The Law Society of England and Wales - Law Society Diversity Access Scheme

What the Diversity Access Scheme gives you

You will receive your full course and exam fees paid as part of the process of qualifying as a solicitor in England and Wales. The programme covers either the preparatory courses and examination dates for the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) or the Legal Practice Course (LPC) – the part-time training you undertake after completing your law degree. The funding goes directly to your university, not to you. You will also be assigned a mentor – an experienced solicitor who will guide you through the process – and you will have access to paid placements in law firms. The grant is awarded by the Law Society of England and Wales, which typically awards around 15 grants each year. There is no additional allowance for living costs.

Who can apply

• Where you live: You live in England or Wales, are entitled to work or study there, and intend to remain there whilst you are studying.
• Course: You are enrolled on the LPC or an SQE preparatory course and are sitting the relevant examinations. Both can be combined with a Master’s degree in law. A stand-alone degree in law, a PGDL, an LLM or a PhD will not be taken into account.
• Grades: You must hold at least one qualification at level 2:2 (or an equivalent foreign qualification), which you have already obtained or will obtain by August 2026.
• Financial need: Your household income must not exceed 25,000 GBP (approximately 29,000 EUR) or 28,000 GBP (approximately 32,000 EUR) if you live in London. You cannot fund the course using your own savings, gifts or loans.
• Background criteria: At least two of these four points apply to you: you attended a school where no fees were charged; you are the first person in your family to hold a university degree; you were entitled to free school meals during your school years; or your parents do not work in the legal profession.
• Language: English or Welsh is your first language, or you have an IELTS score of 7.5 or higher.
• Not yet qualified: You are not currently a qualified solicitor, barrister or lawyer. Legal assistants and those undertaking a placement to gain their qualification may apply.
• First time: You have not yet received any DAS funding or funding for a Bar Association course.

How to apply

Applications must be submitted by email to the Bar Association using a three-part application form. The deadline for applications is 1 April at 9 am. You will need two references from teachers or employers, but not from family members. If you are shortlisted, you will be invited to an online interview lasting approximately 30 minutes.

How realistic are your chances?

This funding scheme is very narrowly defined. You must live in England or Wales, be enrolled on a specific SQE or LPC course, demonstrate a clear financial need, and meet at least two background criteria. As a result, the pool of eligible applicants is far smaller than for open scholarships. With around 15 scholarships awarded each year and each application assessed by two independent solicitors, there is genuine competition amongst those who qualify. A well-reasoned application that clearly meets the criteria stands a good chance of success. Applicants with a disability or from foster care are given priority, provided they achieve the minimum score.