Those who cannot afford legal representation or advice are given it by Legal Aid South Africa. We work to assist as many individuals as we can, especially the elderly, children, and women who are particularly vulnerable.
You must apply for legal aid if you require services other than basic legal advice. If you receive legal aid, we will hire an attorney to represent you. However, depending on how much you can afford to pay, we may ask you to contribute toward your legal fees.
Application procedure steps
To apply for assistance, complete the application form and mail it to a legal aid office together with documentation of your financial situation. This often consists of copies of a pension card (or, if you are employed, two pay stubs) and of the past two months’ worth of bank statements. The application must be submitted with these. In that case, the application will just be sent back to you.
If legal aid is approved, you will be required to contribute to your legal fees. Every candidate who is accepted must contribute to their legal aid.
How may I obtain legal assistance in South Africa?
To apply for assistance, complete the application form and mail it to a legal aid office together with documentation of your financial situation. This often consists of copies of a pension card (or, if you are employed, two pay stubs) and of the past two months’ worth of bank statements. The application must be submitted with these.
In South Africa, who is eligible for free assistance?
Poor people and vulnerable populations including women, children, and rural residents are included in this. The “means test” is used by Legal Aid SA to check your eligibility based on your income. For instance, in order to qualify for legal aid, employed people must make less than R5 500 per month after taxes.
What qualifies a person for legal aid?
The majority of legal aid cases will be based on a means test, therefore you will need to demonstrate that you are unable to pay for legal fees. Information on your earnings, benefits, savings, assets, and stock holdings, as well as those of your partner, will need to be provided. Before we begin working with you under legal assistance, we will want documentation of your income.
Who in South Africa is eligible for legal aid?
Anyone living in South Africa, including non-citizens, is eligible for legal help if the) if the situation: is unlawful. concerns young people. concerns asylum seekers; under Chapters 3 and 4 of the Refugees Act 130 of 1998, legal help is accessible to those who are applying for asylum or plan to do so.
What is it known as when you cannot afford legal counsel?
A public defender program or a private attorney will typically be appointed to represent a person who the court determines to be “indigent”—that is, to have few assets and no resources to pay for legal representation.
Those who cannot afford legal representation or advice are given it by Legal Aid South Africa. We work to assist as many individuals as we can, especially the elderly, children, and women who are particularly vulnerable.
Overview of Public Universities in South Africa
Here's an overview of some public universities in South Africa, including general admissions requirements and estimated application periods. Keep in mind, specific program requirements and dates can vary significantly, so it's important to check each university's official website for the most current information.
University of Pretoria
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with minimum scores in specific subjects related to the chosen program; for international students, equivalent qualifications.
- Application Period: Usually opens in March and closes at the end of July for most programs.
University of Cape Town
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with pass levels required for degree study; subject-specific requirements depending on the program.
- Application Period: Application opens in April and closes at the end of July.
Stellenbosch University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required marks; some programs have additional testing.
- Application Period: Opens in March and typically closes at the end of June.
University of the Witwatersrand
- Admissions Requirements: Matriculation certificate with university exemption; required scores vary by faculty.
- Application Period: Begins in March and ends on the 30th of September.
University of Johannesburg
- Admissions Requirements: Matric exemption with a minimum APS score; specific subject requirements based on the faculty.
- Application Period: Opens in April and generally closes by the 30th of September.
University of the Free State
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific marks for the program applied to; additional requirements for certain courses.
- Application Period: Typically opens in April and closes at the end of August.
University of Venda
- Admissions Requirements: Completion of the National Senior Certificate with an endorsement for diploma or degree studies; specific APS scores needed.
- Application Period: Usually from May to September.
University of Fort Hare
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with university exemption; certain programs may have specific requirements.
- Application Period: Opens around May and closes at the end of September.
University of the Western Cape
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific performance levels; additional requirements for certain programs.
- Application Period: Generally from May to September.
North-West University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with university exemption; program-specific requirements may apply.
- Application Period: Opens in March and usually closes by the end of August.
Rhodes University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate or equivalent; minimum academic performance in certain subjects.
- Application Period: Applications open in April and close at the end of September.
Nelson Mandela University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required scores for chosen programs; portfolio or additional tests for some faculties.
- Application Period: Opens in April, with a deadline at the end of August for most programs.
Cape Peninsula University of Technology
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific scores; additional requirements for certain courses.
- Application Period: Opens in May and typically closes by the end of September.
University of Limpopo
- Admissions Requirements: Senior Certificate with endorsement for diploma or degree courses; specific APS scores for different programs.
- Application Period: From April to September.
University of Zululand
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with an endorsement for bachelor’s degree studies; specific score requirements for various programs.
- Application Period: Usually between April and November.
Central University of Technology
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific scores for the chosen field of study; additional criteria for certain programs.
- Application Period: Application period generally starts in May and ends in October.
Vaal University of Technology
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with a pass that qualifies for admission to bachelor’s degree, diploma, or higher certificate programs.
- Application Period: Typically from May to September.
Walter Sisulu University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required scores for chosen programs; additional criteria for certain faculties.
- Application Period: From April to September.
This list provides a starting point for understanding the admissions landscape across South Africa's diverse higher education institutions. Given the variability in programs and requirements, it's crucial to consult each university's website for the most accurate and up-to-date information.