A BCom Law is a three-year commerce degree combining law modules with business and economics, requiring a bachelor pass with Mathematics at the level the faculty sets. It is not an LLB and does not on its own qualify you to practise law.
Because it is a commerce degree, Mathematics is generally required and Mathematical Literacy is frequently not accepted. At the University of Johannesburg, for example, BCom Law requires a minimum APS of 31 with Mathematics at level 4, and Mathematical Literacy is explicitly not accepted.
Entry Requirements at a Glance
Entry is assessed on the following.
- A bachelor pass, since it is a degree
- Mathematics at the level required, with Mathematical Literacy frequently not accepted
- English at the level the faculty requires, commonly level 5
- An additional language at the level required
- The institution APS for the commerce faculty
Academic and Minimum Admission Requirements
The BCom Law runs three years at NQF level 7 and combines core commerce modules with selected law modules. It suits people aiming at commercial roles that require legal literacy rather than at legal practice itself.
If you intend to practise law, the BCom Law is a foundation rather than a destination. Completing it and then a shortened LLB is a recognised route, and it takes longer overall than entering the four-year LLB directly.
Subjects, APS and Qualification Requirements
The mathematics requirement is what distinguishes BCom Law from BA Law and the LLB at most institutions, and it reflects the accounting, economics and statistics content of the commerce core.
English is required at a high level across all law routes, since the discipline rests on precise reading and argument. See UJ law requirements for a worked example of how one faculty sets these figures.
Documents and Application Requirements
Applications normally require 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 is charged
- 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
Confirm whether Mathematical Literacy is accepted at each institution, since this is the single most common reason BCom Law applications fail.
Practising as an attorney or advocate requires steps beyond the degree, including practical vocational training and admission by the court. Those requirements are set by the Legal Practice Council rather than by the university.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I study BCom Law with Mathematical Literacy?
Frequently not. Commerce faculties commonly require Mathematics for this degree. Confirm with each institution.
Does a BCom Law let me practise law?
No. It is a commerce degree. Practising requires an LLB followed by the Legal Practice Council requirements.
How does it differ from BA Law?
BCom Law combines law with commerce and requires Mathematics. BA Law combines law with humanities and is more likely to accept Mathematical Literacy.
Can I do an LLB afterwards?
Yes, through a shortened LLB after completing the degree. It takes longer overall than entering the four-year LLB directly.
Confirm the Mathematics requirement and APS with each commerce faculty. See admission requirements and browse all education requirements.