Top 10 Best Law Schools in South Africa

South Africa, also known as the Republic of South Africa (RSA), is a country located in the southernmost part of Africa. The country has a population of about over 60 million people and is said to be the 23rd-most populous nation in the world that covers an area of 1,221,037 square kilometres (471,445 square miles).
South Africa has three capital cities(Pretoria, Bloemfontein and Cape Town), with the executive, judicial and legislative branches of government based in Pretoria, Bloemfontein and Cape Town respectively.
South Africa houses a good number of law schools, if you’re looking to study law in this country; I will be showing you the 10 best law schools in South Africa.
South Africa is the home to some of the Top Free Accredited Online Courses With Certificates and Top Real Estate Management Courses.
In this article, we shall not be looking at Best Public Boarding Schools in South Africa or Best Primary Boarding Schools in South Africa but we shall be looking at the best law schools in South Africa.
Top 10 Best Law Schools in South Africa
Below are the top 10 best law schools in South Africa
- University of Cape Town
- University of Witwatersrand
- Stellenbosch University
- University of Pretoria
- University of KwaZulu-Natal
- University of Western Cape
- University of Johannesburg
- Rhodes University
- North-West University
- University of the Free State
Becoming a successful lawyer is tied to proper training and experience; with these schools, you get both proper training and experience to guide you on your career path.
Which of these schools do you plan to attend?
Not sure yet?
Then read through this article to get a comprehensive knowledge of these schools and what they offer, this will help you decide which of these best law schools in South Africa to attend.
1. University of Cape Town
The University of Cape Town is one of South Africa’s most prestigious schools for studying law. It is a public research school founded in 1829. It has over time given quality education to students through the hands of qualified lecturers willing to communicate cognitive knowledge to students.
Though the legal faculty of the university stands as the smallest in the institution with only a 1,000 student population, it has continued to thrive. Products of the legal faculty of this university are known to be among the qualified lawyers seeking the good of their country. Students from other African nations study at the school. If you’re looking to study law in South Africa, this university is open to international students.
Website: https://www.uct.ac.za/
Vice-Chancellor: [email protected]
Postal address: University of Cape Town, Private Bag X3, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa
Phone: +27 (0)21 650 9111
2. University of Witwatersrand
Another institution to reckon with is the University of Witwatersrand. It is a well-respected University in the country known for producing four Nobel Prize Winners which includes our world respected Nelson Mandela.
The University of Wits was established in 1896 and is ranked one of the best law schools in South Africa. This great institution has produced well-recognized legal figures all across the world and is set to continue in its legacy of graduating qualified legal practitioners. Legal students are encouraged to go beyond the four walls of the classroom and become independent learning, pushing beyond the learning to become the best they can be. The law school pursues transformative and innovative research to help students reach the top.
General Enquiries: +27 (0)11 717 1000
Admission Enquiries: +27 (0)11 717 1888
Website: https://www.wits.ac.za/
3. Stellenbosch University
A school recognized for providing quality teaching standards and research is Stellenbosh University. The university has both local and international awards to its name for quality research and teaching style. With over 100 years of experience, it has continued to keep up with the good work.
To its faculty of law; the school’s legal faculty is factored to produce world-class legal practitioners who will stand to defend and work towards the good of the masses. The school is well equipped with relevant materials and facilities needed to assist students in completing their studies efficiently. One of the largest legal libraries in Africa is the Stellenbosh University legal library. Its environment accommodates students’ needs and is conducive for proper teaching and learning.
Website: http://www.sun.ac.za/english
Address: Stellenbosch University Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602, Stellenbosch, South Africa
Tel.: +27 21 808 9111
4. University of Pretoria
The University of Pretoria founded in 1908 is one of the oldest and largest universities in the country with students from other African Nations. It is ranked among the top three universities in Africa in a number of subjects.
Recognized for its leadership in relevant legal research and education, the law school is set to keep the ball rolling by providing students with the best training possible in the country. It has put facilities in place to aid proper legal education and training.
Website: https://www.up.ac.za/
Postal Address: University of Pretoria Private Bag x 20 Hatfield 0028
Contact: 012 420 3111
Email: [email protected]
5. University of KwaZulu-Natal
The University of KwaZulu-Natal is known for its desire to produce competent students in every career path they have chosen; however, the school has been outstanding in its academic achievements in law and health sciences.
Established in 2004 through the merger of the University of Natal and Durban-Westville, the university has consistently over the years given its best to raising competent students even in the legal school. Developing competence; generally and technically within the LLB is core to the legal school. If you’re looking for one of the best, the University of KwaZulu-Natal is one place you can look at.
