Law Bursaries in South Africa 2025

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Pursuing a law degree can be financially challenging, but South Africa offers numerous bursaries to support aspiring legal professionals. These bursaries aim to empower students from diverse backgrounds, fostering the growth of skilled legal practitioners. Below is an overview of key law bursaries available in South Africa, including their purpose, eligibility requirements, and application processes.

1. Baker Hughes Bursary

This bursary by Baker Hughes, a multinational energy technology company, supports students pursuing degrees in engineering, technology, and law. Applicants must demonstrate academic excellence and financial need.

• Eligibility: Undergraduate students enrolled in South African universities.
• Application Process: Online application form with academic transcripts and proof of financial need.

2. Bheki Mlangeni Memorial Scholarship

Named after the late anti-apartheid activist Bheki Mlangeni, this scholarship assists students passionate about social justice and human rights law.

• Eligibility: South African students with a strong commitment to human rights law.
• Application Process: Submission of a motivational essay and academic records.

3. Black Management Forum (BMF) Bursary

The BMF offers bursaries to Black students pursuing degrees in management and law, with the aim of addressing racial inequality in leadership roles.

• Eligibility: Black South African students with a good academic record.
• Application Process: Online applications with supporting documentation.

4. Bowmans Bursary

This prestigious bursary from Bowmans, one of Africa's leading law firms, provides financial support to law students while offering mentorship opportunities.

• Eligibility: Law students in their penultimate or final year of study.
• Application Process: Submission of academic results, CV, and a motivational letter.

5. Brand South Africa Bursary

Brand South Africa supports students interested in fields that promote the country’s reputation, including international law and public policy.

• Eligibility: Students in law or related fields contributing to national branding efforts.
• Application Process: Application with an essay on how their studies align with national interests.

6. Bridgestone Bursary

While primarily focused on engineering, Bridgestone offers bursaries for students in legal studies, particularly those interested in corporate law.

• Eligibility: Undergraduate and postgraduate students in law.
• Application Process: Submission of academic transcripts and a motivational essay.

7. Bushbuckridge Local Municipality Bursary

This bursary targets students from the Bushbuckridge area, providing financial aid to study various fields, including law, to enhance local governance and leadership.

• Eligibility: Residents of Bushbuckridge Municipality with financial need.
• Application Process: Applications submitted to the municipal office with proof of residence and academic achievements.

8. Calvin and Family Group (CFG) Bursary

CFG supports underprivileged students pursuing law and other disciplines, emphasizing leadership and community service.

• Eligibility: South African citizens enrolled in accredited institutions.
• Application Process: Online applications with academic and financial documents.

9. Canon Collins Trust and University of London Scholarships for Distance Learning

This scholarship supports students pursuing a Master of Laws (LLM) via distance learning at the University of London.

• Eligibility: Students with strong academic performance and financial need.
• Application Process: Applications through the Canon Collins Trust website.

10. Canon Collins Trust Leigh Day Scholarship

This scholarship funds postgraduate law studies, particularly for students focusing on human rights law.

• Eligibility: South African students with demonstrated commitment to human rights.
• Application Process: Submission of academic results, references, and a study proposal.

11. Canon Collins Trust Sol Plaatje Scholarship

Named after the renowned South African intellectual Sol Plaatje, this scholarship supports postgraduate law students dedicated to social justice.

• Eligibility: Students with a strong interest in social justice and law.
• Application Process: Online application with references and motivational essay.

12. Cape Winelands District Municipality Mayoral Bursary

This bursary focuses on supporting students from the Cape Winelands area in various disciplines, including law.

• Eligibility: Residents of Cape Winelands District with financial need.
• Application Process: Application through the municipality's office with academic records.

13. Legal Practitioners' Fidelity Fund Bursaries

This fund provides substantial financial support to students pursuing LLB degrees, aiming to enhance the legal profession in South Africa.

• Eligibility: Full-time LLB students at accredited institutions.
• Application Process: Online application with academic records and proof of financial need.

14. LegalWise Bursary

LegalWise offers bursaries to students studying towards law degrees, with the goal of producing skilled legal advisors.

• Eligibility: Undergraduate law students with good academic performance.
• Application Process: Submission of academic results and a motivational letter.

15. Herbert Smith Freehills (HSF) Bursary

HSF, a global law firm, offers bursaries to law students with excellent academic potential and an interest in commercial law.

• Eligibility: Undergraduate law students with exceptional academic records.
• Application Process: Online applications with CV, transcripts, and a motivational letter.

16. Allan Gray Orbis Foundation Bursary

While this foundation primarily supports entrepreneurship, it also funds legal studies for students with leadership potential.

• Eligibility: South African students showing academic and leadership excellence.
• Application Process: Online application with academic and leadership documentation.

17. Canon Collins Trust Joel Joffe Scholarship

This scholarship commemorates Joel Joffe, a lawyer for Nelson Mandela during the Rivonia Trial, supporting postgraduate law studies.

• Eligibility: Students interested in advancing social justice through law.
• Application Process: Online applications with references and a study proposal.

18. E.V. Adams Scholarship

Offered by Adams & Adams, a leading law firm, this scholarship supports talented law students committed to a career in intellectual property or commercial law.

• Eligibility: Final-year law students or graduates pursuing postgraduate law studies.
• Application Process: Submission of academic records, a CV, and a motivational letter.

Additional Law Bursaries to Consider

• Deloitte Bursary: Supports law students with a focus on tax law.
• Investec CSI Bursary: Aids students studying commercial and corporate law.
• South African Law Reform Commission Bursary: Targets students contributing to legal reform.
• Transnet Bursary Scheme: Funds students interested in transportation law and governance.

South Africa offers a wealth of bursaries for aspiring law students, ensuring financial constraints don’t hinder the pursuit of justice and legal excellence. From scholarships offered by municipalities to prestigious law firm bursaries, there are ample opportunities to secure funding and build a successful legal career. Students are encouraged to apply early, provide all required documentation, and craft compelling motivational essays to enhance their chances of success.

By leveraging these bursary opportunities, students can contribute meaningfully to South Africa’s legal landscape while achieving their academic and professional dreams.