In South Africa, pursuing a legal career typically begins with obtaining an LLB (Bachelor of Laws), the required qualification to practise as an attorney or advocate. But if you’ve completed the GED®, you may have already discovered that access to public universities is now limited, due to recent changes in admissions policies and the withdrawal of USAf’s foreign exemption letter.
The good news? Several respected private higher education institutions offer recognised legal qualifications, from entry-level certificates to full professional law degrees. Many accept GED graduates, provided you also obtain a SAQA Certificate of Evaluation confirming your GED is comparable to a South African matric (NQF Level 4).
Whether you’re aiming to become a practising lawyer or simply want to gain a legal edge in business or governance, this guide will show you exactly where and how you can pursue legal studies in South Africa with a GED.
The SAQA Certificate of Evaluation
Before applying, GED graduates will need to submit their results to SAQA (South African Qualifications Authority) for evaluation. This certificate confirms that your GED® is equivalent to the South African National Senior Certificate (matric), required for tertiary study.
Click here for information about how to apply to SAQA
Private Institutions That Offer Legal Qualifications
Below is a list of seven local private institutions offering law-related qualifications and degrees—including LLBs—and whether they accept GED students (with SAQA evaluation). There is also an locally accepted international online option to investigate below.
Boston City Campus
Boston offers a full suite of legal qualifications:
- Higher Certificate in Paralegal Practice – NQF Level 5 (1 year)
- Bachelor of Commerce in Law (BCom Law) – NQF Level 7 (3 years)
- Bachelor of Laws (LLB) – NQF Level 8 (4 years)
Boston’s LLB and BCom Law degrees are fully accredited and designed for working adults, offering flexible study options.
STADIO School of Law
STADIO offers a variety of flexible, accredited qualifications:
- Higher Certificate in Paralegal Studies – NQF Level 5 (1 year)
- Bachelor of Arts in Law (BA Law) – NQF Level 7 (3 years)
- Bachelor of Commerce in Law (BCom Law) – NQF Level 7 (3 years)
- Bachelor of Laws (LLB) – NQF Level 8 (4 years or 2 years post-degree)
STADIO’s qualifications are available via distance and contact learning, ideal for GED graduates looking for accessibility.
Varsity College (IIE)
Varsity College is part of The Independent Institute of Education (IIE) and offers:
- Higher Certificate in Legal Studies – NQF Level 5 (1 year)
- Bachelor of Commerce in Law (BCom Law) – NQF Level 7 (3 years)
- Bachelor of Laws (LLB) – NQF Level 8 (4 years)
These qualifications are fully accredited and offer a strong academic foundation for a career in law or business.
Rosebank College (IIE)
Also part of IIE, Rosebank offers the same qualifications as Varsity College, but with more affordable fees and different campus locations:
- Higher Certificate in Legal Studies – NQF Level 5 (1 year)
- Bachelor of Commerce in Law (BCom Law) – NQF Level 7 (3 years)
- Bachelor of Laws (LLB) – NQF Level 8 (4 years)
Eduvos
Eduvos offers law-focused degrees with a modern and practical approach:
- Bachelor of Commerce in Law (BCom Law) – NQF Level 7 (3 years)
- Bachelor of Arts in Law (BA Law) – NQF Level 7 (3 years)
These qualifications are ideal for students pursuing careers in corporate law, policy, or governance, and can articulate into postgraduate LLBs.
➡️ www.eduvos.com
Akademia (Afrikaans-medium)
Akademia is an Afrikaans-medium private university offering rigorous legal education:
- Sertifikaat in Regspraktyk (Certificate in Legal Practice) – NQF Level 5 (1 year)
- BCom in Economics and Law – NQF Level 7 (3 years)
- Bachelor of Laws (LLB) – NQF Level 8 (4 years)
Akademia’s LLB prepares students for both public and private legal careers. Afrikaans proficiency is essential.
➡️ www.akademia.ac.za
Regent Business School
While Regent does not offer a formal LLB, it does provide:
- Diploma in Public Administration – NQF Level 6 (2–3 years, includes law modules)
- Short Courses in Commercial Law, Labour Law, Compliance – non-NQF
Ideal for professionals looking to build legal awareness in business and governance.
Comparison Table: All Law-Related Qualifications at Private Institutions
| Institution | Qualification | NQF Level | Duration | Notes |
| Boston City Campus | Higher Certificate in Paralegal Practice | 5 | 1 year | Entry-level legal qualification |
| BCom in Law | 7 | 3 years | Commerce + legal foundation | |
| LLB (Bachelor of Laws) | 8 | 4 years | Full legal qualification for practice | |
| STADIO | Higher Certificate in Paralegal Studies | 5 | 1 year | Distance or contact learning available |
| BA in Law | 7 | 3 years | Humanities + law blend | |
| BCom in Law | 7 | 3 years | Business + law; articulate to LLB | |
| LLB | 8 | 4 years (or 2 postgrad) | Recognised by Legal Practice Council | |
| Varsity College (IIE) | Higher Certificate in Legal Studies | 5 | 1 year | Introduction to law |
| BCom in Law | 7 | 3 years | Accredited degree; good LLB pathway | |
| LLB | 8 | 4 years | Full legal degree, LPC-compliant | |
| Rosebank College (IIE) | Higher Certificate in Legal Studies | 5 | 1 year | Entry-level programme |
| BCom in Law | 7 | 3 years | Strong legal/business foundation | |
| LLB | 8 | 4 years | Fully accredited legal qualification | |
| Eduvos | BCom in Law | 7 | 3 years | Pathway into postgraduate law |
| BA in Law | 7 | 3 years | Alternative foundation for legal careers | |
| Akademia (Afrikaans) | Sertifikaat in Regspraktyk | 5 | 1 year | Afrikaans language required |
| BCom in Economics & Law | 7 | 3 years | Combines legal and economic skills | |
| LLB | 8 | 4 years | Afrikaans-medium professional degree | |
| Regent Business School | Diploma in Public Administration (law modules) | 6 | 2–3 years | Includes governance and legal elements |
| Short Learning Programmes (e.g. Commercial Law) | Non-NQF | Short-term | For professionals or non-lawyers needing legal insight |
How to Study Law in South Africa with a GED
Studying law in South Africa with a GED is not only possible, it’s accessible through a growing network of quality private institutions. Whether you want to pursue legal practice, specialise in business law, or work in policy and compliance, you have multiple routes to choose from.
Just remember:
- Apply for your SAQA Certificate of Evaluation.
- Research institutions based on your language, goals, location and learning style.
- Contact admissions directly for bridging or support options.
- Take the next step with confidence—your path to law is wide open.
International Online LLB Programmes
(e.g. University of London)
GED graduates can also opt for a distance-learning LLB from international institutions such as the University of London. These degrees are recognised globally and can be accredited by the South African Legal Practice Council upon completion of board exams.
Requirements:
- SAQA Certificate of Evaluation
- High English proficiency
- Strong self-discipline for distance study
Important
To avoid disappointment, always check the accreditation status of the institute at which you intend to enrol and also check that the course you study has the required accreditation status for the purpose you intend to use it. Contact the institution itself to request registration and accreditation information or contact SAQA – or both! As an example:
In 2024, the Department of Higher Education and Training cancelled the registration of four Educor institutions four institutes of higher education and training because they failed to submit proof of their financial viability to the department: the four institutions were City Varsity (Pty) Ltd, Damelin (Pty) Ltd, Icesa City Campus (Pty) Ltd and Lyceum College (Pty) Ltd.