Looking for funding to study LLB or another law-related qualification? Browse the latest Law Bursaries in South Africa for 2027, including bursaries from government departments, law firms, companies, municipalities and other organisations. We track application dates and link to individual bursary pages where you can check eligibility, funding, documents and how to apply.
If you are looking for Law Bursaries in South Africa, this page is designed to help you find funding opportunities without having to search for each bursary individually. The list below includes bursaries that may support LLB, BCom Law, BA Law and other law-related studies, depending on the requirements of the individual bursary provider.
Because bursary programmes open and close at different times, Grads24 treats this page as a current bursary directory. Where an individual bursary has a dedicated page on Grads24, follow the link to check the latest closing date, eligibility requirements, documents required, funding provided and application instructions.
Law Bursaries Open for 2027 | Law Bursaries Directory | LLB Bursaries | Government Law Bursaries | Law Firm Bursaries | Requirements | What Bursaries Cover | Where to Study Law | FAQs
Last verified: August 2026. Bursary availability and closing dates can change. Always check the individual bursary page and the official provider before submitting an application.
Law Bursaries Open for 2027
If your main priority is finding a bursary that you can apply for now, start with the opportunities below. This section is intentionally separate from the full directory because students searching for law bursaries 2027 usually want to know which opportunities are currently accepting applications rather than simply seeing a historical list.
| Law Bursary | Status | Closing Date |
|---|---|---|
| National Treasury Bursary | Check individual bursary page | See latest deadline |
| Bowmans Bursary | Check individual bursary page | See latest deadline |
| Legal Practitioners Fidelity Fund Bursary | Check individual bursary page | See latest deadline |
| Fasken Bursary | Check individual bursary page | See latest deadline |
| Webber Wentzel Scholarship | Check individual bursary page | See latest deadline |
| Canon Collins Trust Leigh Day Scholarship | Open for 2027 | 30 September 2026 |
Important: Do not assume that a bursary listed on this page is currently open. Individual providers have different application periods. The dedicated bursary article should always be used to confirm the current status before applying.
List of Law Bursaries in South Africa
The following directory brings together bursaries that may be relevant to students studying Law or qualifications that can lead into the legal profession. Some providers fund Law specifically, while others support several fields and include Law among their eligible qualifications.
- Bheki Mlangeni Memorial Scholarship
- Bowmans Bursary
- Canon Collins Trust Leigh Day Scholarship
- Fasken Bursary
- Legal Practitioners Fidelity Fund Bursary
- Webber Wentzel Scholarship
- Foskor Bursary
- Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) Bursary
- Investec Bursary
- Old Mutual Bursary
- Public Investment Corporation (PIC) Bursary
- Rio Tinto / Richards Bay Minerals Bursary
- Santam Bursary
- SIOC-CDT Bursary
- National Treasury Bursary
- Gauteng Provincial Treasury Bursary
- KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government Bursaries
- Municipal bursaries that include Law among their eligible fields
This directory will grow as Grads24 publishes and verifies additional Law funding opportunities. Where a bursary covers several fields, it may also appear in another relevant Grads24 category.
LLB Bursaries in South Africa
One of the most common searches from prospective law students is LLB bursaries in South Africa. The LLB is the main university qualification associated with becoming a practising legal professional, but bursary eligibility differs significantly between providers.
Some bursaries accept students from their first year, while others only fund students who have already completed one or more years of their LLB. Some providers may also consider students who completed a BA or BCom degree and are progressing into an LLB.
| Type of Law Student | What to Look For |
|---|---|
| Grade 12 / prospective first-year LLB student | Bursaries that accept students entering first year |
| Current LLB student | Bursaries based on current academic results and year of study |
| Final-year LLB student | Funding specifically aimed at completing the degree |
| BA/BCom graduate moving into LLB | Providers that permit transition into an LLB |
| Postgraduate Law student | LLM, research and postgraduate scholarship opportunities |
For example, the Legal Practitioners Fidelity Fund has previously specified different requirements for undergraduate and postgraduate applicants, demonstrating why students should not assume that every Law bursary has the same eligibility rules.
Government Law Bursaries
Law students should not limit their search to organisations whose names contain the word “Law”. Government departments and public entities often offer broad bursaries covering several scarce or priority fields, with Law included among the eligible qualifications.
The Government Bursaries South Africa directory is therefore an important secondary source for Law students. A government bursary may appear in the Government category even when Law is only one of several eligible fields.
- National Treasury Bursary
- Provincial Government Bursaries
- Municipality Bursaries
- Government department bursaries
- Public entity bursaries
For example, the National Treasury 2027 bursary includes Law alongside Accounting, Economics and Finance.
Law Firm Bursaries and Scholarships
Law firms are another important source of funding for students interested in the legal profession. These opportunities can be particularly relevant because some programmes may combine financial assistance with exposure to the legal profession, although the benefits and requirements differ between providers.
- Bowmans Bursary
- Fasken Bursary / Scholarship
- Webber Wentzel Scholarship
- Norton Rose Fulbright Bursary
- Other South African law firm scholarships and bursaries
Students should check whether a particular programme is a bursary, scholarship, fellowship or another form of financial support, as the terms may differ.
What Are the Requirements for Law Bursaries?
There is no single set of requirements for all Law bursaries in South Africa. Each provider establishes its own eligibility criteria. However, students should be prepared to encounter requirements relating to citizenship, academic performance, financial need, year of study, university and qualification.
