Requirements to Study Law at UCT

The University of Cape Town (UCT) is renowned for its rigorous law programs and the competitive nature of its admissions process. Each year, UCT attracts a large number of applications from prospective law students. Here’s a guide on the requirements and pathways to study law at UCT:

Program Options

1. Four-Year Undergraduate LLB: This program is for students applying directly from high school or with no prior university degree. Admission is based on school-leaving results and the National Benchmark Tests (NBTs).
2. Three-Year Graduate LLB: This pathway is available for those who have completed an undergraduate degree. Admission requires a minimum average of 65% across all years of the previous university degree.
3. Combined Stream LLB: Involving majors in law as part of undergraduate degrees in the Humanities or Commerce. After completing the BA, BSocSc, BCom, or BBusSci degree, students may qualify to continue into a two-year LLB program.

Admission Requirements

• For the Four-Year LLB:
  • Specify the Faculty of Law when applying.
  • Admissions are assessed based on the results in the NSC (or equivalent) and scores in the Academic and Quantitative Literacy components of the NBTs.
• For the Three-Year Graduate LLB:
  • Applicants must have graduated from UCT or another recognized university.
  • A minimum average of 65% in the undergraduate degree is required.
  • Applications are assessed competitively based on academic performance.
• For the Combined Stream LLB:
  • Apply to the Faculty housing the undergraduate degree (Humanities or Commerce).
  • Achieve a first-year GPA of at least 65% for Humanities and 63% for Commerce.
  • Limited places are awarded based on competitive GPA and in alignment with the Law Faculty’s enrollment targets.

Selection Process

• Closing Dates: Applications for all LLB programs close on July 31.
• National Benchmark Tests: Must be completed by July 31. UCT uses these results along with Grade 11 or 12 marks for the initial selection process.
• Competitive Admission: Especially for the combined stream and the graduate LLB, achieving the minimum required GPA does not guarantee a place due to the limited number of spots and high competition.

International Students

• Limited places are available for international students in the undergraduate LLB program.
• An LLB degree from UCT (or any South African university) does not automatically qualify international graduates to practice law in South Africa.

Advice for Applicants

If you are interested in pursuing a law degree at UCT, ensure to meet the necessary academic thresholds and submit all required documentation and test results by the specified deadlines. Given the competitive nature of admissions, excelling in your current studies and on the NBTs will enhance your chances of securing a place in one of these prestigious law programs.