Website: https://ukzn.ac.za/
Phone: DBN: +27 31 260 1111 – PMB: +27 33 260 5111
6. University of Western Cape
The University of Western Cape is a school committed to constitutionalism and human right; this is one legal school you’ll want to attend. The institution joined actively in the fight against racial discrimination seeking the freedom of the masses.
Founded in 1904, the University of Western Cape is renowned for its dedication to constitutionalism and human rights providing relevant legal education and thorough training to law students. It is open to students from different races; this also shows its commitment to protecting and raising legal figures that will protect the right of the people.
Website: https://www.uwc.ac.za/
Address: University of the Western Cape, Robert Sobukwe Road, Bellville, 7535 Republic of South Africa
Email: [email protected] |
Phone: +27 21 959 2911
7. University of Johannesburg
The university was founded in 2005 and within the shortest period has won worldwide recognition through its undeniable academic achievements. The school opened its doors to both international and national students alike with an international student population of 3,000.
The University of Johannesburg’s school of law is selective in employing tutors; they are known to employ capable hands and legal experts in a specialized area. Students of the faculty of law are assured of the best legal education through the hands of legal experts committed to giving the best form of legal education. The legal school recruits specialist in criminal justice, forensic investigation, tax law, bankruptcy law and more. This institution is one you definitely want to consider for study.
Website: https://www.uj.ac.za/
Phone: +27 (0) 11 559 4555
Email: [email protected]
Postal Address: University of Johannesburg PO Box 524 Auckland Park 2006 South Africa
8. Rhodes University
Another great institution to consider is Rhodes University. Studying at this school can be enjoyable and satisfying. The school was established in 1904 making it one of the oldest universities in the country.
With over 10 decades of experience, this legal school is one of the best to provide you with adequate legal knowledge as it have continued to evolve and advance with the changing world to keep students updated and in line with the trends of legal practice. The school has a good graduation rate and offers one of the best degrees in South Africa.
Website: https://www.ru.ac.za/
Phone: +27 46 603 8111
Postal Address: PO Box 94 Makhanda 6140 Eastern Cape, South Africa
The North-West University is known to provide high-quality legal education to students. Law students are equipped mentally, socially, ethically and with the needed skills to be successful as legal practitioners. The faculty of law of the institution is focused on stretching the boundaries of knowledge to help students think outside the box and develop creativity and innovative minds to help them succeed in this career path.
The University is open to both national and international students from other African countries. If you’re looking to study law in any of the best law schools in South Africa, the North-West University is worth considering.
Website: https://www.nwu.ac.za/
Address: The Office of the Registrar Building F1 11 Hoffman Street Potchefstroom 2351
Postal address: North-West University Private Bag X1290 Potchefstroom 2520
Tel: (+27 18) 299-1111 or (+27 18) 299-2222
10. University of the Free State
Schools are also ranked best when they have an outstanding teaching method coupled with excellent academic achievements; this is why the University of Free State is considered one of the best law schools in South Africa. The university is known locally and internationally for its innovation teaching methods which has promoted academic excellence in students.
Law students in Bloemfontein get both theory and practical lessons in legal practice in the upper and lower division of the courts. These practical create lasting experiences that can be used effectively. The school ensures students are actively involved in every practical experience and that students get lessons from qualified lecturers.
Website: https://www.ufs.ac.za/
Contact: Bloemfontein Campus: +27 51 401 9111 – Qwaqwa Campus: +27 58 718 5000 – South Campus: +27 51 401 9111
E-mail: [email protected]
FAQs
Which is the best law school in Africa?
The University of Cape Town – The School for Advanced Legal Studies is rated the best law school in Africa and in the Middle East.
How many years does it take to study law in South Africa?
It will take 4 years if the standard requirement of completing an LLB degree before practising as a lawyer is followed. However, one can choose to study BCom or BA first, which usually takes three years and then study LLB for another two years making a total of five years.
Is studying law in South Africa worth it?
Yes, studying law in South Africa is worth it. Law students in South Africa have ample opportunities of getting a job or internship right after completing their studies.
Which LLM is the best in South Africa?
The following offer the best LLM program in South Africa: the University of Cape Town, the University of Witwatersrand, Stellenbosh University, the University of KwaZulu-Natal and the University of Johannesburg.
Conclusion
Certain schools are rated best for outstanding reasons and studying in any of these schools can be an added advantage to you and your career. I have reviewed the best law schools in South Africa, it’s now up to you to select from the options provided.
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