UCT Law Admission Requirements
How to Apply for Admission to the LLB Programme
The University of Cape Town (UCT) has created a detailed 5-minute video that covers all aspects of applying for the LLB programme. This should be watched alongside the general application video for UCT to get a comprehensive understanding of the process.
Key Information for Applying to the LLB Programme
Application Timeline
Applications for all LLB programmes for the 2025 academic year are open from 2 April to 31 July 2024.
Study Options for the LLB
UCT offers three different ways to pursue your LLB degree:
- 2-Year Graduate LLB (Combined Stream):
- This programme is part of a combined stream which includes BCom Law + LLB, BA Law + LLB, or BSocSci + LLB.
- Eligibility: You must have completed or be in the final year of your undergraduate degree to apply.
- 3-Year Graduate LLB:
- This option is for applicants who have completed an undergraduate degree without any Law courses.
- Eligibility: You must have completed or be in the final year of your undergraduate degree to apply.
- 4-Year Undergraduate LLB:
- This is suitable for those without any undergraduate qualifications or those currently completing matric.
- Eligibility: This is the only option available if you are in matric or do not have an undergraduate qualification.
Application Choices
When applying to UCT, you can specify a first choice programme and a second choice programme. If you are interested in the Combined Stream law studies, your first choice must be your home faculty for your undergraduate degree (e.g., Commerce or Humanities). You cannot apply for the LLB part of the Combined Stream as your second choice. The second choice programme should be another faculty or specialisation as part of your application for UCT in 2025.
Important Considerations
All three LLB programmes (the 2-year graduate combined stream LLB, the 3-year graduate LLB, and the 4-year undergraduate LLB) are considered undergraduate degrees. Therefore, applicants must adhere to the processes and deadlines set for undergraduate applications.
For further clarity on applying for the GRADUATE LLB options (2-year combined stream or 3-year), those with an undergraduate degree or in the final year of their undergraduate programme should refer to specific guidelines. If you do not meet these criteria, you will not be eligible to apply for either the 2-year or 3-year graduate LLB options and will encounter an error message during the application process.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When do applications to UCT open each year? Applications for study at UCT typically open between April and July each year. For 2025, applications are open from 2 April to 31 July 2024.
- How do I apply? You must apply online via the UCT Online applications site, which will be active from April of the given year at applyonline.uct.ac.za. Full information on applying to UCT can be found here.
- What are the admission requirements at UCT? Detailed admission requirements can be found at this link.
- Do I have to take the NBTs to apply to UCT Law? Yes, you need to write the National Benchmark Tests (NBTs) to apply for any undergraduate programmes at UCT. More information is available here. For 2025 applications, the latest date to take the tests is October 2024.
- Where can I find information about all the degree programmes that UCT offers? Comprehensive information is available online. The best place to start is the Undergraduate Prospectus.
- What are my options to study Law at UCT? There are three main pathways:
- Combined Degree: A 3-year undergraduate degree in Commerce or Humanities with Law subjects, followed by a 2-year LLB.
- 3-Year Graduate LLB: For those who have completed an undergraduate degree without law subjects.
- 4-Year Undergraduate LLB: Direct registration in the Law Faculty for those without any undergraduate qualifications.
- What subjects must I have, and how many points do I need for the LLB programme? There are no specific subject requirements for Law. You do not need to have Mathematics as a matric subject. Points are calculated based on your core matric results. UCT considers historical disadvantage in its point calculation to ensure fair access. Detailed information is available in the Choose Law booklet or by contacting the Faculty Office at law-studies@uct.ac.za.
- Can I transfer to UCT from another university?
- Transferring students must follow the same application process as first-time applicants.
- UCT students in good academic standing may apply to transfer to the LLB degree but must meet the admission requirements with their matric and NBT results. Successful applicants may receive credit or exemption for up to four full courses.
- Non-UCT students not excluded from another university may also apply to transfer but must satisfy the admission requirements. They may also receive credit or exemption for up to four full courses.
- Credits and exemptions are granted if the Faculty deems the courses equivalent in content and standard to those at UCT. Transferring students must complete the remaining prescribed LLB courses over a minimum of two years.
- I have been made an offer to study Law at UCT. What now? Upon receiving a firm offer, you are ready to start your first year. Information on Orientation, laptop requirements, and other important notices will be available on the UCT site. Orientation dates will be announced once finalized by the university. For questions about credit transfers, financial support, parent orientation sessions, or other issues, refer to the downloadable guide or contact law-studies@uct.ac.za.
Additional Information on Studying Law at UCT
Courses
Information about available courses can be found in the Faculty Handbook or on the websites of the three departments: Private Law, Commercial Law, and Public Law.
Staff
Details about the Dean of Law, academic staff, and Faculty Office personnel are available on the departmental pages.
Library
The Law Library is well-stocked and managed by knowledgeable staff who can assist students. It is considered one of the best-stocked Law Libraries on the continent.
Why Study Law at UCT?
Points Needed for Admission
The points required for admission vary based on UCT’s commitment to redress and ensuring fair access for historically disadvantaged students. Detailed requirements are available in the Choose Law booklet.
Matric Subjects Required
There are no specific matric subjects required for admission to the Law programme at UCT.
Professional Qualification
According to the Legal Practice Act 28 of 2014, the LLB is the universal legal qualification for admission and enrolment as an advocate or attorney. To practice as an advocate, graduates typically undergo pupillage and sit for an admission examination. To become an attorney, graduates must serve as candidate attorneys and may attend a practical legal training course or perform community service to reduce the required articles period. After this, candidates take a professional examination set by the relevant provincial Law Society.
Non-citizens of South Africa obtaining a UCT LLB do not automatically qualify to practice law in South Africa and must verify their eligibility separately.
For more information, contact the Law Faculty Office at law-studies@uct.ac.za.
Orientation and Support
A comprehensive guide to starting out as a Law student at UCT is available, including details on Orientation, Registration, Student Societies, and more. If further questions arise or specific information is needed, students are encouraged to email lawcares@uct.ac.za for assistance.
By following these guidelines and understanding the requirements, prospective students can successfully navigate the application process and prepare for their academic journey in Law at the University of Cape Town.
