Learn more about the Faculty’s vision and programs on the University of Pretoria website.

Admission Requirements for the LLB Programme

Applicants to the LLB must meet strict academic and subject-specific criteria. Here’s what you’ll need:

Academic Performance (APS)

• Minimum Admission Point Score (APS): 32 points
  • Life Orientation is excluded from the APS calculation.
  • Calculations are based on the best six subjects, including English but not Life Orientation[3][5][7].

Subject Requirements

• English Home Language or First Additional Language: Level 5 (60–69%)
• Strong overall results in other NSC or equivalent subjects are expected.

Qualification Type

• National Senior Certificate (NSC) or Independent Examination Board (IEB) qualifications are accepted for direct entry.
  • International qualifications and older South African certificates may require foreign conditional exemption or alternative assessments.

Important Notes

• Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission. Entry is competitive and contingent on available places and the strength of the applicant pool[5].
• Grade 12 applicants should use their final Grade 11 marks for the initial application, and must submit final NSC results when available[3][5][7].
• Conditional offers may be made and are confirmed upon meeting requirements with final results.

For a detailed breakdown, refer to the official LLB programme requirements.

Alternative Law Entry Pathways: BA (Law) and BCom (Law)

Not all law students start with the LLB—alternative undergraduate pathways offer flexibility and broaden career options.

Bachelor of Arts (Law) & Bachelor of Commerce (Law)

• Both degrees last three years and provide foundational law knowledge combined with either arts or commerce subjects.
• After completion, students can articulate into the LLB (usually completing it in an additional two years)[7].
• Entry requirements are similar in APS and subject achievement, but check exact criteria for each route on the official site.

Advantages of Alternative Pathways

• Broader skill set, combining law with economics, languages, or social sciences.
• Greater career versatility in fields such as commerce, government, policy, and academia.

Explore alternative study paths on Requirements.co.za or view the Faculty of Law brochure (PDF)[1].

Application Process and Key Dates

Early, accurate applications are crucial due to high demand and strict closing dates.

• Applications open: 1 April each year[3][5].
• Application deadline: Usually 30 June for both South African and international applicants[7]. Confirm the current year’s dates on the university website.
• Application platform: University of Pretoria online application portal.

Application Steps

1. Review all requirements and gather necessary documentation (ID, results, etc.).
2. Apply online as early as possible after 1 April.
3. Track your application status via the University’s portal.
4. Submit final results as soon as they are available.
5. Watch for communication from the University regarding conditional or final admission.

What to Expect: Curriculum and Career Opportunities

The LLB curriculum is both challenging and comprehensive, designed to build intellectual rigor and practical legal skills.

Curriculum Overview

• Core subjects: South African law, constitutional law, criminal law, contract law, property law, family law, and more.
• Skills development: Legal research, drafting contracts, case analysis, moot court participation, and legal argumentation[1].
• Duration: Minimum of four years for direct LLB entry[3][5][7].
• Credit load: Approximately 508 credits at NQF Level 8.

Career Prospects

An LLB opens pathways to:

• Legal professions: Attorney, advocate, magistrate, judge, prosecutor.
• Government & public service: State attorney, legal advisor, court administrator, roles in police or correctional services.
• Academia: Law lecturer, researcher, legal academic leadership.
• NGOs and advocacy: Human rights lawyer, legal aid officer, law reform commission.
• Business and private sector: Legal adviser in companies, compliance, and risk management[7].

View more career options and real student experiences at the University of Pretoria Faculty site and leading legal portals like Law Society of South Africa and South African Board for Sheriffs.

Helpful Resources and Official Links

• Comprehensive law requirements: Requirements.co.za — University of Pretoria Law Requirements
• Faculty of Law official website: up.ac.za/faculty-of-law
• Yearbook and detailed program info: Programme 04130012, 2025
• APS and subject calculators: Requirements.co.za/requirements
• External authority sources:
  • Council on Higher Education (CHE)
  • South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA)
  • Law Society of South Africa

FAQs on University of Pretoria Law Requirements

1. What is the minimum APS needed for LLB admission at UP?
You need a minimum APS of 32, not counting Life Orientation, for direct entry into the LLB program[3][5][7].

2. Which subjects are required in school for law at UP?
You must have at least Level 5 (60–69%) in English Home Language or First Additional Language.

3. Can I apply with international qualifications?
Yes, but you may need to obtain a certificate of conditional exemption from the Matriculation Board or have your qualifications evaluated by SAQA.

4. What if I don’t meet the direct LLB requirements?
Consider applying for the BA (Law) or BCom (Law) degrees and, after completion, transfer into the LLB program.

5. When do applications open and close?
Applications open 1 April and generally close 30 June each year. Apply early to avoid missing out[7].

6. Is meeting minimum requirements a guarantee of admission?
No. Admission is competitive and subject to Faculty selection and space availability[5].

7. What careers can I pursue with a UP law degree?
An LLB opens doors to legal practice, judiciary, academia, government, policy, advocacy, and more[7]. See the full range on the Faculty careers page.

For further details and latest updates, visit Requirements.co.za.