Higher Certificate in Paralegal Studies

The Higher Certificate in Paralegal Studies is an entry-level qualification aimed at paralegal professionals who assist lawyers in their legal work.

This Higher Certificate in Paralegal Studies aims to present students with basic knowledge of South African law and its procedures. The flexible structure of this qualification enables candidates to select outcomes that meet the diverse roles and contexts required by a wide range of legal firms, the corporate environment, as well as the public sector.

FURTHER STUDY OPPORTUNITIES

Upon successful completion of the Higher Certificate in Paralegal Studies a student may articulate to the BA Law or BCom Law.

STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES FOR CONTACT LEARNING

• C4SS - CENTRE FOR STUDENT SUCCESS

The Centre for Student Success supports students with academic, psychological and financial wellness.

• SAS - STUDENT ADMINISTRATION & SUPPORT

Student Administration & Support is the first port of call for all student queries and requests, they can channel your requests to the right individuals.

THE ADMISSION CRITERIA FOR THE HIGHER CERTIFICATE IN PARALEGAL STUDIES ARE:

• a Senior Certificate (SC); OR
• a National Senior Certificate (NSC) with a minimum of 40% in three modules, including a Home Language and a minimum of 30% in three other modules; OR
• a National Senior Certificate – Vocational Level 4 (NC(V)),
  with
• a minimum of 40% in English Home Language or First Additional Language.

MATURE AGE EXEMPTION

Candidates who do not meet the requirements for degree studies listed above, but who have reached the ages of 23 or 45 respectively, may apply for Mature Age Exemption via the USAF Matriculation Board under the following conditions:

• Candidates who have reached/will reach the age of 23 during the first year of registration and who have achieved a Senior Certificate with a pass in at least four subjects, including one of the official languages experience and including one subject on Higher Grade;

• Candidates who have reached the age of 45 before or during the first year of registration.

STADIO is committed to achieving inclusion and to overcome barriers to access and success in higher education. Applicants who do not meet the stated admission criteria, but who have relevant work experience and/or prior learning may apply for admission under the policy on Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). STADIO admits a maximum of 10% per cohort via RPL. The implementation of RPL is context-specific, in terms of discipline, programme and level.  Further information may be obtained from your Student Recruitment Advisor.