For many aspiring legal minds, the road to becoming a lawyer, advocate, legal advisor, or judge begins with proper education. But legal studies can be expensive, and not all students can afford it on their own. Thankfully, numerous law bursaries in South Africa offer financial support to deserving students.

This article explores what it means to study law, the major specialisations within the legal field, and where to find financial support if you dream of practicing law in South Africa.

What Is Law and Why Is It Important?

Law is a system of rules enforced by institutions to regulate behavior and maintain order within society. It ensures fairness, protects rights, and creates accountability. Without law, conflict resolution, contracts, government processes, and even personal freedoms would be chaotic and unprotected.

In South Africa, law is especially important because it plays a central role in transforming a society still healing from past injustices. Legal professionals help uphold the Constitution, support equality, and bring justice to communities through fair and transparent systems.

Major Fields and Subcategories in Law

The legal profession offers a wide range of specialisations. Here are some of the most important categories students can explore:

Constitutional Law

This branch focuses on interpreting and protecting the Constitution of South Africa — especially human rights, freedom, and government accountability. Lawyers in this field often work on public interest cases.

Criminal Law

Criminal law deals with offenses against the state and involves prosecution, defense, and sentencing. Criminal lawyers may work in law enforcement, courts, or private practice defending or prosecuting individuals.

Civil Law

Civil law addresses disputes between individuals or organizations. This includes contract disputes, property cases, defamation, and personal injury claims. Many private law firms handle civil cases daily.

Corporate and Commercial Law

This area focuses on the legal side of businesses, including contracts, mergers, banking, tax, and compliance. It’s ideal for students who enjoy combining law with business knowledge.

Labour Law

Labour lawyers handle disputes between employers and employees. They work with unions, companies, and government institutions to ensure fair labor practices and resolve workplace conflicts.

Environmental Law

With climate change and sustainability becoming global concerns, this field deals with laws that regulate the environment, pollution control, and conservation. It’s essential for NGOs and government policy makers.

Family Law

Family lawyers deal with matters like divorce, custody, adoption, and child maintenance. This field requires a deep understanding of human emotion and social impact.

Human Rights and Public Interest Law

This field focuses on legal advocacy for marginalized groups, social justice, and protecting civil liberties. Many NGOs and legal aid clinics work in this space to ensure access to justice for all.

Studying Law in South Africa

To become a lawyer in South Africa, students typically need to complete an LLB degree at an accredited university. The degree usually takes 4 years, or 2 years if done after a prior degree like BA Law or BCom Law. After that, students complete a period of articles or pupillage, write board exams, and register with the relevant legal body (like the Legal Practice Council).

Law students must be skilled in research, argumentation, analysis, and writing. The workload is challenging but rewarding, especially for those passionate about justice and change.

Popular Law Bursaries in South Africa

Due to the cost of legal studies, many institutions offer bursaries to help students reach their goals. Below are some well-known law bursaries available to South African students:

Legal Practitioners Fidelity Fund (LPFF) Bursary

This fund provides bursaries for students studying towards their LLB at a South African university. The bursary covers tuition fees and is aimed at academically deserving students with financial need.

Department of Justice and Constitutional Development Bursary

This government bursary supports law students, especially those who are interested in working in the public service. Recipients may be expected to work within the Department after graduation.

LegalWise Bursary

LegalWise offers bursaries to students pursuing law degrees. Applicants must show academic merit and a passion for law. The bursary often includes internship opportunities at LegalWise offices.

Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr Bursary

This well-known law firm offers bursaries for law students, particularly those in their second year or beyond. High academic performance is key, and bursars may be offered vacation work and articles.

Werksmans Attorneys Bursary

Werksmans provides funding for top-performing law students. In addition to financial support, recipients are usually considered for vacation work and training contracts after graduation.

ENSafrica Bursary

ENSafrica, one of the biggest law firms in Africa, offers bursaries to students who are committed to becoming attorneys. They also run mentorship and internship programs.

Bowmans Bursary

Bowmans offers bursaries to undergraduate law students with excellent academic records. The firm focuses on diversity and transformation in the legal profession.

National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS)

While not law-specific, NSFAS remains the primary bursary system for financially needy students at public universities and TVET colleges. Law students at these institutions can benefit from full funding for tuition, books, and accommodation.

Conclusion

Law is more than just a career — it's a calling to serve, protect, and influence society. In South Africa, where justice and transformation are at the heart of our national journey, the role of lawyers is more important than ever. Whether you're drawn to courtroom advocacy, legal advising, or policy work, the legal profession offers many paths and a real chance to create change.

For students who are passionate but worried about the cost of legal studies, bursaries provide a bridge to success. With hard work, dedication, and the right support, you can begin your journey into law and help shape the future of South Africa.

Visit our bursary listings page to browse openBursariesin South Africa for the 2025 academic year.