Funding your Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE)
The introduction of the SQE by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) aims to unify the process of legal qualification ensuring that all candidates meet the same standard when qualifying as solicitors. This was essential in creating multiple pathways into the profession to allow for greater diversity.
The SQE is the more affordable option than the tradition Legal Practice Course (LPC) route. Several options allow students to make individual decisions on their chosen qualification path based on what suits their situation best. This is why our part-time courses are consistently the most popular SQE Prep choice. They allow students to flexibly learn as they earn during their SQE studies. This is a big factor in saving both costs and time during the legal qualification process.
For the full breakdown of SQE funding options, download our guides here for each of the SQE Prep funding options.
SQE funding FAQs
The Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE) is split into two stages: SQE1 and SQE2.
The costs for each are:
- SQE1: SQE1 - £1,622 (£811 for FLK1 and £811 for FLK2)
- SQE2 - £2,493
(VAT exempt)
Please note that from September 2023 the exam fees will increase £1,798 (i.e. £899 for FLK1 and £899 for FLK2) and SQE2 from £2,493 to £2,766 (overall increase of 11%). More information on this on the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) website here.
You may be exempt from one of the two stages which would help reduce your costs. To find out more about exemptions, please visit this page here.
The assessment is carried out by Kaplan, the exam provider, and the costs are directly paid to it upon booking the exams.
You may also need to factor in costs associated to travel to and from the exam assessment centre, especially if this involves international travel. The SQE1 is assessed through PearsonVUE centres across the globe. Meanwhile the SQE1 is assessed through select centres only in the UK, so if you are based abroad, you would need to arrange your own travel.
This is covering only exam assessment costs. The SQE preparation costs are separately paid to the provider and you can find out more about your options with these here.
The BARBRI SQE Prep costs cover the preparation for the exam only. The books and their shipping internationally, as well as all necessary materials and access is provided and included in the fee.
These are different for the SQE1 and the SQE2, including SQE scholarships, payment plans, billing options and more. Download the funding guides to find out more about your options for each of the courses.
Access to the profession
The SQE funding support that we provide to all students is part of the BARBRI Bridges initiative. It aims to support aspiring lawyers and enhance diversity and inclusion at the point of entry into the profession. We have already pledged over £125,000 towards breaking down the barriers that students face when embarking on their SQE journey. We are continuously working to expand these opportunities even further for all who are trying to develop in the legal profession.
