LegalWise Bursary Application for 2026/2027
Detailed Guide on LegalWise Bursary Application for 2026/2027. Are you a South African student passionate about law, justice, and protecting human rights? The LegalWise Bursary Programme 2026/2027 is an excellent opportunity for academically deserving students who want to pursue a career in the legal field but face financial challenges. As a leading legal insurance provider in South Africa, LegalWise is committed to empowering young people through education and helping build the next generation of legal professionals who can contribute to justice and fairness in society.
The LegalWise bursary is awarded annually to students pursuing qualifications in Law (LLB) and related fields, ensuring access to higher education for talented learners who aspire to make a difference in South Africa’s legal system. The bursary typically covers tuition fees, prescribed study materials, and in some cases, additional academic support, reducing the financial burden on students and allowing them to focus fully on their studies.
This article provides a complete guide to the LegalWise Bursary Application for 2026/2027, including who qualifies, priority fields of study, how to apply, the required documentation, and the official application deadline. Whether you are a matriculant planning to study law at a recognized university or a current law student in need of financial assistance, this bursary could be your stepping stone to a successful career in the legal profession.
In addition, satrends.co.za offers a wide range of other bursary categories to suit your preference. Click on the links below to access other kinds of bursaries.
Universities in South Africa Bursaries Available for 2026
Government Departments Bursaries Available for 2026
Field of Studies Specified Bursaries Available for 2026
Keep reading for answers to key questions like “LegalWise bursary requirements 2026,” “how to apply for the LegalWise bursary,” and “law bursaries in South Africa 2026/2027.”
About LegalWise
LegalWise was founded in 1984 by Zak Crafford, a former Legal Aid employee, with the mission to make legal assistance affordable and accessible to all South Africans. The company helps individuals gain fair access to justice in criminal, civil, and labour matters, ensuring people can exercise their legal rights.
LegalWise offers three membership options, Gold, GoldPlus, and Platinum, each providing varying levels of coverage for legal cases. With over 80 branches across the country and between 500 and 1000 employees, LegalWise supports its members with a wide range of services. These include:
- Face-to-face legal counselling
- Access to a panel of experienced attorneys
- Cover for legal expenses in court cases
- 24-hour telephonic legal advice
- Email legal assistance during office hours
About LegalWise Bursary Programme 2026/2027
Fields Covered
LegalWise is inviting applications for its 2026 bursary programme. The bursary provides both financial assistance and mentorship to help students pursue studies in areas where LegalWise has recruitment needs.
The bursary is open to LegalWise Members or their children (biological, adopted, or under legal guardianship) who wish to study towards the following qualifications:
- Accounting (BCom)
- Law (BA / BCom / LLB)
- Human Resource Management (BCom)
- Industrial Psychology (BCom)
- Information Science (BIS)
- Informatics (BCom / BSc)
- Management (BCom)
Coverage Value & Renewal
The bursary provides partial financial support, including:
- Annual registration fees
- Tuition fees (capped at R44 000 per year)
Please note: it does not cover outstanding student debt or failed subjects.
To continue receiving the bursary each year, students must:
- Maintain good academic results and submit them to the Bursary Administrator on time.
- Comply with the bursary’s terms and conditions.
- Complete compulsory vacation work.
Obligations & Selection
- Recipients must complete their studies within the standard time allocated by their university.
- Students must complete 5 weeks of paid vacation work at a LegalWise branch each year (2 weeks in June/July and 3 weeks in December).
- BCom, Informatics, and Information Science students will do their vacation work at the LegalWise Roodepoort branch. Students are responsible for their own travel and accommodation.
- After graduation, students must fulfil a service obligation: 6 months of paid work at LegalWise for each year of bursary funding received.
- Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interviews at their nearest LegalWise branch.
Eligibility Requirements for LegalWise Bursary Application 2026/2027
To qualify, applicants must meet the following minimum requirements:
- Be a LegalWise Member or child of a Member (biological, adopted, or under guardianship).
- The Member must have at least 2 years of paid-up membership and remain a member during the bursary period.
- Have completed Matric.
- Be studying full-time (part-time and distance learning are not eligible).
- Be entering 2nd year or higher of study in 2026 (1st years are not eligible).
- Be registered at one of the approved universities (list provided in the original post).
- Have a minimum 60% overall average (C symbol) in the previous year of study.
- Be fluent in English and at least one other South African official language.
- Demonstrate qualities such as determination, teamwork, initiative, good communication, and interpersonal skills.
How to Apply for LegalWise Bursary 2026/2027
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Download and complete the LegalWise Bursary Application Form 2026 (.pdf). Click here to access the application form.
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Submit the completed form along with certified copies of the required supporting documents, including:
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- ID document
- Recent colour passport photo
- Matric certificate and latest university transcript (including June 2024 results)
- Proof of registration and latest student account
- Motivational letter (max 750 words)
- Proof of LegalWise membership and relation to the Member
- Parent/guardian/spouse ID and proof of income
- Other supporting documents (e.g. SASSA slips, affidavits, death certificate if applicable)
Important: Do not send original documents. Only certified copies will be accepted.
Applications can be submitted via:
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Email: helenf@legalwise.co.za
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Fax: 011 670 4557
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Post:
External Bursary Department
c/o LegalWise
P O Box 1524
Florida, 1709 -
Hand delivery: to your nearest LegalWise branch
Closing Date for LegalWise Bursary Application 2026/2027
Application Deadline: 30 September
Applications submitted after this date will not be considered.
Contact Details of LegalWise
For queries about this bursary, contact:
Email: helenf@legalwise.co.za