LLMs in South Africa

Studying an LLM in South Africa

Flanked by two oceans and boasting almost 3,000 km of stunning coastline, not to mention grassland, semi-desert, a wealth of biodiversity, with its decent economic situation plus a fascinating cultural vibe, South Africa, or the “Gateway to Africa” as it is sometimes referred to, is a great place to continue your legal studies. 

There is a good selection of universities in South Africa, these include University of Stellenbosch; University of the Western Cape; University of Cape Town; University of Fort Hare; University of KwaZulu-Natal; Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University; University of Pretoria; University of South Africa; and the University of Witwatersrand.

What LLM programmes can you do in South Africa?

LLM programmes in South Africa usually take one year’s full-time study or two years’ part-time study. LLM programmes currently available at universities in South Africa include the following:

· Law
· Commercial Law
· Investment Law
· International Trade Law
· Labour Law
· Constitutional and Administrative Law
· Criminal Justice and Criminology
· Environmental Law
· Human Rights Law
· International Law
· Shipping Law
· Marine Law
· Taxation Law
· Public Law
· Business Law
· Public Health Law
· Medical Law
· Mercantile Law
· Tourism Law
· Private Law
· Corporate Law
· Child Law
· Insolvency Law
· Procedural Law
· Property Law
· Family Law
· Commercial Law
· Information Technology Law
· Insurance Law
· Banking Law
· Intellectual Property Law
· Indigenous Law
· Jurisprudence
· Health Law
· Communications Law

LLM programmes are typically taught in English, although do check with your chosen institution to make sure.

Admissions to a South African LLM programme

International students must have a study permit before they are allowed to enrol onto any course in South Africa. These are available from the South African embassy in your home country, or from the Department of Home Affairs in South Africa:

Subdirectorate: Temporary Residence
Private Bag X114
Pretoria 0001
South Africa
Telephone: +27(0)12 314 8911 Fax: +27(0)12 328 3908

Course applications should be made directly to the university and it’s a good idea to apply as early as possible to increase your chances of securing a place.

To gain entry to an LLM program in a South African institution applicants should generally hold a degree of LLB or its equivalent. Applicants with degrees or qualifications in a language other than English will probably need to demonstrate their English language skills by obtaining exam scores in one of the following:

TOEFL: Minimum paper-based score of 600 or a total score of 100 with at least 25 on each of the individual skill areas (internet-based)

IELTS: Minimum band score of 7.0

How to apply for a study permit

Please bear in mind these are only guidelines – you must check the exact requirements with your chosen institution:

A valid passport
A formal offer letter from your chosen South African institution
Proof that you are able to pay your tuition fees and have adequate means of support throughout the duration of your LLM programme
A medical certificate and proof medical insurance cover usable in South Africa
A repatriation guarantee
A written undertaking that you will return to your country of residence/origin after completing your studies
The relevant permit fee

A study permit will take about six weeks to process.

Tuition fees and living costs

LLM programme tuition fees for international students at a South African institution are around R 10,000- R11,000 per module (just under £1,000) – which is around 50% higher than the fees for the ‘home students’. LLM programmes generally consist of four modules. There will also be a similar cost for the thesis or dissertation as well as application and registration fees. International students will generally be expected to pay their tuition fees and registration charges up front, and tuition fees will not include accommodation and living costs.

Don’t forget Postgrad Solutions Global LLM Study Bursaries which are open to postgraduate students studying an LLM program anywhere in the world!

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