For the Unisa Diploma in Law (98750), you need a National Senior Certificate with a Diploma endorsement and at least 50% in the language of teaching and learning, or an equivalent Senior Certificate or Higher Certificate. Unisa lists an APS/AS of 18. Requirements differ between institutions, and Unisa is the one checked for this page.
A diploma in law does not qualify you to practise as an attorney or advocate. It is a stepping stone towards further study, including the LLB.
Entry Requirements at a Glance
For the 2027 intake, the Unisa Diploma in Law page gives these details.
- Qualification code 98750, NQF level 6, 360 credits, SAQA ID 79446
- APS/AS of 18
- Maximum of 8 years to complete
- An application fee of R160 for online applications, non-refundable
Academic and Minimum Admission Requirements
Unisa accepts any one of the following for the Diploma in Law:
- A National Senior Certificate (NSC) with a Diploma endorsement and at least 50% in the language of teaching and learning
- A Senior Certificate with at least D (HG) or C (SG) in the language of teaching and learning
- A Higher Certificate in criminal justice or law at NQF level 5
Other universities, universities of technology and private providers set their own entry rules for law, paralegal or legal support diplomas. Check the programme page of the institution you are applying to, and confirm that the qualification is accredited.
Subjects, APS and Qualification Requirements
Unisa’s entry page for this diploma lists an APS/AS of 18 and does not list a mathematics requirement. The admission wording is based on percentages in the language of teaching and learning rather than on a points table.
Ask the institution you are applying to whether it accepts Mathematical Literacy or Mathematics.
Documents and Application Requirements
Unisa applications are made online through the university. Unisa’s undergraduate application window for the 2027 intake ran from 17 August to 9 October 2026, so it has now closed. Check the Unisa website for when the next application cycle opens.
Document lists differ by institution, so use the list on the application page. Typical items are:
- A certified copy of your identity document
- Your National Senior Certificate or latest statement of results
- 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
If your goal is to practise, you need an LLB. The Legal Practice Act sets the qualifying route as an LLB from a registered university; see the Legal Practice Act 28 of 2014. A diploma does not on its own qualify you for admission as a legal practitioner.
Unisa lists a 360-credit Diploma in Law as an admission route to its LLB, with an APS/AS of 20 and subject to space. See the Unisa Bachelor of Laws page. Other universities may treat a diploma differently, so confirm before you enrol.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a diploma in law?
At Unisa it is a 360-credit, NQF level 6 qualification (code 98750). Other institutions offer similar diplomas under different names, with their own entry rules.
What are the diploma in law requirements at Unisa?
An NSC with a Diploma endorsement and at least 50% in the language of teaching and learning, or a Senior Certificate with at least D (HG) or C (SG) in that language, or a Higher Certificate in criminal justice or law at NQF level 5. Unisa lists an APS/AS of 18.
Can I practise law with a diploma?
No. The qualifying route under the Legal Practice Act requires an LLB from a registered university.
Can I upgrade to an LLB?
Unisa accepts a 360-credit Diploma in Law as an admission route to its LLB (APS/AS 20), subject to space. Confirm the position with any other university before you enrol.
Does it accept Mathematical Literacy?
Unisa’s entry page for the Diploma in Law lists no mathematics requirement. For other institutions, ask the admissions office.
How much does it cost to apply?
Unisa charges R160 for online applications, and the fee is not refundable. Tuition fees are not covered here; check them with Unisa.
Are applications still open?
Unisa’s undergraduate window for the 2027 intake ran from 17 August to 9 October 2026 and has closed. Watch the Unisa website for the next cycle.
Confirm current entry rules and dates with the institution before you apply; for Unisa, use unisa.ac.za. See admission requirements and browse all education requirements.