The cost of converting to law is a significant barrier for many graduates. However, there are more funding options available than most students realise.
1. Postgraduate Student Loans
The Postgraduate Master's Loan from Student Finance England provides up to £12,167 (2024/25 rate) for eligible postgraduate courses, including the GDL/PGDL. Key points:
- Available to UK nationals and those with settled status
- Not means-tested — everyone eligible receives the same amount
- Repayment begins when you earn over the threshold (currently £21,000)
- Paid directly to you, not the university
2. Law Firm Sponsorship
Many law firms sponsor the GDL/SQE fees for candidates who have accepted a training contract offer. This typically covers:
- Full course fees (GDL and/or SQE preparation)
- Maintenance grant (£5,000–£10,000 in London; less outside)
The catch: you usually need to secure the training contract before starting the GDL, which means applying in your final year of your non-law degree.
3. Scholarships and Bursaries
| Source | Amount | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| Inns of Court (Bar) | £1,000–£20,000+ | Aspiring barristers; competitive |
| University scholarships | £1,000–£5,000 | Academic merit or financial need |
| The Law Society | Various | Diversity and access schemes |
| Social Mobility Foundation | Mentoring + funding | Students from disadvantaged backgrounds |
4. Part-Time Study
Several providers offer the GDL/PGDL on a part-time basis (typically 2 years instead of 1), allowing you to work alongside your studies. This reduces the financial pressure but extends the qualification timeline.
5. Budgeting Tips
- Apply for every scholarship you are eligible for — many go unawarded because of low application numbers
- Consider studying outside London where living costs are significantly lower
- Factor in SQE exam fees (approximately £1,600 for SQE1 and £2,500 for SQE2) when budgeting
- Look into employer sponsorship even if you do not yet have a training contract — some firms offer bursaries to promising candidates