Legal Practitioners Fidelity Fund Bursary 2027: Law Student Financial Aid

The Legal Practitioners Fidelity Fund (LPFF) is offering bursaries for the 2027 academic year to South African law students. This opportunity aims to support undergraduate and postgraduate students pursuing legal studies at recognised public universities. Applications are open until 15 August 2026.

Application Closing Date: 15 August 2026
Location: Recognised public universities in South Africa
Programme Duration: Not specified
Stipend: Tuition fees only
Minimum Qualification: LLB, BCom Law, BA Law, Postgraduate Law Studies

About the Legal Practitioners Fidelity Fund Bursary

The Legal Practitioners Fidelity Fund Bursary Programme is designed to provide financial assistance to students who are committed to pursuing a career in law. This bursary specifically covers tuition fees for eligible undergraduate and postgraduate students enrolled at public universities across South Africa. It is a crucial initiative to support the development of legal professionals who will serve the public.

The bursary focuses on assisting students who are already in their second year of LLB studies or beyond, or those who have completed a BA Law or BCom Law and are transitioning into their LLB. Postgraduate students who are practising attorneys or candidate attorneys are also encouraged to apply. The fund aims to ensure that financial constraints do not prevent deserving students from completing their legal education.

About the Legal Practitioners Fidelity Fund

The Legal Practitioners Fidelity Fund, formerly known as the Attorneys Fidelity Fund, is a statutory body established under the Legal Practice Act. Its main role is to protect the public from financial losses incurred due to the theft or misappropriation of funds held in trust by legal practitioners. Beyond its protective function, the LPFF also contributes to the legal profession through various means, including offering law bursaries, supporting legal education, and funding regulatory activities.

Fields of Study Covered

This bursary is specifically for students pursuing legal qualifications. Eligible fields of study include:

• Bachelor of Laws (LLB)
• BCom Law (students intending to transfer to an LLB)
• BA Law (students intending to transfer to an LLB)
• Postgraduate law studies for those meeting professional and employment requirements

Please note that first-year LLB students are not eligible for this bursary.

What the LPFF Bursary Covers

The bursary provides financial support for tuition fees only. It is important for applicants to understand that the bursary does not cover other essential study-related costs.

The bursary will not cover:

• Accommodation
• Meals
• Books
• Transport
• Living expenses
• Personal allowances
• Electronic equipment

Applicants will need to make separate arrangements for any expenses not covered by the tuition fee funding.

Undergraduate Eligibility Requirements

To be considered for the undergraduate bursary, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be a South African citizen or permanent resident.
• Be studying at a recognised and accredited public university in South Africa.
• Meet the specific study-level requirements for LLB programmes.
• Have achieved at least a 50% average in their most recent academic results.
• Agree to abide by the bursary rules.

Additionally, undergraduate applicants must fall into one of these study categories:

• Be in the second or third year of an LLB programme, progressing to the third or fourth year.
• Have completed a BA Law or BCom Law degree and be entering the final two years of an LLB.
• Be in the third year of an extended LLB programme, moving into the fourth or fifth year.

Postgraduate Eligibility Requirements

Postgraduate students must meet these requirements:

• Be a South African citizen or permanent resident.
• Have already completed an LLB qualification.
• Have achieved at least a 50% average in their latest academic results.
• Be studying at a recognised public university in South Africa.
• Be currently practising as an attorney or candidate attorney.
• Be employed by a legal practising firm.

Postgraduate applicants employed by state entities are not eligible for this funding.

Academic Requirements

A strong academic record is essential for all applicants. You must have achieved a minimum average of 50% in your latest academic results. Your submitted academic transcript should clearly show all completed subjects, marks obtained, qualification title, current academic level, university name, and overall academic progress. Meeting this minimum average does not guarantee bursary award.

Citizenship and Permanent Residence

The bursary is open to individuals who hold South African citizenship or permanent resident status. If you are applying based on permanent residence, you must provide certified proof of this status along with your application.

Public University Requirement

All applicants must be enrolled at a recognised and accredited public university within South Africa. The bursary does not extend to students attending private higher-education institutions. Ensure that the university and qualification details you provide in your application are accurate.

Required Supporting Documents

Prepare to upload clear copies of the following documents when you apply:

• A recent digital photograph.
• A certified copy of your South African identity document or passport.
• Certified proof of permanent residence, if applicable.
• Your latest academic transcript.
• A testimonial letter from your university.
• Proof of employment or your latest payslip, if applicable for postgraduate applicants.

Incomplete applications may be disqualified, so ensure all necessary documents are included.

University Testimonial Letter

A testimonial letter from your university is a required document. This letter should ideally confirm your details such as your name, student number, qualification, current year of study, academic standing, registration status, and conduct or suitability. It is advisable to request this document well in advance of the closing date to avoid any delays.

Employment Documents for Postgraduate Applicants

If you are applying as a postgraduate student, you will need to provide specific employment-related documents. This may include proof of employment, your most recent payslip, and confirmation that you are employed by a legal practising firm. These documents help verify your status as a practising attorney or candidate attorney.

Application Portal Requirements

To complete the online application, you will need:

• A South African identity number or passport number.
• A valid cellphone number.
• A valid email address.
• Clear electronic copies of all your supporting documents.

You can use a mobile phone, tablet, or computer to complete the application. You can save your progress and return to finish it later, but remember that a saved draft is not considered a submitted application.

Tracking Your Application

After submitting your application, you can track its progress via your LPFF Student Profile on the portal. It is important to keep your login details, application reference number (if provided), copies of all uploaded documents, and confirmation of final submission safe.

How to Apply for the Legal Practitioners Fidelity Fund Bursary 2027

Applications must be submitted online through the Legal Practitioners Fidelity Fund Bursary Application Portal.

Click here to apply for the Legal Practitioners Fidelity Fund Bursary 2027

Follow these steps to apply:

1. Access the LPFF student portal.
2. Register a new profile or sign in to your existing account.
3. Select the bursary application you wish to apply for.
4. Fill in all required personal and academic information accurately.
5. Enter the correct details for your university and qualification.
6. Upload all necessary supporting documents as specified.
7. Carefully read and understand the bursary rules.
8. Confirm that all the information you have provided is correct.
9. Submit your application before midnight on 15 August 2026.
10. Monitor your application status through your LPFF Student Profile.

Bursary Application Closing Date

The deadline for submitting your bursary application is 15 August 2026 at midnight. Late applications will not be considered. It is recommended to submit your application well before the closing date to avoid any last-minute technical issues or problems with document uploads.

Bursary Enquiries

For any questions regarding LLB and LLM bursaries, you can contact:
Email: [email protected]

For technical assistance with the online application portal, please reach out to:
Email: [email protected]

Important Application Checklist

Before you submit your application, please confirm the following:

• You are a South African citizen or permanent resident.
• You are studying at a recognised public university.
• You meet the specific undergraduate or postgraduate criteria.
• You have achieved at least a 50% academic average.
• You are not a first-year LLB student.
• Your digital photograph is attached.
• Your ID or passport copy is certified.
• Proof of permanent residence is attached, if applicable.
• Your latest academic transcript is included.
• Your university testimonial letter is attached.
• Proof of employment or payslip is included, if applicable.
• Your contact details are correct.
• Your application is fully submitted by midnight on 15 August 2026.

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