The Unisa Higher Certificate in Law, qualification code 98751, requires a National Senior Certificate with at least 40 per cent in the language of teaching and learning. It is the accessible entry point into legal study for applicants who do not meet LLB entry requirements.
The higher certificate is not a qualification to practise law. It gives grounding in legal principles and can support admission to further study, but only the LLB leads to admission as a legal practitioner.
Entry Requirements at a Glance
Applications are generally assessed on the following.
- A National Senior Certificate
- At least 40 per cent in the language of teaching and learning
- Access to a computer and the internet, since Unisa teaches by distance and online learning
- An offer of placement, accepted online before registration
- Available space, since Unisa states that meeting the requirements does not guarantee a place
Academic and Minimum Admission Requirements
The higher certificate sits at NQF level 5. It is designed for applicants holding a National Senior Certificate without the bachelor endorsement required for degree study, and it can articulate towards further legal qualifications.
Unisa states that meeting the general and specific admission requirements does not guarantee a place, since some qualifications have limited spaces. Admission is by offer of placement, which you must accept online before registering.
Subjects, APS and Qualification Requirements
There is no prescribed matric subject combination. The language requirement is the operative one, at 40 per cent in the language of teaching and learning, reflecting that legal study is reading and writing intensive.
Mathematics is not required. What determines success in practice is the volume and density of reading, which applicants consistently underestimate in distance study.
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
- A SAQA evaluation certificate, if you hold a foreign qualification
Selection, Intake and Eligibility Considerations
Confirm the articulation route before enrolling if your goal is eventually the LLB. Progression from a higher certificate into a degree is not automatic and the specific route should be confirmed with Unisa.
Practising as an attorney or advocate requires an LLB followed by practical vocational training and admission by the court, governed by the Legal Practice Council. The higher certificate is a step towards study rather than towards practice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do I need for the Unisa Higher Certificate in Law?
A National Senior Certificate with at least 40 per cent in the language of teaching and learning.
Can I practise law with it?
No. Only the LLB leads to admission as a legal practitioner, followed by vocational training and admission by the court.
Can it lead to an LLB?
It can support admission to further study, but progression is not automatic. Confirm the articulation route with Unisa.
Do I need Mathematics?
No. The language of teaching and learning requirement is the operative one.
Source: University of South Africa official admission pages, checked August 2026. Confirm current requirements and articulation routes with Unisa, and admission requirements with the Legal Practice Council. See UNISA courses and requirements. See admission requirements and browse all education requirements.