Wits Law APS Requirements 2026 | LLB Admission Guide
Wits Law (LLB) requires APS 38+ in 2026. English 5+, Mathematics 4+ required. Step-by-step application guide, NBT info, and tips to improve your score.
Wits University Law APS Requirements 2026
The University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) School of Law offers one of the most prestigious LLB (Bachelor of Laws) programmes in South Africa. Admission is competitive, and meeting the APS requirements is the first step. This guide covers the APS and subject requirements for Wits Law in 2026.
Use our free APS Calculator to check your eligibility instantly.
Wits LLB Admission Requirements at a Glance
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Minimum APS | 38 (out of 42, excluding Life Orientation) |
| English Home Language | Level 5 (60%+) |
| English First Additional Language | Level 6 (70%+) |
| Mathematics | Level 4 (50%+) OR Mathematical Literacy Level 6 (70%+) |
| NBT Required | Yes — Academic Literacy (AL) test |
| Programme Duration | 4 years (LLB) |
| Application Deadline | September 30 |
| Application Fee | R100 |
Understanding Wits Law APS
Wits calculates APS from your six best NSC subjects, excluding Life Orientation. For Law, you need an APS of 38 or higher. This is a high requirement — it means most of your six subjects need to be in the 60%+ range.
Worked example for Wits Law APS 38:
| Subject | Mark Needed | APS Points |
|---|---|---|
| English Home Language | 75% (Level 6) | 6 |
| Mathematics | 65% (Level 5) | 5 |
| History | 80% (Level 7) | 7 |
| Geography | 80% (Level 7) | 7 |
| Accounting | 75% (Level 6) | 6 |
| Afrikaans FAL | 80% (Level 7) | 7 |
| Wits APS Total (excl. LO) | 38 — meets requirement | |
To achieve APS 38, you need consistently strong marks across all six subjects. Most Law applicants who are accepted have APS scores well above the minimum.
NBT Requirement for Wits Law
Wits Law requires the NBT Academic Literacy (AL) test. NBT results are used alongside your NSC marks to assess your academic readiness. Register and write the NBT at www.nbt.ac.za. Write early — NBT test seats fill up, especially in major centres.
Wits LLB Programme Structure
The Wits LLB is a 4-year degree that qualifies graduates to practice as attorneys, advocates, or work in other legal fields. Year 1 covers foundational law; Years 2–4 cover specialisations including contract, criminal, constitutional, commercial, and procedural law.
After completing the LLB, graduates must complete:
- Attorney: 2-year articles of clerkship + board exams (LSSA)
- Advocate: Pupillage at a Bar + call to the bar
How Competitive is Wits Law?
Wits Law is one of the most competitive LLB programmes in South Africa:
- Wits Law School accepts approximately 300–350 new LLB students per year
- Thousands of applications are received for each cohort
- Many successful applicants have APS scores of 40+ with strong NBT results
- Meeting the minimum APS of 38 does NOT guarantee admission
Comparing Wits Law with Other Law Schools in SA
| University | Min APS for LLB | LLB Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Wits | 38 | 4 years |
| UCT | 34+ (UCT composite) | 4 years |
| University of Pretoria (UP) | 30 | 4 years |
| Stellenbosch University | 34 | 4 years |
| UKZN | 30 | 4 years |
| University of Johannesburg (UJ) | 28 | 4 years |
| NWU (Potchefstroom) | 30 | 4 years |
| University of the Free State | 28 | 4 years |
| UNISA (distance learning) | 24 | 4 years (part-time available) |
How to Apply for Wits Law 2026
- Calculate your APS: Use our free APS Calculator to confirm you have 38+
- Write NBT: Register at www.nbt.ac.za and complete the Academic Literacy test
- Apply online: Visit wits.ac.za/students/undergraduate/applying
- Application fee: R100
- Deadline: September 30
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Frequently Asked Questions
What APS do you need for Law at Wits in 2026?
Wits Law (LLB) requires a minimum APS of 38 (excluding Life Orientation). You also need English at Level 5 (60%+) and Mathematics at Level 4 (50%+) or Mathematical Literacy at Level 6 (70%+). The NBT Academic Literacy test is also required.
Can I do law at Wits with Mathematical Literacy?
Yes, Wits Law accepts Mathematical Literacy, but at a higher level than pure Mathematics — you need Mathematical Literacy at Level 6 (70%+). Pure Mathematics is only required at Level 4 (50%+). However, your overall APS still needs to be 38+.
How competitive is Wits Law?
Wits Law is very competitive. While the minimum APS is 38, most admitted students have APS scores of 40 or higher with strong NBT results. Thousands of students apply for a limited number of places each year.
What can you do with a Wits LLB degree?
A Wits LLB qualifies you to pursue admission as an attorney (after articles) or advocate (after pupillage). Graduates also work in corporate law, government, academia, international organisations, human rights law, and more. Wits Law is highly regarded by top law firms.