There is no prescribed matric subject combination for studying law in South Africa. What law faculties consistently require is a strong result in the language of instruction, and many require an additional language. Mathematics requirements differ between faculties and between law degree types.
This makes law unusual among professional fields. Medicine requires specific sciences and engineering requires Mathematics and Physical Sciences, but law is open to applicants from almost any subject combination provided the language results are strong.
Entry Requirements at a Glance
Law faculties generally look at the following subjects.
- The language of instruction, commonly required at a high level such as level 5
- An additional language, required or preferred by several faculties
- Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy, with acceptance and levels differing by faculty and degree type
- No prescribed science or humanities subject
- History, useful preparation but almost never required
Academic and Minimum Admission Requirements
For the four-year LLB, faculties set their own subject requirements. Some accept Mathematical Literacy at a higher overall APS, while BCom Law routes generally require Mathematics because of the commerce content.
If you want to keep every law route open, including BCom Law, take Mathematics. If you are certain you will follow the LLB or BA Law route, Mathematical Literacy is generally workable at a higher APS.
Subjects, APS and Qualification Requirements
Language results matter most and are weighted by some faculties specifically. The discipline rests on reading dense text accurately and constructing precise written argument.
History and other essay-based subjects are useful preparation because they develop argument and source handling, but they are rarely formal requirements.
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
Check each faculty separately. Because there is no national subject prescription for law, requirements differ more between institutions here than in fields with a professional council setting them.
If your language results are weak, address that specifically. It is the one area where law faculties consistently set a bar, and some require additional language support modules for admitted students who fall below it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What subjects do I need for law?
There is no prescribed combination. A strong result in the language of instruction is the consistent requirement, and many faculties require an additional language.
Do I need Mathematics for law?
It differs by faculty and degree type. BCom Law generally requires it; the LLB and BA Law often accept Mathematical Literacy at a higher APS.
Does History help?
It is useful preparation for argument and source handling but is almost never a formal requirement.
What if my English results are weak?
Address it specifically. It is the one area law faculties consistently set a bar, and some require support modules for admitted students.
Confirm subject requirements with each law faculty, since they differ more here than in fields with a professional council setting them. See admission requirements and browse all education requirements.