If you are serious about becoming a lawyer in South Africa, it all starts with choosing the right subjects in high school, from Grade 10 up to Grade 12.. While there is no single subject that will guarantee you a place in law school, there are four high school subjects that consistently show up as essential or recommended by South African universities offering the LLB degree. These subjects help boost your Admission Point Score (APS) and prepare you for the kind of thinking and language skills law studies demand.
In this article, we break down the most important subjects and show you exactly what top law faculties like UCT, Wits, UJ, UP, UKZN, Stellenbosch, and UFS require. We also link you directly to their course pages so you do not have to guess what they want.
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Four High School Subjects Needed to study Law (LLB)
The most common Grade 10 to 12 four subjects you will need to study any law courses (towards becoming a Lawyer) in South Africa are: English (compulsory and most weighted), Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy , and (depending on university), Additional LanguageHistory or Business Studies (strategically useful):
1. English (Home Language or First Additional Language)
Let’s get this out the way first: English is non-negotiable. Every single university requires a minimum achievement in English, with most asking for Level 5 or higher (60%). At the University of Cape Town, a strong English mark is key to doing well on the Faculty Points Score (FPS). Similarly, Wits requires Level 6 in English, while UJ and UP both set the bar at Level 5 or 6.
Why so much pressure on English? Because law is all about reading, writing, arguing, and understanding complex legal language. If you cannot interpret the meaning behind words or express your arguments clearly, you’ll struggle in the LLB programme.
2. Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy
Here’s where things get interesting. Some universities accept Mathematical Literacy, but others prefer Mathematics — and that small difference can decide your fate. For example, Wits LLB clearly outlines that Mathematics at Level 5 or Mathematical Literacy at Level 6 is required. At UJ, you need Level 3 in Maths or Level 4 in Maths Lit, depending on your APS.
UKZN gives you some leeway by accepting either subject, but again, you must hit the right level: Maths at Level 3 or Lit at Level 5. Stellenbosch University recommends at least 60% in Mathematics if you’re combining law with Economics (like in BCom Law).
Even though you do not need to be a maths genius to become a lawyer, the subject shows that you can think logically and solve problems — and that matters in law.
3. Another Language (Additional Language)
Most universities calculate your APS using your second-best language, and many will count this as part of your top six subjects. At UJ, for instance, you must have Level 4 in your Additional Language, and UKZN includes both Home Language and First Additional Language in its APS calculation.
In practice, knowing more than one language is a strength in a country like South Africa, where courts and legal processes often include multiple languages. It also gives you an edge when dealing with clients or working in rural areas where legal literacy is low.
4. History or Business Studies (Recommended but not compulsory)
Now we enter the realm of strategic subjects. None of the universities require subjects like History, Business Studies, or Life Sciences for law — but they absolutely help.
History trains your ability to build arguments, analyse evidence, and understand systems — which mirrors the kind of essay-writing and critical thinking you will need in the LLB programme. Business Studies, on the other hand, is a great fit if you want to specialise in commercial law, contracts, or corporate law later.
Although not listed as mandatory, universities like University of the Free State (UFS) and University of Pretoria (UP) do assess applicants holistically, and choosing law-related high school subjects might just make your application stand out.
Do All Law Faculties Offer the Same LLB?
No, and this is where many learners make mistakes. Some universities offer a straight four-year LLB, like UP and UKZN. Others, like Wits and Stellenbosch University, also offer BA (Law) or BCom (Law) that lead into a postgraduate LLB.
Understanding the structure of your degree is as important as choosing the right subjects. If your maths marks are stronger than your languages, consider a BCom Law route. If you’re a history or literature person, go for BA Law.
Legal Specialisations and Relevant High School Subjects
Earlier, we spoke about the four high school subjects needed to study law in South Africa: English, Mathematics (or Mathematical Literacy), an Additional Language, and History or Business Studies. Now let us take that a step further.
Once you have passed matric and get into an LLB programme, you will start to see that law has many branches, and if you already have an idea of which path interests you, you can choose high school subjects that support your future studies. Here is an explanation of various legal specialisations and the Grade 10 subjects that are mostly relevant for each.
