Studying law through distance learning at the University of South Africa (UNISA) is one of the most flexible routes to an LLB degree in the country. Yet many students struggle to cover tuition, textbooks, and registration costs. The good news is that several funding options exist. This guide provides a complete breakdown of bursaries for law students at UNISA for 2026/2027, including eligibility, application processes, and deadlines.
UNISA is Africa’s largest open distance e-learning (ODeL) institution, offering a four-year LLB degree and postgraduate law qualifications. As a public university, UNISA students qualify for government funding and most external bursaries from recognised South African institutions. Whether you are a first-year or final-year LLB student, there are bursaries for law students at UNISA that can ease your financial burden significantly.
NSFAS Funding for UNISA Law Students
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is the primary source of government funding and one of the most accessible bursaries for law students at UNISA. NSFAS provides bursary funding to students from poor and working-class households, covering tuition fees, registration costs, and study allowances. The LLB degree at UNISA is an approved undergraduate qualification, which means it qualifies for NSFAS funding.
NSFAS eligibility requirements:
- South African citizen or permanent resident
- Combined household income of R350,000 per annum or less (R600,000 for applicants with disabilities)
- Registered or intending to register for an approved undergraduate qualification
- Must be studying towards a first undergraduate qualification
NSFAS funding for UNISA students covers full tuition and registration fees. Students may also receive a learning materials allowance, a personal allowance of approximately R2,900 per year, and a transport allowance depending on circumstances. Applications go through nsfas.org.za, typically opening around August and closing by mid-November.
UNISA Internal Undergraduate Bursary
Among the bursaries for law students at UNISA, the university’s own internal bursary programme deserves attention. UNISA offers an undergraduate bursary for South African citizens registered for any formal qualification – including the LLB. This bursary covers tuition fees and prescribed textbooks. However, it is invitation-based: the Division of Student Funding identifies candidates, and students maintaining a 75% average qualify for consideration.
You cannot apply directly for this bursary. Instead, focus on maintaining strong academic results, and the university may invite you. Returning recipients do not need to reapply but must continue meeting the 75% threshold. Awards depend on available funding, so not all qualifying students receive the bursary every cycle.
UNISA Postgraduate Bursary for Law Students
If you are pursuing an Honours, Postgraduate Diploma, Master’s, or Doctoral qualification in law at UNISA, the university offers a dedicated postgraduate bursary. For 2026, applications open around mid-October and close in December, covering tuition fees and research costs.
Eligibility for the postgraduate bursary:
- New applicants: UNISA alumni who completed their undergraduate degree by 31 January 2026 with a 60% overall average
- Returning beneficiaries: Previously funded students who maintained a 50% average in funded modules
- Second-year postgrad students: Must have completed at least three postgraduate modules with a 60% average
Applications are submitted online through the myUnisa portal. Students must be temporarily registered by 31 January 2026 for the bursary to be activated. No hard copy, emailed, or late applications are accepted. This is one of the most valuable funding options for UNISA law students planning to specialise beyond the LLB.
Legal Practitioners Fidelity Fund (LPFF) Bursary
The LPFF bursary is the largest dedicated law bursary in South Africa and a critical option among bursaries for law students at UNISA. The Fund provides undergraduate funding for students in the final two years of their LLB. If you are entering third year, LPFF can fund years three and four. If entering fourth year, it can fund your final year.
LPFF eligibility:
- Must be a South African citizen
- Must be registered at a recognised South African university (UNISA qualifies)
- Must be in the second year of LLB (to receive funding for years three and four) or in the third year (for the final year)
- Must demonstrate financial need
The LPFF also offers postgraduate bursaries for practising or candidate attorneys seeking to enhance their qualifications. Application forms are available at fidfund.co.za/bursaries, typically opening around September and closing in November.
Law Firm Bursaries Available to UNISA Students
Several leading South African law firms offer bursaries for law students at UNISA and other recognised institutions. These bursaries require strong academics, financial need, and a commitment to completing articles of clerkship after graduation. Key options include:
Bowmans Bursary
Bowmans is one of Africa’s premier corporate law firms. The bursary is a full-cost scholarship covering tuition, accommodation, books, and sometimes a laptop. Applicants need strong academic records (typically 65%+) and must demonstrate financial need. Applications usually open in August and close around September.
Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr (CDH) Bursary
CDH offers bursaries to final-year LLB students with leadership potential and strong academics. The programme aligns with B-BBEE objectives. Applications typically open between March and May. Recipients may be expected to complete articles with the firm.
Webber Wentzel Scholarship
Webber Wentzel funds LLB students from second year onwards based on academic merit and financial need. The scholarship is competitive and often leads to vacation work and articles opportunities at the firm.
Norton Rose Fulbright Bursary
This bursary targets students in the top 15% of their class. Applicants must commit to completing articles with the firm. Applications usually open between June and August.
