To study law at the University of Johannesburg you need a National Senior Certificate with a minimum APS set by UJ for the programme you choose. For the 2027 intake the LLB and BA Law need an APS of 31 with Mathematics or 32 with Mathematical Literacy, and BCom Law needs 31 with Mathematics. UJ offers the LLB in Law, the BA Law and the BCom Law, all on the Auckland Park Kingsway Campus.
The three programmes differ in one important way: the LLB and BA Law accept Mathematical Literacy at a higher APS than Mathematics, while BCom Law accepts Mathematics only. This page covers UJ only. For the national picture see law requirements. Applications for the 2027 intake are open until 31 October 2026 at 12:00, and UJ accepts no late applications.
Entry Requirements at a Glance
- LLB (4 years): minimum APS 31 with Mathematics or 32 with Mathematical Literacy
- BA Law (3 years): the same APS and subject rule as the LLB
- BCom Law (3 years): minimum APS 31 with Mathematics, and Mathematical Literacy is not accepted
- English at level 5 (60%) for all three programmes
- An additional language at level 4 (50%)
- LLB and BA Law: Mathematics at level 3 (40%) or Mathematical Literacy at level 4 (50%)
- BCom Law: Mathematics at level 4 (50%)
Academic and Minimum Admission Requirements
The LLB is a four-year full-time degree at NQF level 8 with 480 credits. UJ describes it as the minimum academic qualification for practising law in South Africa: to become an attorney or advocate you need an LLB. BA Law and BCom Law are three-year degrees at NQF level 7 with 360 credits, and they combine law modules with humanities or commerce modules.
Modules passed in BA Law or BCom Law count towards a later LLB, and the Faculty of Law undergraduate page says the LLB can be reduced to two years if you have already completed one of those degrees. The minimum APS is the point at which UJ will consider your application. Law is competitive, so meeting it does not guarantee a place.
Subjects, APS and Qualification Requirements
UJ’s law requirements are unusual because Mathematical Literacy is accepted for the LLB and BA Law, with a higher APS required: 32 instead of 31. In that case you need Mathematical Literacy at level 4 (50%). If you offer Mathematics, level 3 (40%) is enough for those two degrees.
BCom Law is stricter. It needs Mathematics at level 4 (50%) and does not accept Mathematical Literacy. All three programmes need English at level 5 (60%) and an additional language at level 4 (50%).
UJ calculates the APS from your six best school subjects, excluding Life Orientation, and the six must include the required programme subjects.
Documents and Application Requirements
Apply online through UJ. The UJ undergraduate admission page explains the process. Applying to UJ is free, and you can make only two study choices per academic year. You cannot change them once you submit. South African applicants with no previous studies do not have to upload supporting documents. Transfer applicants must submit their academic record, and international applicants must submit a certified passport and school results. UJ also asks applicants to declare any previous studies.
Selection, Intake and Eligibility Considerations
The Faculty of Law decides each year how many applicants to admit, so meeting the minimum APS does not guarantee a place. Apply with your final Grade 11 results if you are still in Grade 12. UJ does not consider Grade 12 mid-term results, and it ranks applicants again in January on final Grade 12 results, by total APS and available places.
Check the closing date on the UJ undergraduate admissions page: it is 31 October 2026 at 12:00 for the 2027 intake. Apply early. The LLB is the academic degree only. Practising as an attorney or advocate requires further steps after the degree, so confirm what applies with the Legal Practice Council.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the UJ law requirements?
For the LLB and BA Law, an APS of 31 with Mathematics or 32 with Mathematical Literacy, English at level 5 (60%) and an additional language at level 4 (50%). For BCom Law, an APS of 31 with Mathematics, with Mathematics at level 4 (50%).
Can I study law at UJ with Mathematical Literacy?
Yes for the LLB and BA Law, at an APS of 32 and Mathematical Literacy at level 4 (50%). No for BCom Law, which accepts Mathematics only.
What is the difference between the LLB and BA Law at UJ?
The LLB is the four-year dedicated law degree and the academic route towards practising. BA Law is a three-year degree that combines law with humanities modules. They share the same entry rule but are separate qualifications.
Does the LLB let me practise as a lawyer?
It is the academic qualification, and UJ says you need it to become an attorney or advocate. Practising requires further steps after the degree. Confirm them with the Legal Practice Council.
Which campus teaches law at UJ?
The undergraduate law degrees are offered at the Auckland Park Kingsway Campus.
When do applications close, and is there a fee?
Undergraduate applications for 2027 close on 31 October 2026 at 12:00. Applying to UJ is free.
Confirm every requirement with the University of Johannesburg admissions office before you apply. See admission requirements and browse all education requirements.