Law Bursaries South Africa 2027

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Lawyers and Advocates are an essential part of society, they provide professional legal advice and represent their clients in civil and criminal litigation in the courtroom. Some lawyers even speak for the “voiceless”, with many lawyers doing pro bono cases to help people who cannot afford legal fees. Although Law requires a lot of dedication and commitment (both while you are studying and while on the job), there is no doubt that it is a very competitive, yet exciting and rewarding career choice.

Studying within the law faculty can lead the way to many different careers within the law profession – you may choose to become an attorney or advocate, or perhaps a jurist or a paralegal.

View all bursaries OPEN for application here

How much can I earn within the Law field in South Africa?

The legal profession offers a variety of career paths, ranging from private practice and corporate legal advisory roles to positions within the judiciary and public sector. Salaries can vary considerably depending on qualifications, years of experience, area of specialisation, employer type, and professional reputation. While entry-level legal professionals often begin with modest earnings during articles or pupillage, experienced attorneys, advocates, and judicial officers can earn highly competitive salaries.

CareerTypical Monthly Salary Range (ZAR)
Candidate Attorney (Articles)R8,000 – R30,000
Junior Attorney (0–3 years PQE*)R20,000 – R45,000
Attorney / AssociateR35,000 – R75,000
Senior AttorneyR60,000 – R130,000
Director / Partner (Law Firm)R100,000 – R250,000+
Advocate (Junior Counsel)R30,000 – R85,000
Senior Advocate (Senior Counsel)R85,000 – R350,000+
Legal AdvisorR20,000 – R60,000
Corporate Legal CounselR45,000 – R120,000
Compliance OfficerR25,000 – R80,000
Labour Relations SpecialistR25,000 – R70,000
Company SecretaryR40,000 – R120,000
Contracts ManagerR35,000 – R90,000
ConveyancerR40,000 – R120,000+
Public ProsecutorR35,000 – R80,000
State AttorneyR35,000 – R90,000
MagistrateR48,000 – R95,000+
JudgeR120,000 – R250,000+
Legal Academic / LecturerR30,000 – R100,000+

Where can I find Law bursaries in South Africa?

Law bursaries in South Africa can be found through a wide range of sources, including government departments, private law firms, legal councils, and public organisations. These bursaries are designed to support students who wish to pursue LLB or related legal qualifications but may need financial assistance to do so.

Many providers also offer additional benefits such as mentorship, vacation work, and potential employment opportunities after graduation. By exploring different funding platforms and staying updated on application openings, aspiring law students can access valuable opportunities to help them build a career in the legal profession.

Please note that some of the bursaries listed below may be closed. Always check the closing date of each bursary on the relevant bursary page.

GENERAL LAW BURSARIES FOR 2027

If you wish to study Law, here are some bursaries for the Law sector you should look at applying for:

Where can I study Law in South Africa?

In South Africa, there are many accredited universities where you can study law, depending on the type of legal career you want to pursue. The most common qualification is the Bachelor of Laws (LLB), which is required to become an attorney or advocate.

Top institutions offering law degrees include:

  • University of Cape Town (UCT)
  • University of Stellenbosch (SU)
  • University of Pretoria (UP)
  • University of the Witwatersrand (Wits)
  • University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN)
  • University of Johannesburg (UJ)
  • North-West University (NWU)
  • University of the Western Cape (UWC)
  • Nelson Mandela University (NMU)
  • University of South Africa (UNISA) – distance learning option

Most universities offer either a 4-year undergraduate LLB degree (after matric) or a postgraduate LLB (3 years) if you already have a degree in another field.

To become a practising lawyer in South Africa, your LLB must be accredited and you must also complete practical training (articles or pupillage) and register with the relevant professional bodies such as the Legal Practice Council.