UNISA College Of Law 2026

UNISA College Of Law 2026

Your Guide to Studying Law at UNISA in 2026: Programs, Pathways, and Prospects:

The Unisa College of Law refers to one of the academic divisions at the University of South Africa (Unisa), specialising in legal education and training. The college offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in law, preparing students for careers in the legal profession, public service, and related fields. Your admission to the Unisa College of Law is dependent on you meeting the minimum admission requirements for your chosen qualification and college. Meeting these minimum requirements does not, however, mean that your application will automatically be accepted, as each application will be considered individually. If you don’t meet the minimum admission requirements for your qualification of choice, you might want to consider starting with a relevant lower-level qualification (eg a higher certificate or diploma) and then continuing with the degree on completion of your lower-level qualification. Work through the admission requirements for each level of qualification (eg degree, diploma, and higher certificate) to determine whether you will be able to apply for a lower-level qualification related to your interests.

The UNISA College of Law stands as a leading institution for legal education in Africa, offering a dynamic and innovative environment for aspiring legal professionals in 2026. With a proud heritage dating back to 1873, the College has evolved into a hub for comprehensive open distance learning, making quality legal education accessible to a diverse student body across the continent and beyond. Guided by the principles of lifelong learning, student-centredness, and innovation, the College is committed to producing graduates who are not only academically excellent but also socially responsible and ethically grounded.

The College comprises two main schools—the School of Law and the School of Criminal Justice—supported by eight teaching departments, ensuring a broad and robust curriculum. Students benefit from a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical skills, including problem-solving, communication, research, and computer literacy, all essential for the modern legal landscape. The curriculum is designed to foster critical thinking and a deep understanding of legal concepts, preparing graduates to actively contribute to the administration of justice and the advancement of legal institutions in South Africa and internationally.

UNISA’s College of Law is also recognised for its commitment to community engagement and the development of a just society founded on constitutional democracy and the rule of law. Through innovative teaching methods and active stakeholder engagement, the College ensures that its graduates are equipped for continued intellectual growth and lifelong learning, including postgraduate studies. As the College looks ahead to 2026, it remains dedicated to shaping the next generation of legal professionals who will drive positive change in society.

UNISA College Of Law Application Date 2026

Applications for Unisa Law College for the 2026 academic year will be opened by the following date:

• Applications for admission to undergraduate qualifications for the 2025 academic year are to be open from 2 September 2025 to 18 November 2025
• Applications for admission to honours degrees and postgraduate diplomas for the 2025 academic year are to be open from 2 September 2025 to 18 November 2025
• Applications for admission to master’s and doctoral degrees for the 2025 academic year are to be open from 16 September 2025 to 11 November 2025 (some exceptions apply).
• Application and registration for Unisa’s Short Learning Programmes are open from 8 January to 15 February 2025 for 1st semester modules and from 8 January to 15 March 2025 for 2nd semester and year modules.

UNISA College Of Law Qualifications 2026

The Unisa College of Law of the following categories of qualifications:

Undergraduate Law Courses:

• Bachelor of Laws (LLB): This four-year undergraduate program gives a solid foundation in law and legal ideas.
• Diploma in Law (Paralegal Studies): This program focuses on preparing students to work as paralegals by teaching them legal principles and processes.
• Advanced Certificate in Law and Taxation: This course is intended for anyone who wishes to learn about both law and taxation, with an emphasis on the legal elements of taxation.

Postgraduate Law Courses:

• Master of Laws (LLM): UNISA provides a variety of LLM programs, including Corporate Law, International Law, Human Rights Law, Intellectual Property Law, and others. The LLM is a research-based degree that allows students to broaden their legal knowledge and competence.
• Doctor of Laws (LLD): The LLD is a research-based doctoral program for legal scholars who want to contribute significantly to the subject of law via original research.

READ: UNISA Law Courses 2026-2027

UNISA College of Law Schools and Departments 2026

The College comprises two distinct schools: the School of Law, situated at Unisa Muckleneuk Campus within the Cas van  Vuuren Building, and the School of Criminal Justice, located in Brooklyn House in Pretoria.

There are eight teaching departments at the college (five in the School of Law and three in the School of Criminal Justice).

UNISA School of Law:

The School of Law at the University of South Africa, UNISA, consist of the following five (5) departments;

• Department of Criminal and Procedural Law
• Department of Jurisprudence
• Department of Mercantile Law
• Department of Private Law
• Department of Public, Constitutional, and International Law

UNISA School of Criminal Justice:

The University of South Africa (UNISA) School of Criminal Justice also consists of the following three (3) departments:

• Department of Criminology and Security Science
• Department of Corrections Management
• Department of Police Practice

Centers

• Centre for Basic Legal Education
• Centre for Business Law
• Centre for Criminological Sciences
• Centre for Public Law Studies
• Centre for Indigenous Law

UNISA College Of Law Qualification Admission Requirements 2026

Your admission to Unisa is dependent on you meeting the specific admission requirements for your chosen qualification.

• A National Senior Certificate (NSC) (Degree endorsement) with at least 50% in the language of teaching and learning,
  or
• a Senior Certificate (SC) with matriculation exemption or qualify for the exemption from the Matriculation Board with at least a D symbol on HG or a C symbol on SG in the language of teaching and learning,
  or
• a Higher Certificate in Law or a Higher Certificate in Criminal Justice completed at a public or private higher education institution registered with the DHET with an average of at least 60%,
  or
• a 360-credit Diploma in Law or a 360-credit Diploma in a related field completed at NQF level 6 at a public or private higher education institution registered with the DHET.
  or
• a B Juris, B Proc, B Com in Law, or BA Law degree completed at a public or private higher education institution registered with the DHET.

Applicants who do not comply with the above requirements should consider applying for the Diploma or Higher Certificate for which they meet the statutory and additional requirements.

UNISA College Of Law Application Fees 2026

Pay the application fee once you have received your student number:

• Applicants are to pay R140 for online applications
• Use the 8-digit student number you receive from Unisa AND the application fee reference number (ie YOUR 8-digit STUDENT NUMBER 5370810030)