Corporate Law High Subjects Required
Subjects: Business Studies, Accounting, Mathematics
If you are interested in how companies function, how contracts are formed, or how business disputes are resolved, this area may be suitable for you. Corporate lawyers work with businesses on compliance, mergers, employment contracts, and other matters. Taking Business Studies helps you understand commercial operations, while Accounting provides a solid foundation in managing financial records. Mathematics develops logical reasoning skills that are useful for interpreting data and figures.
For example, the University of Johannesburg LLB programme values strong analytical skills that subjects like these help to develop.
Criminal Law High Subjects Required
Subjects: History, Life Sciences, English
Criminal law involves cases that range from theft and fraud to more serious offences. Criminal lawyers either defend individuals or represent the State. Studying History offers context on justice systems and the evolution of laws, while Life Sciences can be helpful when dealing with forensic reports or understanding human behaviour. Maintaining excellence in English is essential for constructing clear arguments and analysing legal texts.
Family Law High Subjects Required
Subjects: Life Orientation, History, English
Family law covers areas such as divorce, child custody, adoption, and domestic disputes. This field requires empathy and a careful approach to sensitive personal matters. Life Orientation (a mandatory subject) helps in understanding ethics and human values, whereas History, which is an elective subject, provides perspective on how family structures have evolved. Strong English skills are necessary to draft legal documents and communicate effectively in complex situations.
Intellectual Property Law High Subjects Required
Subjects: Visual Arts, Design, Business Studies
Intellectual Property Law is about protecting creative works, including music, inventions, logos, and written content. For those with a creative flair, subjects like Visual Arts or Design help to understand the nature of creativity and design. Coupling this with Business Studies gives you insight into how creative works can be commercialised and protected legally.
Environmental Law High Subjects Required
Subjects: Geography, Life Sciences, Physical Sciences
For students who are passionate about the planet and want to address issues like pollution, climate change, and resource management, Environmental Law is a promising specialisation. Geography provides knowledge about land use and spatial planning, Life Sciences helps in understanding ecosystems, and Physical Sciences is useful when dealing with technical scientific data.
Labour Law High Subjects Required
Subjects: Business Studies, History, Life Orientation
Labour Law focuses on workplace rights, employment contracts, disputes between employers and employees, and issues such as unfair dismissal. Business Studies offers insights into how organisations function, History provides an understanding of labour movements and the evolution of workers’ rights, and Life Orientation strengthens the grasp of ethics and social values.
Tax Law High Subjects Required
Subjects: Accounting, Mathematics, Business Studies
Tax Law involves assisting individuals and businesses with taxation matters, ensuring that all tax matters are compliant with the law. In this field, Accounting is fundamental as it teaches how to analyse financial records, Mathematics enhances the ability to work with numerical data, and Business Studies provides a broader view of organisational practices and economic principles.
Human Rights Law High Subjects Required
Subjects: History, Life Orientation, English
Human Rights Law is dedicated to advocating for justice, equality, and fairness. It addresses issues such as discrimination, gender equality, and the rights of disadvantaged groups. History explains the origins and evolution of human rights, Life Orientation nurtures an understanding of personal and social ethics, and excellent English skills are important for effective communication and advocacy.
Real Estate and Property Law High Subjects Required
Subjects: Geography, Business Studies, Accounting
In Real Estate and Property Law, lawyers deal with matters such as land sales, property disputes, leasing, and development rights. Geography provides an understanding of spatial relationships and land usage, Business Studies introduces you to the economic aspects of property transactions, and Accounting is essential for managing the financial side of these deals.
Medical and Health Law High Subjects Required
Subjects: Life Sciences, Physical Sciences, English
Medical and Health Law covers areas such as patient rights, medical negligence, and healthcare regulations. Life Sciences contributes to a better understanding of human biology, Physical Sciences supports knowledge of scientific research and technical reports, and English remains crucial for writing clear legal documents and arguments.
In summary, as you plan your future during Grade 10, think about what kind of legal career you are most excited about. The core subjects of English, Mathematics (or Maths Literacy), an Additional Language, and History or Business Studies provide a strong foundation. Beyond that, your elective choices can begin to align with the specific legal fields that interest you. It is important to choose subjects that not only meet university entry requirements but also inspire and prepare you for the diverse opportunities in law.
Frequently Asked Questions about Law Studies and Subjects
Can I become a lawyer with Maths Literacy?
