The Law Society - Law Society Diversity Access Scheme

What the Diversity Access Scheme gives you

The programme covers your costs for admission to the Bar in England and Wales, up to approximately 17,500 EUR (around £15,000). It covers either the Legal Practice Course (LPC) or the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE), including the examinations and preparatory courses. You will also be assigned a lawyer as your personal mentor to support you throughout your training, as well as the opportunity to gain professional experience at partner law firms whilst you are studying. The Law Society of England and Wales administers the programme and awards approximately 15 scholarships each year. The money is paid directly to your training provider, not to you, and there is no support for living costs.

Who can apply

• Where you live: You live in England or Wales and have the right to work and study there.
• Career stage: You wish to become a lawyer and are not yet a qualified lawyer (neither a solicitor nor a barrister). Legal assistants are welcome to apply.
• Course: You are planning to complete the LPC or SQE qualification, either as a standalone programme or in combination with a Master’s degree in law. Standalone programmes, retraining courses, LLM programmes and PhDs are not eligible for funding.
• Grades: You hold at least a bachelor’s degree (or an equivalent qualification) at levels 2:2, or are expected to obtain one by August 2026.
• Language: English or Welsh is your first language, or you have an IELTS score of 7.5.
• Financial need: Your household’s annual income is no more than £25,000 (£28,000 in London), and you have no savings, grants or loans to finance the course.
• Social barriers: At least two of the following apply: You attended a school that does not have an admissions process and is free of school fees; you are the first person in your family to go to university; you were entitled to free school meals; your parents do not work in academic professions; and you have no legal ties through your family.
• Nationality: Applicants of all nationalities are welcome to apply, provided they live in England or Wales.

How to apply

You must complete three application forms and send all three in a single email to the programme. The application period runs from mid-February until 1 April. If you are shortlisted, you will have an online interview lasting approximately 30 minutes with a panel of lawyers in early July. You will be notified of the final decision by the end of July.

How realistic are your chances?

This grant scheme is very narrowly defined. You must live in England or Wales, be on a low income and have no savings, and meet at least two specific criteria relating to disadvantage, meaning that the target group is small. With only around 15 grants awarded each year and an interview assessed on a points-based system, competition amongst eligible applicants remains fierce. If you clearly meet the eligibility and background criteria and submit a compelling application, your chances are good.