Law is a high‑demand qualification in South Africa.
Funding can make the difference between completing an LLB or legal postgraduate study and struggling to afford it.
There are government, statutory fund, law firm, and corporate bursaries dedicated to supporting law students through 2027.
What law bursaries are available in South Africa for 2027
Here are the top law bursaries to apply for:
- Legal Practitioners Fidelity Fund (LPFF) Bursary – for LLB undergraduate and postgraduate law students.
- Bowmans Bursary – corporate law firm bursary for law students with merit and need.
- LegalWise Bursary – partial funding for law students (membership‑based).
- NSFAS Bursary – broad government funding that supports law study costs.
- University Law Faculty Bursaries – internal awards from universities’ law schools.
- PIC Bursary – funding from Public Investment Corporation for various fields including law.
- Law Firm Bursary Programmes – opportunities from major firms such as Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr, ENSafrica, Werksmans (contact individual firms or bursary supports).
- Department of Justice & Constitutional Development Bursaries – periodic bursaries for law students.
These bursaries cover tuition, and in some cases allowances and study materials, based on provider rules.
Which law bursary covers LLB studies in South Africa
The most recognised bursary specifically for law students is the Legal Practitioners Fidelity Fund (LPFF) Bursary.
It supports students in the final years of the LLB degree and postgraduate law study for practising or candidate attorneys.
The bursary is awarded to South African citizens or permanent residents studying at a recognised university.
Who qualifies for law bursaries in South Africa
Eligibility varies by bursary, but most require:
- South African citizenship or permanent residency.
- Acceptance or registration in an accredited law degree (LLB or related).
- Strong academic performance (often competitive).
- Proof of financial need for need‑based awards.
- Specific requirements set by law firms or corporate sponsors.
For LPFF, students must have two or fewer years left in their LLB or be a practising/candidate attorney for postgraduate funding.
How do you apply for law bursaries in South Africa
Follow these usual steps:
- Identify law bursaries you are eligible for.
- Visit each provider’s official application page or bursary portal.
- Prepare required documents such as certified ID, academic transcript, proof of registration, and financial need evidence if required.
- Complete the online or downloadable application form exactly as instructed.
- Submit before the stated closing date.
Private law firm or corporate bursaries may require interviews or additional assessments.
What expenses law bursaries typically cover
Law bursaries can fund a range of study‑related costs:
- Tuition fees (main component for most bursaries).
- Books and prescribed materials.
- Accommodation or allowances (varies by bursary).
- Living or travel stipends (occasionally included).
The Legal Practitioners Fidelity Fund bursary generally covers tuition fees only.
When law bursary applications open and close for 2027
Law bursary timelines depend on the provider, but typical patterns include:
- Corporate law firm bursaries often open in mid‑year (May–August 2026).
- LPFF generally sets application deadlines around August of the calendar year prior to funding (for example, August 2025 for 2026/2027) but check updates for 2027.
- University internal law awards and NSFAS have rolling or semester opening windows, usually in late third quarter of the year (August–October 2026).
- Department or public entity bursaries follow their own published cycles, often opening early and closing by September 2026.
Always check the official bursary portal or contact the provider directly for exact 2027 dates.
Documents needed for law bursary applications
Most law bursary applications require:
- Certified copy of your South African ID.
- Matric certificate or latest academic transcript.
- Proof of registration or acceptance at a recognised university for your law degree.
- Financial need documentation (for need‑based awards).
- Updated CV and motivational letter (for some corporate bursaries).
Law firm bursaries often request student leadership roles or extracurricular achievements if relevant.
Contact details for law bursary providers
- Legal Practitioners Fidelity Fund (LPFF)
Bursary information and forms
Bursary Co‑ordinator: Mr Shawn Africa
Address: 5th Floor Waalburg Building, 28 Wale Street, Cape Town, 8001
P O Box 3062, Cape Town, 8000
Tel: 021 424 4608
Email: shawn@fidfund.co.za - Bowmans Law Firm Bursary
Contact the Bowmans HR or bursary office through their official careers page. - LegalWise Bursary Programme
Check the LegalWise official site or contact the company’s membership services for bursary details.