- South African citizenship or permanent residency, depending on the provider
- Acceptance or registration at a recognised tertiary institution
- Study towards an eligible Law qualification
- A minimum academic average
- Proof of financial need, where applicable
- Proof of registration or admission
- Academic transcripts or full academic records
- Certified identity documents
- Motivational letter or essay
- Other supporting documents specified by the provider
For this reason, always read the eligibility section on the individual bursary page before spending time preparing an application.
What Do Law Bursaries Cover?
The amount and type of financial support differs considerably between bursary providers. A bursary may cover one major study expense or several costs associated with university.
- Tuition fees
- Registration fees
- Accommodation
- Prescribed textbooks or study materials
- Meals or living allowances
- Transport allowances
- Other approved academic expenses
Never assume that a bursary covers all of these expenses. The individual provider determines what is funded and whether the support is full or partial.
Can Law Students Apply for More Than One Bursary?
You can search and apply for multiple bursaries, but receiving funding from more than one provider may not be permitted. Some bursaries prohibit double funding or require applicants to disclose other sources of financial support.
Before accepting more than one award, check the terms of each bursary and determine whether the funding can be combined with NSFAS, another bursary or other student financial assistance.
Where Can I Study Law in South Africa?
Students searching for Law bursaries are often also deciding where they can study. South Africa has several universities offering Law qualifications, including the LLB.
- University of Cape Town (UCT)
- University of the Western Cape (UWC)
- Stellenbosch University
- University of Pretoria (UP)
- University of the Witwatersrand (Wits)
- University of Johannesburg (UJ)
- University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN)
- North-West University (NWU)
- Nelson Mandela University (NMU)
- University of South Africa (UNISA)
Admission requirements differ between institutions, so students should check the university directly before applying.
What Can You Do With an LLB?
An LLB can lead to several career paths within the legal and broader corporate environment. Your eventual career will depend on your qualifications, practical training, professional requirements and area of specialisation.
- Attorney
- Advocate
- Legal adviser
- Corporate legal counsel
- Compliance specialist
- Legal researcher
- Legal academic
- Public-sector legal professional
This is also why Law bursaries should not be viewed only as financial assistance. For many students, finding the right funding is the first step towards completing an LLB and entering the legal profession.
How to Find the Right Law Bursary
- Start with your qualification. Confirm whether the bursary specifically accepts LLB or another law-related qualification.
- Check your year of study. Some bursaries exclude first-year students, while others target senior students.
- Check the academic requirement. Do not assume that all bursaries use the same minimum average.
- Check the closing date. A bursary that is perfect for you is of no use if applications have already closed.
- Check the funding package. Find out whether the provider pays tuition only or also covers accommodation, books and allowances.
- Prepare your documents early. Academic records, ID documents and other supporting documents may take time to obtain or certify.
- Read the individual bursary page. Requirements can change from one application cycle to the next.
Law Bursaries vs NSFAS
Law students may also consider NSFAS and other student funding options when planning how to finance university. A bursary is generally awarded according to the specific conditions established by the bursary provider, while NSFAS is a government student financial aid programme with its own eligibility and funding rules.
Do not assume that receiving one form of funding automatically makes you eligible for another. Always check the rules of the relevant funding programme.
Related Bursary Categories
If you are searching for Law funding, you may also find relevant opportunities in other Grads24 categories because some bursaries cover several fields of study.
- General Bursaries South Africa
- Government Bursaries South Africa
- Commerce Bursaries South Africa
- Accounting Bursaries South Africa
- Postgraduate Bursaries and Scholarships
Browsing related categories is particularly useful when a bursary provider funds multiple disciplines and Law is only one of its eligible fields.
Frequently Asked Questions – Law Bursaries South Africa
Which bursaries are available for Law students in South Africa?
Law students can apply for bursaries offered by government departments, municipalities, public entities, companies, law firms, foundations and other organisations. The eligible qualifications and application dates differ between providers.
Are there LLB bursaries in South Africa?
Yes. Several bursary and scholarship programmes support students studying towards an LLB, although some providers restrict applications to particular years of study or universities.
Can first-year LLB students apply for bursaries?
Some bursaries accept first-year students, while others only fund students who have already completed one or more years of their LLB. Always check the specific bursary requirements.
Does the government offer Law bursaries?
Yes. Some government departments, provincial governments, municipalities and public entities include Law among the fields covered by their bursary programmes.
Do Law bursaries cover university fees?
Many Law bursaries contribute towards tuition fees, but the funding package differs by provider. Some may also cover accommodation, study materials or allowances.
Can I apply for a Law bursary if I already receive NSFAS?
It depends on the rules of the bursary provider. Some programmes do not permit double funding, so applicants must check the specific bursary conditions before applying or accepting funding.
What qualification do I need to become a lawyer in South Africa?
The LLB is the principal university law qualification associated with entering the legal profession, but additional practical training and professional requirements apply depending on the career path.
Keep Checking This Law Bursary Directory
Bursary opportunities do not all open at the same time. A programme that is closed today may reopen for another academic year, while a new Law bursary may be introduced by a government department, company, law firm or foundation.
For this reason, Grads24 will continue updating this page as new opportunities become available. When an individual bursary has its own Grads24 article, use that page for the detailed requirements, documents, funding information, application process and closing date.
Looking for funding outside Law? Return to our Bursaries South Africa 2027 directory and browse bursaries by field of study, including Accounting, Agriculture, Commerce, Engineering, IT, Medicine, Education and Government Bursaries.