Bar Course

Our recent scholarship statistics are as follows:

Though Lincoln’s Inn scholarships are awarded on merit, the financial value of all awards are means tested. Only those who are in the most financial need will receive the maximum each year. The most recent maximum financial values awarded are as follows:

The Inn’s Online Scholarship Portal is currently undergoing maintenance. In order to apply for a Bar Course Scholarship, students will need to submit an online application via this link.

Candidates will need to submit two references with their application, one of which must be an academic reference (unless you graduated from your most recent course over 5 years ago). Guidance notes for referees can be downloaded here.

Lincoln’s Inn does not interview all applicants. Candidates will be shortlisted and those who are offered an interview will be notified in January.

Interviews take place in February/March. Interviews are held in London, Birmingham and Manchester and applicants can indicate their preferred interview location on their application form. In some instances it is possible to be interviewed remotely if necessary, you can download our remote interviewing policy on this page.

The value of each award is calculated through a means test, if you are successful at interview you will be required to submit your relevant financial information which is reviewed by a panel separate to the interviews.

The application open and close dates can be found below.

This round of applications is for anybody intending to start the Bar Course between September 2025 and July 2026.

All Bar Course Scholarships are awarded on merit. Applicants will need to satisfy the following criteria in order to receive a scholarship (introduced from 2024):

1. Academic / intellectual attainment

The level of intellect/intellectual attainment as evidenced by the candidate’s academic results (including a realistic assessment of degree level in the case of candidates still studying for one).

2. Analytical Thinking and Problem Solving

Demonstrates analytical thinking, judgment, perceptiveness and problem solving.

• Uses an analytical approach to answering questions and problem solving
• Shows ability to assimilate information in a systematic way
• Identifies key issues, understands them and addresses them well
• Pays attention to detail
• Demonstrates good, well-reasoned judgement
• Able to think on their feet

3. Motivation 

The degree of motivation for a career at the Bar of England & Wales evidenced by the candidate’s investigation of the profession and development of associated skills and experience, leading to a realistic ambition towards practice at the Bar and any identified intended areas of practice.

• Has taken steps to understand the profession and learn about a career at the Bar
• Motivation for becoming a barrister is well thought through and apparent
• Has a realistic understanding of the profession (both positive and negative realities)
• Demonstrates passion for the Bar and/or has researched a particular practice area

4. Working With Others

Demonstrates the ability to work effectively with other people, adapting their style where needed and listening to the needs of others.

• Works effectively as part of a team
• Adapts their style to the needs of the audience
• Listens attentively

5. Advocacy

Oral and written persuasiveness including reaction to an audience.

• Persuasive oral and written advocacy skills
• Communicates orally and in writing in a clear and coherent manner
• Provides structured and well thought out answers to questions or points in oral presentation
• Maintains composure when challenged
• Able to respond and react appropriately to the audience

6. Drive, Determination, and Resilience

Demonstrates drive, determination, and resilience to keep focused and ensure that goals are met.

• Demonstrates drive and determination to succeed
• Provides evidence of working effectively when under pressure to meet goals or remaining calm in the face of adversity
• Provides evidence of resilience when things do not go to plan or when faced with challenge/opposition/obstacles

General conditions for Bar Course Scholarships:

Applicants can only apply to one Inn of Court for a scholarship.

Scholarships are only awarded to those who intend to practise at the Bar of England and Wales

The Inn has a number of student flats available for Bar Course Scholars studying in London. Student Accommodation is only offered as part of a scholarship and cannot be applied for separately. The rent for the accommodation is taken directly from your scholarship award.

The Inn offers a number of prizes to students who complete the Bar Course.

Buchanan Prizes
Prizes of £100 each will be made to any student member of the Inn who scores 85 or over in the Bar Course.

Ede & Ravenscroft Wig and Gown Prize
A wig and gown is awarded to the student who obtains the highest mark on the Bar Course.

Joan Denning Prize
A prize of £1,200 to be awarded to the top scoring Bar Course student from a Commonwealth country. Students must intend to practise in their own country.

Tun Azmi Foundation Book Prize
Two prizes of £900to be awarded annually to the Malaysian student who attains the highest marks in the Bar Course.