A BCom Law (Bachelor of Commerce in Law) is a commerce degree with law modules, not an LLB. Mathematics is required: at Unisa you need a National Senior Certificate (NSC) with degree endorsement, at least 50% in the language of teaching and learning, at least 50% in Mathematics and an APS of 21.
It does not on its own qualify you to practise law. That takes an LLB, followed by practical vocational training and a competency-based assessment.
Entry Requirements at a Glance
- Pass level: an NSC with degree endorsement (Unisa).
- Language: at least 50% in the language of teaching and learning at Unisa. UJ sets an English level on its programme page.
- Mathematics: at least 50% at Unisa. UJ also requires Mathematics and does not accept Mathematical Literacy for this degree.
- APS: 21 at Unisa. UJ sets its own minimum APS on its programme page.
- Selection: Unisa admission is not automatic and also depends on available space.
Academic and Minimum Admission Requirements
Unisa’s Bachelor of Commerce in Law (90123 – LAW) is NQF level 7 with 360 credits. Besides the NSC route above, Unisa lists routes through a relevant Higher Certificate or Diploma. See the Unisa Bachelor of Commerce in Law page. Unisa is a distance university, so this is how you study BCom Law by distance learning in South Africa.
The University of Johannesburg also offers a BCom (Law). Its entry minimums are on the UJ BCom Law page; check the APS, English, additional language and Mathematics levels there. BCom Law is offered at UJ and Unisa among other South African universities.
We found no official statement on a part-time BCom Law at either university. If you want to study part-time, ask the university directly. Confirm the module list and the duration at UJ with the university.
Subjects, APS and Qualification Requirements
Mathematics is what separates the BCom Law from a humanities law degree. At Unisa the Mathematics requirement is 50%; at UJ, Mathematics is required and Mathematical Literacy is not accepted. The English requirement also differs: Unisa asks for 50% in the language of teaching and learning, and UJ sets a level on its own page, so do not assume one figure applies everywhere.
See UJ law requirements for how one faculty sets its law figures.
Documents and Application Requirements
Apply through the university’s own portal. Unisa’s undergraduate applications for the 2027 intake were open from 17 August to 9 October 2026 and online only; that window has closed. For a later intake, check Unisa’s page for the new dates. UJ’s page lists its own application window, so confirm it there. The documents requested differ by university, so follow the checklist on the portal you use.
Selection, Intake and Eligibility Considerations
Confirm whether Mathematical Literacy is accepted before you apply. Meeting the minimum does not guarantee a place, because Unisa admission also depends on available space.
If you want to practise, BCom Law is a foundation rather than the destination. Unisa lists a BCom Law degree among the qualifications it accepts for admission to its LLB (see the Unisa LLB page), and Wits’s two-year LLB is for Wits BCom(Law) graduates. Under the Legal Practice Act 28 of 2014, you qualify to be admitted as a legal practitioner with an LLB from a registered South African university, plus practical vocational training and a competency-based assessment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a bachelor of commerce in law?
It is a commerce degree with law modules. Unisa lists its Bachelor of Commerce in Law at NQF level 7 with 360 credits. It is not the LLB. The same applies if you search for bachelors of commerce in law or a bachelor in commerce law.
What is BCom Law?
BCom Law is the short name for the Bachelor of Commerce in Law, a degree offered at UJ and Unisa among other universities. The BCom law degree combines commerce with law modules; confirm the module list with the university.
Can I study BCom Law with Mathematical Literacy?
Not at UJ, which does not accept Mathematical Literacy for this degree. Unisa asks for at least 50% in Mathematics. Confirm with any other university you are considering.
Does a BCom Law let me practise law?
No. Practising requires an LLB, then practical vocational training and a competency-based assessment.
Can I do an LLB afterwards?
Yes. Unisa accepts a BCom Law degree as an admission route to its LLB, and Wits’s two-year LLB takes Wits BCom(Law) graduates. Admission is not automatic, so check each university’s requirements.
Can I study BCom Law by distance learning?
Yes, at Unisa, which offers the Bachelor of Commerce in Law (90123 – LAW) as a distance qualification.
How does it differ from BA Law?
BA Law is a separate law degree with its own requirements. See our BA Law requirements guide to compare them.
Confirm the Mathematics requirement and APS with the university before you apply. See admission requirements and browse all education requirements.