If you want to practise law in South Africa, the first question you may ask is: What subjects are needed to become a lawyer? The truth is that there is no single subject combination that automatically guarantees entry into law school. However, South African universities set very clear subject requirements for lawyers, minimum APS scores, and English performance standards.
The qualification required to practise law is the Bachelor of Laws (LLB). This degree is offered at several universities, including the University of Johannesburg (UJ), University of Pretoria (UP), University of Cape Town (UCT), and University of the Free State (UFS). Each institution has its own admission rules, but there are common high school subjects that matter if you want to study law.
On this page, you will find a comprehensive guide to the high school subjects needed for a lawyer, including English, Mathematics, Mathematical Literacy, and additional language requirements.
Contents
- High School Subjects Needed for a Lawyer
- University of Johannesburg (UJ) – LLB Requirements
- University of Pretoria (UP) – LLB Requirements
- University of Cape Town (UCT) – LLB Requirements
- University of the Free State (UFS) – LLB Requirements
- Common Subject Requirements Across South Africa
- Why These Subjects Matter for Law
- Summary: What Subjects Are Needed to Become a Lawyer
- Frequently Asked Questions About Becoming a Lawyer in South Africa
- Can I become a lawyer without law school?
- Can I become a lawyer online?
- Can I become a lawyer with a criminal record?
- Can I become a lawyer at 40?
- Can I become a lawyer at 60?
- Can I become a lawyer without a degree?
- Can I become a lawyer at 50?
- Can I become a lawyer with science?
- Can I become a lawyer with a felony?
- Can I become a lawyer after engineering?
- Can I become a lawyer with a degree in BA?
- Can I become a lawyer with a business degree?
High School Subjects Needed for a Lawyer
When considering what subjects you need to study law, the most important one across all South African universities is English. Because law depends on reading, writing, interpretation, and clear communication, English is compulsory and usually requires at least a Level 5 (60%).
Other subjects that support admission include:
- Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy – Most universities accept either, but the required percentage differs.
- An Additional Language – Usually at least 50% is required.
- Life Orientation – While compulsory to pass matric, it is excluded from APS calculations at all law faculties.
👉 The focus is not on the number of subjects but the APS (Admission Point Score) you achieve and whether you reach the minimum level for English and either Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy.
University of Johannesburg (UJ) – LLB Requirements
- APS: 31 with Mathematics or 32 with Mathematical Literacy
- English: Level 5 (60%)
- Additional Language: Level 4 (50%)
- Mathematics: Level 3 (40%)
- Mathematical Literacy: Level 4 (50%)
UJ expects a strong balance between English, Mathematics (or Mathematical Literacy), and an additional language. If you achieve these levels, your chances of being admitted to the UJ LLB degree are good.
University of Pretoria (UP) – LLB Requirements
- APS: Minimum of 32
- English Home Language or English First Additional Language: Level 5 (60%)
- Mathematics: Not compulsory
- Life Orientation: Excluded from APS
The University of Pretoria places heavy emphasis on English. Although Mathematics is not required, performing well in your other subjects increases your APS score, which strengthens your application.
University of Cape Town (UCT) – LLB Requirements
UCT is one of the most flexible institutions regarding school subjects for lawyers.
- No specific subject requirements for law
- Mathematics is not compulsory
- Admission based on overall matric results (excluding Life Orientation)
UCT applies a redress policy that considers applicants’ backgrounds to ensure fairness and inclusion. While you do not need Mathematics or a second language at high levels, you must have strong overall results and meet their APS threshold.
University of the Free State (UFS) – LLB Requirements
- APS: Minimum 33
- English Home Language or First Additional Language: 70% (Level 6)
- Mathematical Literacy: 70% (Level 6)
- Mathematics: 50% (Level 4)
UFS is stricter compared to UCT and UP. If you do not meet the standard requirements, you may still be considered for their extended five-year LLB programme, which provides additional academic support.
Common Subject Requirements Across South Africa
Looking at all four universities, certain themes stand out in answering the question “What subjects are needed to become a lawyer in South Africa?”
- English is critical – Every law faculty requires at least 60% in English, either Home Language or First Additional Language.
- Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy is important – Most universities expect at least 40%–50% for Mathematics or 50%–70% for Mathematical Literacy.
- Overall APS matters more than individual subjects – Faculties like UCT admit students based on overall performance rather than specific subjects.
- Life Orientation is excluded – No university includes Life Orientation in APS calculations.
