The SQE will be phased in from 1 September―candidates will need to have a degree, pass both stages of the SQE (costing £3,980) and complete two years of qualifying work experience in order to qualify as a solicitor.
Law Society guidance explaining the total cost of the SQE and potential sources of funds can be viewed here.
I Stephanie Boyce, Law Society president, said some candidates would be sponsored by their firm but others would need to fund themselves and may want to apply for grants, scholarships or private student loans being offered by some providers of SQE preparation courses. She expressed concern that there was no government funding available, despite the government’s ‘levelling up’ agenda, and that the Disabled Students’ Allowance would not be available for many courses or the assessments.
