The four-year LLB degree – offered for the first time by Varsity College this year – is under threat, says a Times Select report. At least 10 parents of students doing the degree at its three campuses in KZN have threatened legal action. One has already served summons demanding a repayment of fees because of ‘misrepresentations and negligence’.

Attorney Sunil Singh – whose daughter started a BCom at Varsity College in 2017 with the intention of doing the LLB – is claiming back fees of R73 000 plus R140 000 in damages for a ‘wasted year’. ‘My daughter is now at UKZN. I know of two other parents who have pulled their kids out,’ he told Times Select.

But Varsity College is defending the action. It claims it has done nothing wrong, it has all the proper accreditation and is a victim of antiquated legislation that dictates that only those with a relevant degree from a ‘university’ – as opposed to a registered private higher education institution – can enter the profession.

It is this legislation, the Attorneys Act of 1979, that the KZN Law Society insists precludes it from recognising the Varsity College degree, meaning graduates will not be able to register with the professional body, do their articles and practise as attorneys.

Full Times Select report