Funding your studies
It’s not always easy to find the financial support you need to study, but there are organisations that can help. Provided below are details of contacts which may be useful.
NatWest Professional Trainee Loan for College of Law Students
College of Law students are eligible to apply for loans at tailored rates through the NatWest Professional Trainee Loan Scheme. Loans of up to £25,000 are available with flexible options. If you're studying part-time you can borrow up to the cost of your course fees. Conditions apply. For more information, including current rates, go to www.natwest.com/law
Local authority grants
Some authorities provide financial assistance. For further information contact your local authority.
Charities and grant-making trusts
There are numerous organisations that provide financial support to students. For further information contact the Education Grants Advisory Service – e-mail egas.enquiry@fwa.org.uk
Adult learning
For information on financial assistance to support your learning, please visit www.direct.gov.uk/adultlearning or contact 0800 100 900.
Funding for trainee solicitors
Employer sponsorship
Some law firms and other employers sponsor their trainees, paying course fees and living expenses. For further information see The Training Contract and Pupillage Handbook or visit lawcareers.net. Some firms also offer part-time study training contracts (PTS TC) combining part-time study (GDL and/or LPC) with full-time work, half of which can be counted towards the two years required to complete a training contract. For further information visit the Solicitors Regulation Authority website.
Law Society bursary scheme
If you have no other funding you may be able to get a bursary from the Law Society. Applications must be made by April of the year you start your course. For further information call 0870 606 2555, e-mail bursaryapplications@lawsociety.org.uk or visit the Solicitors Regulation Authority website.
Funding for trainee barristers
Inns of Court scholarship
Partial funding is available from the Inns of Court for pupils, GDL or BVC students.
Barristers’ chambers
All chambers should award a minimum grant of £10,000 over a one-year pupillage. For further information see The Pupillages Handbook available from the Bar Council or online at www.pupillages.com
HSBC Bar student loan package
HSBC has struck a deal with the Bar Council to offer special loans to Bar Vocational Course (BVC) students.
HSBC’s London Barrister Commercial Centre in Fleet Street, makes loans available to Bar students on favourable terms.
