Law School of Tanzania Admission - Roadmap to Legal Practice
Introduction: Why the Law School of Tanzania Matters
For every law graduate in Tanzania, one institution stands between university graduation and legal practice the Law School of Tanzania (LST). Whether your dream is to become an advocate, a magistrate, or a corporate legal advisor, admission to LST is not optional, it’s essential.
Yet, each year, thousands of qualified graduates struggle with rejected applications, missing documents, or misunderstood requirements. This guide cuts through confusion and walks you through everything you need to know about Law School of Tanzania admission, explained clearly, honestly, and practically.
What Is the Law School of Tanzania?
The Law School of Tanzania is a statutory public institution established to provide practical legal training to law graduates before they are admitted to the Roll of Advocates.
LST focuses on:
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Practical advocacy skills
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Legal drafting
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Professional ethics
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Court procedures and practice
Unlike university law programs, LST is skills-oriented, preparing graduates for real courtroom and legal office work.
Programs Offered at the Law School of Tanzania
1. Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice (PGDLP)
This is the core and most popular program, mandatory for anyone intending to practice law in Tanzania.
2. Continuing Legal Education (CLE) Programs
Designed for legal professionals seeking skill enhancement or compliance with professional requirements.
Law School of Tanzania Admission Requirements
General Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for admission into the PGDLP, an applicant must:
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Hold a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) degree from:
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A Tanzanian university accredited by TCU, or
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A recognized foreign institution (subject to equivalency assessment)
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Have completed practical training components required during undergraduate study
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Meet minimum GPA or classification standards as announced in the admission year
- The 16 Core Courses: You must have passed 16 specific core courses during your LLB, including Criminal Law, Civil Procedure, Land Law, and Jurisprudence. If you missed any, you'll be required to clear them alongside your diploma.
⚠️ Admission requirements may slightly vary each year. Always confirm with the official LST admission notice.
Foreign LL.B Holders: Special Considerations
Applicants who studied law outside Tanzania must:
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Obtain degree equivalency verification
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Possibly complete bridging courses as prescribed by LST
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Submit additional documentation for curriculum evaluation
Early preparation is critical for foreign graduates, as equivalency processes can take time.
How to Apply to the Law School of Tanzania
Step-by-Step: The LST Online Application (LAWSARIS)
The admission process is fully digital via the SARIS (Student Academic Registration Information System).
Generate a Control Number: Visit the official LST website and navigate to the payment portal to generate a control number for the Tsh 20,000 application fee.
Payment: Pay via mobile money (M-Pesa, Tigo Pesa, etc.) or bank.
Create Your Profile: Use your Form Four Index Number to register on the LAWSARIS portal.
Upload Documents: You will need scanned PDF copies of:
O-Level and A-Level Certificates.
LLB Degree Certificate and Academic Transcript.
Birth Certificate.
TCU/NECTA verification (for foreign graduates).
Submit Before the Deadline: For the 2026 intakes, the primary deadline for applications is typically October 31, 2025.
The Cost of Excellence: Fees for 2025/2026
Pursuing the Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice (PGDLP) is a significant investment. As of the current academic cycle, the total institutional fees for Tanzanian students are approximately Tsh 2,950,000.
Breakdown of Key Costs:
Tuition Fee: Tsh 2,400,000
Field (Attachment) Supervision: Tsh 150,000
Library & Stationery: Tsh 200,000
Registration & Other Costs: Tsh 200,000
Note: Non-Tanzanian students have a different fee structure, usually totaling around Tsh 4,800,000+.
Always refer to the official fee structure released with the admission notice.
HESLB Loans: Financing Your Dream
The Higher Education Students' Loans Board (HESLB) does provide loans for LST students, but the window is narrow.
Who can apply? You must have been a previous HESLB beneficiary during your LLB and graduated within the last five years.
When to apply? The window usually opens between June and August.
What is covered? Usually, the loan covers a portion of the tuition (up to Tsh 2.5M) and a book/stationery allowance (Tsh 500,000)
Law School of Tanzania Admission Deadlines
Application windows typically open once per academic year. Late applications are rarely accepted, so early submission is strongly advised.
Pro tip: Apply as soon as the portal opens early applicants face fewer technical and administrative challenges.
Common Reasons Applications Get Rejected
Many qualified candidates miss out due to avoidable mistakes:
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Uploading uncertified or unclear documents
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Mismatch between names across certificates
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Incomplete application forms
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Missing deadlines
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Assuming requirements haven’t changed from previous years
Attention to detail matters more than most applicants realize.
Life at the Law School of Tanzania: What to Expect
LST is intense, disciplined, and practical. Students should expect:
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Heavy coursework
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Strict attendance policies
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Frequent assessments and moot court exercises
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High expectations for professionalism and ethics
This rigor is intentional, it reflects the realities of legal practice.
Insider Tips to Increase Your Chances of Admission
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✔ Double-check document clarity before uploading
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✔ Ensure names match across all academic records
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✔ Apply early to avoid last-minute system issues
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✔ Follow official announcements, not rumors
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✔ Keep both digital and printed copies of submissions
FAQs
Is Law School of Tanzania mandatory for advocates?
Yes. Completion of the PGDLP at LST is required before admission to the Roll of Advocates in Tanzania.
Can I apply before graduating with my LL.B?
Generally, applicants must have completed and certified their LL.B studies before applying.
Does LST accept private university graduates?
Yes, as long as the institution is accredited and the degree meets LST requirements.
Is there an entrance exam at the Law School of Tanzania?
Admission is primarily based on academic qualifications, though additional assessments may apply depending on the year.
Can foreign students apply to LST?
Yes, but they must meet equivalency and regulatory requirements set by Tanzanian authorities.
Final Thoughts
Admission to the Law School of Tanzania is not just another academic step it is the gateway to legal practice in Tanzania. Preparation, accuracy, and early action are your strongest allies.
If you approach the process informed and organized, you significantly improve your chances of success. Keep your eye on official updates, respect deadlines, and treat the application process with the seriousness it deserves.