Yes, you can become a lawyer with Maths Literacy in South Africa. Most law faculties require English at Level 5 or higher, but Maths or Maths Literacy is not a strict requirement for admission into an LLB degree. However, some universities may prefer pure Mathematics, especially for double-degree programmes (such as BCom Law). Always check the specific entry requirements of the university you want to apply to.
Can I be a lawyer with Maths Literacy and Geography?
Yes, it is possible to study law with Maths Literacy and Geography. Geography is a recognised subject and does not disadvantage you for law studies. The key subject universities look at is English Home Language or First Additional Language, as it forms the foundation of legal writing and analysis. As long as you meet the required APS score and English level, you can be accepted into an LLB degree.
Can I be a lawyer with Maths Literacy and History?
Yes, you can pursue law with Maths Literacy and History. In fact, History is an excellent subject for future law students because it teaches critical thinking, essay writing, and analysis of sources — all of which are important skills for legal studies. Maths Literacy is acceptable for most universities offering an LLB degree, as long as you meet the minimum APS and English requirements.
Can I study law without pure Maths in South Africa?
Yes, you can study law without pure Mathematics in South Africa. Most universities accept Maths Literacy for entry into an LLB degree. The key subject requirement is English, since strong reading and writing skills are essential for law. Pure Maths may only be required if you are applying for a combined degree, such as BCom Law, where financial or economic subjects are included.
Which high school subjects are needed to study law in South Africa?
There are no compulsory high school subjects for law besides English. However, subjects like History, Business Studies, and Life Sciences can be very helpful because they improve research, critical thinking, and writing skills. What matters most is achieving a strong APS score (usually 28 to 34, depending on the university) and meeting the English requirement, which is often a Level 5 or higher.
Do I need Life Orientation to count for law admission requirements?
Yes, Life Orientation counts towards your APS score, but most universities only count it up to a maximum of Level 4 (50%). This means even if you achieve higher than 80%, only 3 or 4 points will be added to your APS. While Life Orientation is part of the calculation, it cannot replace the core requirement of strong performance in English for admission into law.
Is History compulsory to study law?
No, History is not compulsory to study law in South Africa. However, it is one of the most recommended subjects because it teaches analysis, essay writing, and argument construction — skills that are directly useful in legal studies. Many law students who took History in high school find it easier to adapt to legal writing and critical reasoning at university.
Can I study law with Accounting as a subject?
Yes, you can study law with Accounting as one of your high school subjects. Accounting is not compulsory for law, but it can give you an advantage if you choose to specialise in Commercial Law, Corporate Law, or Tax Law later in your career. It also strengthens analytical and problem-solving skills, which are valuable for legal practice.
What APS score is required to study law in South Africa?
The APS score required to study law in South Africa usually ranges between 28 and 34 points, depending on the university. For example, some universities like the University of Johannesburg (UJ) and University of the Western Cape (UWC) accept students with an APS of 28, while more competitive institutions like the University of Pretoria (UP), University of Cape Town (UCT), and Wits University often require 32 or higher. Meeting the minimum APS does not guarantee admission, as spaces are limited and preference is given to applicants with higher scores.
Which universities in South Africa accept Maths Literacy for law?
Most South African universities offering the LLB degree accept Maths Literacy. Institutions such as UJ, UNISA, University of Limpopo, University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), and University of the Free State (UFS) openly accept candidates with Maths Literacy. However, top law faculties like UCT, Wits, and UP also accept Maths Literacy but may prefer applicants with stronger overall APS scores and excellent results in English. Only combined law degrees like BCom Law may require pure Mathematics.
Is English compulsory to study law in South Africa?
Yes, English is compulsory to study law in South Africa. Since law relies heavily on reading, writing, and argument construction, universities require a minimum of Level 5 (60%) or higher in English Home Language or First Additional Language. Without strong English results, it is unlikely you will be admitted into an LLB programme, even if your APS is high enough.
What is the easiest subject combination for law?
The easiest subject combination for law in South Africa is one that helps you develop strong writing, reasoning, and analytical skills. Popular choices include:
- English (compulsory)
- History (helps with essay writing and critical thinking)
- Business Studies or Accounting (useful for commercial law)
- Life Orientation (counts for APS but capped at Level 4)
- Any additional subject of interest, such as Life Sciences, Geography, or Economics.
While there is no single “easy” combination, many students find English, History, and Business Studies to be a strong foundation for law. The most important factor is achieving a competitive APS score and excelling in English.
