Study and train for a career as a barrister with funding from the Inns of Court
All barristers belong to one of the four Inns of Court, historic institutions that each provide financial assistance to help their members during study and training. Their combined scholarships and bursaries reach more than £4.2 million a year, so it’s well worth applying. You can only join one Inn but you can apply for several of its scholarships. Although you do not need to be a member to apply, you must join the Inn before you can receive any payment.
The majority of scholarships available are for the Bar professinal training course (BPTC) year but there are others awarded for the conversion course and during pupillage, with smaller awards to cover entrance fees or the cost of a wig and gown.
- How the Inns of Court can support your career at the Bar
- Introducing the Bar professional training course (BPTC)
Inns' criteria for assessing scholarship applicants
Each Inn has its own set of criteria that are used to assess candidates. Generally speaking, they encompass:
- intellectual ability and high academic achievement
- potential for successful practice
- mooting and debating skills
- motivation to succeed
- personal qualities and extracurricular activities.
Have a look at the Inns’ websites or contact them directly to find out their specific selection criteria.
How to apply for a scholarship
Each Inn has its own application form, available either online or on request. Make sure you answer the questions carefully and fill in all the spaces, highlighting your skills and showing how they match the criteria. You will need to organise the required number of references from people of standing, who cannot be family members. It’s advisable to have an academic reference and it may help to have one from an employer or a barrister. Some Inns provide a form while others prefer a letter of recommendation.
Once all applications have been received, the Inn will make a shortlist of candidates to invite for interview. You’re likely to be interviewed by a panel, which will probably include a bencher (a senior member of the Inn). For some awards you may be asked to demonstrate your abilities through a viva voce examination, mooting or debating. Once the committee has chosen to make an award they will usually consider a candidate’s financial situation when deciding the amount. On the whole it is only students of exceptional merit who can expect to secure a scholarship.
[view:MoreLikeThis_SectorBarSolTrain]