Why These Subjects Matter for Law
Choosing the right high school subjects to become a lawyer is not only about meeting minimum entry requirements. Law demands skills in:
- Language and Communication: English ensures you can write, argue, and analyse texts.
- Logical Thinking: Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy develops reasoning and problem-solving.
- Cultural Awareness: An additional language helps with interpreting laws in multilingual contexts.
Summary: What Subjects Are Needed to Become a Lawyer
To study law in South Africa, you must pay attention to your high school subjects for lawyers. English is non-negotiable, while Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy is almost always required, though at different levels depending on the university. UFS is the strictest, UCT the most flexible, and UJ and UP sit somewhere in between.
If you want to maximise your chances of admission, choose:
- English (Home Language or First Additional Language)
- Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy
- An Additional Language
When people search for what subject needed to become a lawyer or high school subjects needed for a lawyer, the consistent answer is that your results in English and either Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy will determine your eligibility. Strong APS scores across your six best subjects will give you the best chance of securing a place in law school.
Frequently Asked Questions About Becoming a Lawyer in South Africa
Can I become a lawyer without law school?
No. In South Africa, you cannot become a lawyer without completing a law school qualification. The recognised path is obtaining an LLB degree at a university. After that, you must complete articles of clerkship (practical legal training) and pass the Board Examinations set by the Legal Practice Council. Without law school, you cannot qualify as an attorney or advocate.
Can I become a lawyer online?
No. At present, South Africa does not allow fully online law degrees that qualify you to practise law. While some modules may be offered online at universities, the LLB degree must be completed at a recognised institution with accredited coursework and practical training. Online short courses in law exist, but they cannot qualify you as a practising lawyer.
Can I become a lawyer with a criminal record?
It depends. Having a criminal record does not always prevent you from studying law, but it can affect whether you are admitted to practise as a lawyer. The Legal Practice Council requires proof of good character before admitting you as an attorney or advocate. Minor offences may not disqualify you, but serious crimes involving dishonesty, fraud, or violence can make it difficult to be admitted.
Can I become a lawyer at 40?
Yes. There is no age limit for studying law in South Africa. If you are 40 and meet the university admission requirements, you can enrol in an LLB degree. After four years of study and your practical training, you could still have a long career ahead. Many people pursue law as a second career later in life.
Can I become a lawyer at 60?
Yes, but it is rare. Technically, there is no maximum age for becoming a lawyer. If you are 60, you may still enrol in law school provided you meet the entrance requirements. However, it is worth considering the time commitment: four years of study plus practical training. While possible, it may be more challenging at this stage of life.
Can I become a lawyer without a degree?
No. In South Africa, you cannot become a lawyer without completing a law degree (LLB). Unlike some countries that have alternative apprenticeship routes, South Africa’s legal profession requires formal university education, practical training, and Board Exams before you can be admitted.
Can I become a lawyer at 50?
Yes. Like at 40 or 60, there is no age restriction. If you are 50 and willing to commit to the LLB degree and legal training, you can still qualify as a lawyer. Many mature students successfully change careers to law later in life, especially in areas like human rights, labour law, or commercial law.
Can I become a lawyer with science?
Yes. You can take science subjects in high school and still apply for law, as long as you achieve the required APS and have strong marks in English. Law does not require you to study Commerce or Humanities subjects only. In fact, some lawyers specialise in intellectual property law or medical law, where a science background is an advantage.
Can I become a lawyer with a felony?
A serious offence such as a felony (in South African terms, a major criminal conviction) will make it difficult to be admitted as a lawyer. The Legal Practice Council requires all applicants to be fit and proper. While you may complete an LLB degree, your admission may be refused if the conviction shows dishonesty or serious misconduct.
Can I become a lawyer after engineering?
Yes. If you already have an engineering degree, you can apply for an LLB programme. Some universities offer graduate entry routes that allow students with prior degrees to complete the LLB in fewer years. Engineers who become lawyers often specialise in patent law, construction law, or contract law, where their technical background is valuable.
Can I become a lawyer with a degree in BA?
Yes. If you have a BA degree (for example, in Political Science, International Relations, or English), you can still apply for an LLB. Some universities allow BA graduates to complete a two-year postgraduate LLB, while others require a full four-year LLB. Your BA may strengthen your background, especially if it included law-related modules.
Can I become a lawyer with a business degree?
Yes. A business degree (such as BCom or BBA) can serve as a strong foundation for law. Many law students with business backgrounds pursue careers in corporate law, commercial law, or tax law. Like with a BA, some universities offer postgraduate LLB programmes for degree holders, which may shorten your study period.
