Pursuing a law degree in South Africa requires students to meet specific Admission Point Score (APS) requirements. The APS is a scoring system used by universities to assess whether a student qualifies for admission based on their matric results. Each university sets its own APS requirements for the Bachelor of Laws (LLB) program.
APS Score for Law: Requirements for Studying Law at Wits, UP, Rhodes, UCT
This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the APS requirements for law studies at the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits), the University of Pretoria (UP), Rhodes University, and the University of Cape Town (UCT).
Understanding APS Calculation
The APS is calculated based on a student’s performance in their National Senior Certificate (NSC) subjects. Points are allocated according to the achievement level in each subject as follows:
| NSC Percentage | APS Points |
|---|---|
| 80 – 100% | 7 |
| 70 – 79% | 6 |
| 60 – 69% | 5 |
| 50 – 59% | 4 |
| 40 – 49% | 3 |
| 30 – 39% | 2 |
| 0 – 29% | 1 |
The APS is calculated using the best six subjects, excluding Life Orientation, unless otherwise stated by the university.
APS Requirements for Law at Wits, UP, Rhodes, and UCT
University of the Witwatersrand (Wits)
Wits offers a four-year LLB program and an alternative route through a BA Law or BCom Law degree followed by a two-year LLB. The APS requirement for direct entry into the LLB is 43 points.
Subject Requirements:
- English Home Language or First Additional Language: Level 5 (60%+)
- Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy: Level 3 (40%+) for Maths and Level 4 (50%+) for Mathematical Literacy
Students with lower APS scores can first complete a BA Law or BCom Law before transitioning into the LLB program.
University of Pretoria (UP)
UP offers two routes into the LLB: a four-year undergraduate LLB or a postgraduate LLB after completing a BA Law or BCom Law. The APS requirement for direct LLB entry is 32 points.
Subject Requirements:
- English Home Language or First Additional Language: Level 5 (60%+)
- Mathematics: Not compulsory, but Mathematical Literacy is accepted
For students who do not meet the direct entry APS, the university allows entry through BA Law or BCom Law with a lower APS requirement of 28 to 30 points, followed by the postgraduate LLB.
Rhodes University
Rhodes University offers a flexible LLB program where students can either complete a four-year LLB or first complete a three-year BA, BCom, or BSc before enrolling in the LLB. The APS requirement for direct entry into the LLB is 45 points.
Subject Requirements:
- English Home Language or First Additional Language: Level 5 (60%+)
- Mathematics: Not compulsory, but an advantage
Applicants with an APS between 38 and 44 can be considered for a BA or BCom degree first, before transitioning to LLB.
University of Cape Town (UCT)
UCT offers a professional four-year LLB and an alternative pathway where students complete an undergraduate degree (such as BA Law or BCom Law) before enrolling in an LLB. The minimum APS required is 36 to 40 points, depending on competition.
Subject Requirements:
- English Home Language or First Additional Language: Level 5 (60%+)
- Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy: Not compulsory but advantageous
Since UCT is highly competitive, meeting the minimum APS does not guarantee admission. Applicants are also assessed based on National Benchmark Test (NBT) results and other factors.
Also check: Essential Documents Needed for University Applications
The APS requirements for law programs vary across institutions, with Wits and Rhodes having higher APS thresholds, while UP and UCT provide alternative entry pathways through BA Law and BCom Law programs. Prospective law students should ensure they meet the English language requirements and, where necessary, consider alternative entry routes if their APS falls short.
Read more: 2026 University Application Dates for South African Institutions
Before applying, students should check each university’s latest admission guidelines, as requirements may change yearly.
