathematics, or 32 with Mathematical Literacy, for its LLB. The subject requirements are English at level 5 (60%), an additional language at level 4 (50%), and either Mathematics at level 3 (40%) or Mathematical Literacy at level 4 (50%).
UJ offers three undergraduate routes into law: the four-year LLB, and the three-year BA Law and BCom Law degrees, which lay a foundation for further law study. The BA Law carries the same entry requirements as the LLB, while BCom Law is stricter and does not accept Mathematical Literacy at all.
Entry Requirements at a Glance
UJ publishes the following requirements across its undergraduate law programmes.
- LLB, programme code B4L03Q: APS 31 with Mathematics or 32 with Mathematical Literacy
- BA Law, programme code B4A01Q: the same APS and subject requirements as the LLB
- BCom Law, programme code B4C01Q: APS 31 with Mathematics, and Mathematical Literacy is not accepted
- English at level 5, which is 60% or above, across all three
- An additional language at level 4, which is 50% or above
- Mathematics at level 3 (40%) or Mathematical Literacy at level 4 (50%) for the LLB and BA Law
- Mathematics at level 4 (50%) for BCom Law
Academic and Minimum Admission Requirements
The LLB is an NQF level 8 qualification carrying 480 credits, registered with SAQA under identification number 80371, and runs for four years full-time at the Auckland Park Kingsway campus. It is the minimum academic qualification for practising law in South Africa.
The BA Law and BCom Law are three-year NQF level 7 degrees carrying 360 credits. They are not shortened LLBs: they are separate degrees that combine law modules with either humanities or commerce modules, and they lay a foundation for further law study rather than qualifying you to practise.
The APS figures are minimums for consideration. UJ’s law faculty is competitive, so applicants admitted in practice frequently present above 31 or 32, and the effective standard is set by the strength of the applicant pool in a given year.
Subjects, APS and Qualification Requirements
UJ’s law requirements are unusual in that Mathematical Literacy is accepted for the LLB and BA Law, at the cost of a higher overall APS: 32 rather than 31. That trade-off is explicit in UJ’s published requirements.
BCom Law is the exception. It requires Mathematics at level 4 and does not accept Mathematical Literacy, which reflects the commerce modules in the degree. If you took Mathematical Literacy, BCom Law is closed to you at UJ but the LLB and BA Law remain open.
English carries the highest subject requirement at level 5, with an additional language required at level 4. UJ’s faculty regulations also note that students with lower English results may be directed to register for an English for Law module, subject to capacity.
Documents and Application Requirements
Applications are made online through UJ during the application window. Expect to provide the following.
- A certified copy of your identity document
- Your National Senior Certificate or latest statement of results
- Proof of the application fee, where one applies
- Your final matric results, used to confirm any conditional offer
- Academic transcripts, if you are applying with prior tertiary study
- A SAQA evaluation certificate, if you hold a foreign qualification
Selection, Intake and Eligibility Considerations
Applications for the 2027 intake open on 1 April 2026 and close on 31 October 2026. UJ’s faculty regulations separately note a 30 September cut-off for first-year LLB admission, so check both dates against the current prospectus rather than assuming the general window applies.
UJ sets a minimum period of study of four years for the LLB and a maximum of six, with the minimum reducible where you receive credit for previous study or recognised prior learning.
If you do not meet the LLB requirements directly, BA Law and BCom Law are genuine routes toward further law study rather than consolation options. Note too that the LLB is the academic qualification only; practising as an attorney or advocate requires further steps governed by the Legal Practice Council.
Frequently Asked Questions
What APS do I need for law at UJ?
A minimum APS of 31 with Mathematics, or 32 with Mathematical Literacy, for the LLB and BA Law. BCom Law requires 31 with Mathematics only.
Can I study law at UJ with Mathematical Literacy?
Yes for the LLB and BA Law, at a higher APS of 32 and with Mathematical Literacy at level 4. BCom Law does not accept it at all.
What is the difference between the LLB and BA Law at UJ?
The LLB is a four-year NQF level 8 degree and the minimum qualification for practising law. BA Law is a three-year NQF level 7 degree that combines law with humanities and lays a foundation for further law study.
Does the LLB let me practise as a lawyer?
It is the minimum academic qualification, but practising as an attorney or advocate requires further steps after the degree, governed by the Legal Practice Council.
Source: University of Johannesburg official programme pages, checked August 2026. UJ revises requirements between intake years, so confirm against the current UJ prospectus before applying. For the national picture see law requirements and admission requirements, and browse all education requirements.