BPTC funding is available through many channels for your BPTC course. The Inns provide in excess of £3m per annum in law bursaries and the banks will lend legal career development loans to strong candidates. Kaplan Law School also offer a number of BPTC scholarships.
Kaplan Law School BPTC scholarships
All BPTC applicants who are shortlisted to attend a Selection Event will be invited to apply for a Kaplan Law School Scholarship. Full details of this process will be given with the Selection Event invitations.
BPTC scholarship opportunities:-
BPTC Master/Mistress of Moots Scholarship
- Number available: one
- Fee reduction: 50%
Awarded to the person who can demonstrate a proven track record in organising and leading to success student activity in mooting, debating or advocacy.
BPTC Advocacy Scholarship
- Number available: ten
- Fee reduction: £2000
Awarded to those with a track record as an advocate by way of debating, mooting, public speaking, speaking at work and so on.
Inns of Court Scholarships
The four Inns of Court, Lincoln’s Inn, Inner Temple, Middle Temple and Gray’s Inn between them award around £4 million of bursaries to their students each year.
BPTC scholarships from the Inns typically range up to £15,000. The closing date for applications is normally the first Friday in the November before you start the BPTC course.
You can only apply to one Inn for an award, and if you are successful you will be required to join that Inn. The amount of money available varies between the Inns – as does the number of applicants for each scholarship.
Bar Loans Scheme
As part of the Bar’s commitment to ensure that no one with the necessary talent is prevented from coming to the Bar solely by financial need, the Bar Council and the four Inns of Court have reached an agreement with HSBC Bank plc for the provision of loans to BPTC students who have applied to an Inn for a scholarship at favourable interest rates.
Other Bank Loans
Many of the other major high street banks offer special loan schemes for the BPTC. These loans typically have slightly lower interest rates than their normal loans, and delayed repayment arrangements to allow you to start paying back after pupillage.
Part-time Work
Some students take on temporary work during the vacation periods during the conversion course and the BVC. Some students take on part-time work during term-time, and if they are on a part-time course, full time employment.
Local Authority Grants
Local Education Authorities have the discretion to make awards for the conversion course and the BVC. It is relatively rare for such awards to be given but you should contact your local authority to find out their policy.
Pupillage Draw-downs
If you secure a pupillage before you start the BPTC course, your pupillage provider may allow you to ‘draw-down’ some of your pupillage award as an advance during your BPTC course year. This obviously means that you will receive less money during your pupillage year, and the option is therefore only available for students with relatively well-paid pupillages.