Can you get funding for a law conversion?

Jan 20, 2025

Written By Helena Kudiabor

Qualifying to become a lawyer if you didn’t study law as an undergraduate can be a very expensive process, given you have to pay for the cost of your undergraduate degree, the cost of the PGDL and the cost of the SQE (Solicitors Qualifying Examination). While you do have the option to take the SQE without have studied any law at all, it might be better to take a conversion course for the best chance of success at the SQE. Each of these courses cost around £9,000 + a year, not including maintenance expenses. However, many law firms recognise this expense and as a result are willing to cover the cost.

Can you take the SQE without the law conversion course?

One of the main changes with the introduction of the Solicitors Qualifying Exams (SQE) as the new route to qualification is that you would not need to have a law degree or equivalent to be admitted as a solicitor. You would only need a bachelor's or Master's degree in any subject. Therefore, a non-law graduate can now take the SQE assessments without having studied law, and qualify as a solicitor after completing the qualifying work experience.

Having said that, in order to pass the SQE assessments, students will be examined to the level of knowledge required of a newly qualified solicitor of England and Wales. For the best chance of passing the SQE, non-law graduates may wish to undertake a law conversion course intergrated with SQE preparatory course to study the law and practical skills assessed in the SQE1 and SQE2. The Postgraduate Diploma in Law (PGDL) is one of the law conversion courses launched to help non-law graduates prepare for the SQE assessments or to prepare for the Bar Practice Course (BPC) in order to become a barrister.

Which law firms will cover the cost of the PGDL?

Several of the large, London-based law firms promise to cover the cost of the PGDL. A few of the commercial law firms often sponsor their trainees, provided that you have a training contract with them and attend the law school of their choice. There are many which even cover the cost of the SQE as well as maintenance for living costs and day-to-day expenses.

If you are working in London, you will be able to get a larger maintenance loan due to the high cost of living there. As opposed to student loans, the money is given as a grant, meaning it does not need to be paid back. This allows you to concentrate on your work without worrying about rent, additional student loan debt or having to find a part-time job to supplement your income.

Things to consider

While the financial packages offered by many firms are very generous, you should avoid choosing a firm based on the aid that they offer. Don’t settle for a large corporate firm based on the money that they give you if you would much prefer life in a small family law firm. Instead, carefully research to find out which firm has the best location, best seats and best size for you.

What do you do if your dream law firm doesn’t provide PGDL funding?

If you’ve accepted an offer from a firm who won’t provide you with a grant, try not to worry. There are many law schools which provide discounts or free PGDL funding for those on a low income. Furthermore, The Law Society’s Diversity Access Scheme (DAS) supports disadvantaged students who are interested in becoming lawyers (disadvantaged due to their race, class, sexuality or income) by covering the fees of their SQE preparatory courses.

While this is not ideal, it still allows you to save money; although only a few applicants get accepted each year.

You may also be eligible for a postgraduate student loan if you upgrade your PGDL to a Master's degree. Do have a look at our guide on more funding options for the PGDL.

One way to save costs as well is to do the GDL and/or the SQE part-time, so you can have time to study and work to support yourself. The part-time options take longer; however the money saved is worth it.

The PGDL is expensive, but luckily a few firms offer to cover the expense. However, you should not choose a firm just because they offer you a grant, as there are many other ways to reduce the cost.

Law Conversion Course