LegalWise Bursary
LegalWise offers law bursaries for students at UNISA and other public universities. The programme supports LLB students with financial assistance and mentorship. Check the LegalWise website for the latest application details.
Other Funding Options for UNISA Law Students
Beyond the major options listed above, additional bursaries for law students at UNISA include:
- SETA bursaries: Certain SETAs fund law qualifications where legal skills are needed in their sectors. Check with SASSETA (Safety and Security SETA) and other relevant SETAs.
- Provincial government bursaries: Provinces like Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, and the Eastern Cape offer bursaries for students studying towards qualifications that serve provincial needs, including law.
- Canon Collins Trust Scholarships: These fund LLB and LLM students with strong academic records and a commitment to social justice.
- Mpumalanga Attorneys Council Bursary: Specifically for law students from Mpumalanga province.
- HCI Foundation Bursary: Supports students from disadvantaged backgrounds across multiple fields including law.
How to Apply for Law Bursaries as a UNISA Student
The application process for bursaries for law students at UNISA varies depending on the funder. Here is a general step-by-step approach:
- Identify your options: Research which bursaries you qualify for based on your year of study, academic average, and financial situation. NSFAS is the starting point for most undergraduate students.
- Check deadlines: Each bursary has its own window. NSFAS typically closes in November, LPFF around November, law firm bursaries between August and October, and UNISA’s postgraduate bursary in December.
- Prepare your documents: Most bursaries require a certified ID, matric certificate, academic transcript, proof of registration at UNISA, and proof of household income.
- Submit through the correct channel: NSFAS applications go through nsfas.org.za. UNISA internal bursaries are invitation-based. Law firm bursaries go through the firm’s careers portal. The LPFF form is at fidfund.co.za.
- Follow up: Monitor your application status through the relevant portal. For NSFAS, use myNSFAS. For law firms, check your email for interview invitations or document requests.
Tips to Strengthen Your Application
Competition for bursaries for law students at UNISA is intense, especially for law firm scholarships. Maintain the highest possible academic average – most competitive bursaries require at least 65%. If you participate in moot court, pro bono legal work, or community outreach, mention these in your application. Law firms value candidates who demonstrate practical legal interest beyond the classroom.
Apply for multiple bursaries simultaneously to increase your chances, but always declare other funding sources. Certify documents well before deadlines, complete every section of each form, and submit early. A single missing document or late submission can disqualify an otherwise strong candidate.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can first-year LLB students at UNISA get bursary funding?
Yes. NSFAS is the primary funding source among bursaries for law students at UNISA in their first year. The UNISA internal undergraduate bursary also covers first-year students if identified by the Division of Student Funding. Most law firm bursaries, however, only fund students from second year onwards.
Does NSFAS fund the LLB degree at UNISA?
Yes. The LLB is an approved undergraduate qualification at a public university, so it qualifies for NSFAS funding. NSFAS covers tuition, registration, and learning material allowances for eligible students. It does not fund postgraduate law qualifications.
Can I hold more than one law bursary at the same time?
This depends on specific bursary terms. Most bursaries for law students at UNISA require you to declare other funding. Some allow supplementary funding, while others – particularly NSFAS and law firm bursaries – may require you to choose one. Always disclose all funding to avoid disqualification.
Are law bursaries at UNISA only for LLB students?
No. While most bursaries target the LLB, UNISA’s postgraduate bursary funds Honours, Postgraduate Diploma, Master’s, and Doctoral law students. The LPFF also funds practising attorneys pursuing further qualifications. Several external bursaries accept BA (Law) and BCom (Law) students too.
What academic average do I need for a law bursary?
Requirements vary across bursaries for law students at UNISA. NSFAS requires academic progression (passing enough modules). The UNISA internal bursary requires a 75% average. Law firm bursaries typically require 65% or higher. The LPFF focuses on financial need more than a specific grade threshold.
When do law bursaries at UNISA open for 2027?
NSFAS applications for the 2027 academic year typically open around August 2026. Law firm bursaries open between March and September 2026 depending on the firm. The LPFF usually opens in September 2026. UNISA’s postgraduate bursary opens around October 2026. Monitor each funder’s website for exact dates.
Who do I contact for UNISA bursary queries?
For UNISA internal bursaries, contact the Division of Student Funding through myUnisa. For NSFAS, visit nsfas.org.za or call the NSFAS contact centre. For the LPFF, email FurtherStudybursary@fidfund.co.za or call 021 424 4608. For law firm bursaries, visit the firm’s careers page. UNISA’s general enquiry line is 0800 00 1870.
Final Thoughts
The range of bursaries for law students at UNISA for 2026/2027 is broader than most students realise. From NSFAS government funding and UNISA’s internal bursary to the LPFF, major law firm scholarships, and provincial programmes, there are genuine bursaries for law students at UNISA at every level of study.
Start early, research every option, and submit complete applications before each deadline. Financial stress should not stand between you and a legal career. Maintain strong academics and keep your documentation organised throughout your studies.