Law at Unisa is offered by distance learning, principally through the LLB, which requires a National Senior Certificate with bachelor degree endorsement together with the Unisa Academic Point Score and language requirement. A Higher Certificate in Law is available as an accessible entry point.
Unisa calculates its Academic Point Score on the National Senior Certificate 1 to 7 scale using six recognised 20-credit subjects, to a maximum of 42, excluding Life Orientation.
Entry Requirements at a Glance
Applications are generally assessed on the following.
- A National Senior Certificate with bachelor degree endorsement for the LLB
- The Unisa Academic Point Score for the qualification
- A minimum percentage in the language of teaching and learning
- Access to a computer and the internet, since delivery is by distance and online learning
- An offer of placement, accepted online before registration
- Limited spaces, since Unisa states that meeting the requirements does not guarantee a place
Academic and Minimum Admission Requirements
The 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 for applicants who do not meet LLB entry.
Unisa states that meeting the general and specific admission requirements does not guarantee a place, since some qualifications have limited spaces.
Subjects, APS and Qualification Requirements
There is no prescribed matric subject combination for law. The language of teaching and learning result is the operative requirement, since legal study is reading and writing intensive.
Applicants who already hold a degree may qualify for credit towards the LLB. Unisa evaluates recognition of prior learning case by case and requires a completed DSAR04 form with a certified academic record.
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
Distance study demands self-discipline. Law is reading-intensive and the workload is substantial, and students who underestimate it commonly stall in the first year.
The LLB is the academic qualification only. Practising as an attorney or advocate requires practical vocational training and admission by the court, governed by the Legal Practice Council. See law requirements for the national picture.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do I need for the Unisa LLB?
A National Senior Certificate with bachelor degree endorsement, the Unisa Academic Point Score, and the language requirement.
What if I do not meet LLB entry?
The Higher Certificate in Law requires at least 40 per cent in the language of teaching and learning and can articulate towards further study.
Do I need Mathematics?
No. The language of teaching and learning requirement is the operative one, though Mathematics counts towards the APS.
Can I get credit for a previous degree?
Unisa evaluates recognition of prior learning case by case, requiring a DSAR04 form and a certified academic record.
Source: University of South Africa official admission pages, checked August 2026. Confirm requirements with Unisa and admission requirements with the Legal Practice Council. See law requirements. See admission requirements and browse all education requirements.