Key Takeaways: The “Missing Middle” Crisis
- The “Big 5” Law Firms: Top firms like Bowmans, Webber Wentzel, and Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr offer the most prestigious bursaries. These often come with “Vacation Work” contracts and eventually, Articles of Clerkship.
- The “Golden Ticket”: The Legal Practitioners Fidelity Fund (LPFF) is the largest dedicated law bursary in the country. It funds 3rd and 4th-year students specifically.
- Government Funding: Besides NSFAS, state-owned entities like the Public Investment Corporation (PIC) and the IDC fund law degrees because they need internal legal compliance officers.
- The “Year” Rule: Most private law firms only fund students from their 2nd Year onwards. If you are a 1st year, you usually have to rely on NSFAS or family funding until you prove your academic worth.
- Deadlines: Most bursaries for the 2027 intake will open in May 2026 and close by September 2026. If you missed the 2026 deadlines, use this year to build your CV for the next cycle.
Studying law (LLB) is a four-year marathon. While the first year is often general, the final two years are where the costs—and the pressure—spike. Textbooks alone can cost R8,000 a year.
Many law students drop out not because they are failing, but because they run out of funding in their 3rd year (the “funding gap”).
The good news is that the legal fraternity looks after its own. There are specific funds designed solely to help law students finish their degrees.
Here is the definitive list of bursaries for Law students in South Africa for the 2026/2027 cycle.
1. The “Golden Ticket”: Legal Practitioners Fidelity Fund (LPFF)
This is arguably the most important bursary for any law student to know about. It is funded by the interest earned on trust accounts held by attorneys.
- Who is it for? Strictly for 3rd and 4th Year LLB students. They do not fund 1st or 2nd years.
- The Coverage: It covers tuition fees (paid directly to the university).
- The Catch: You must demonstrate financial need and academic performance. It is highly competitive.
- Closing Date: Generally 15 August annually.
- Official Website:www.fidfund.co.za
- Tip: Go to the “Bursaries” tab and download the specific LLB application form.
2. The “Big Firm” Corporate Bursaries
South Africa’s “Magic Circle” law firms compete for the best talent. They use bursaries to lock in top students early. If you get one of these, you are often fast-tracked for “Articles” (Candidate Attorney) interviews.
Bowmans Bursary
Bowmans is one of Africa’s premier corporate law firms.
- Who is it for? Students with excellent academic records (usually a 65%+ average).
- The Coverage: Full scholarship (Tuition, Accommodation, Books, Laptop).
- The Catch: You are expected to maintain high marks.
- Closing Date: Usually 30 September.
- Official Link: www.bowmanslaw.com/careers
Webber Wentzel Scholarships
Webber Wentzel focuses on students who show potential to be “dealmakers.”
- Who is it for? Law students (LLB or BCom Law) from 2nd year onwards.
- The Coverage: Partial or full financial support (often R50,000+ towards fees).
- Closing Date: Usually 30 September or 31 October.
- Official Link: www.webberwentzel.com/Careers
Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr (CDH) Bursary
CDH is known for its strong focus on Mergers & Acquisitions.
- Who is it for? BA Law, BCom Law, and LLB students.
- The Deal: They look for “all-rounders”—people who play sport or do debating, not just study.
- Closing Date: 1 September annually.
- Official Link: www.cliffedekkerhofmeyr.com
Adams & Adams Bursary
Specialists in Intellectual Property (IP) Law.
- Who is it for? Students with an interest in IP or Commercial Law.
- The Deal: Tuition fees + mentorship from a Partner.
- Official Link: www.adams.africa
3. Government & Parastatal Bursaries
The government needs lawyers too. These bursaries are often less competitive than the private law firms but offer great stability.
Public Investment Corporation (PIC) Bursary
The PIC manages government pensions. They need legal compliance officers.
- Who is it for? Unemployed youth (18–25) studying Law, Risk, or Accounting.
- The Coverage: Full cost of study.
- Closing Date: Usually October.
- Official Link: www.pic.gov.za
Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) Bursary
The IDC funds industrial development, but they have a massive legal department.
- Who is it for? Academically strong students (B average) in Law (Commercial Law focus).
- Closing Date: 30 September.
- Official Link: www.idc.co.za
SASSETA Bursary (Safety & Security)
- Who is it for? Students pursuing degrees related to justice (Law, Criminology, Paralegal Studies).
- The Catch: It is technically a “Discretionary Grant,” so it opens and closes based on available budget. Keep an eye on their website.
- Official Link: www.sasseta.org.za
4. International & Human Rights Trusts
If you are interested in Human Rights Law or Constitutional Law, these trusts are your best bet.
Canon Collins Trust (Leigh Day Scholarship)
- Who is it for? specifically for 2nd and 3rd-year LLB students at University of the Western Cape (UWC) or University of Fort Hare (UFH).
- The Coverage: Approx R40,000 per year towards fees.
- Closing Date: August/September.
- Official Link: www.canoncollins.org
HCI Foundation
- Who is it for? Financially needy students (refugees and RSA citizens) at public universities.
- The Deal: Partial bursary (e.g., R30,000).
- Closing Date: 30 September.
- Official Link: www.hcifoundation.co.za
5. How to Create a “Law Bursary” CV
Applying for a law bursary is different from a normal job application. Law firms are looking for specific traits.
1. Format Matters:
Lawyers are obsessed with detail. If your CV has a spelling mistake, your application will be shredded. They view it as a sign that you will be a careless lawyer.
2. “Mooting” is Magic:
If you have participated in “Moot Court” (mock trials) at university, put this at the top of your CV. It proves you can argue and speak in public.
3. Volunteer Work:
Legal firms love “Pro Bono” (free legal work). If you volunteered at a Street Law clinic or Citizens Advice Bureau, emphasize it. It shows you care about justice, not just money.
4. The Transcript:
Never apply without attaching your full academic transcript. For law bursaries, your marks (especially in Contract Law, Delict, and Criminal Law) are the most important currency you have.
Summary: Prepare for the Cycle
If you are reading this in early 2026, most of the “Big Firm” bursaries for the 2026 academic year have already been allocated.
Action Plan:
- Mark Your Calendar: Set reminders for May/June 2026. This is when applications open for the 2027 intake.
- Target the LPFF: If you are moving into your 3rd year next year, the Fidelity Fund is your #1 priority. Download the form in July.
- Vacation Work: Apply for “Vac Work” programmes at firms like Bowmans or Werksmans during the June/July holidays. Often, students who do well in Vac Work are quietly offered bursaries for the next year before they are even advertised.
Disclaimer: Bursary values and closing dates are subject to change by the respective firms and funds. Always verify the latest criteria on the official website.