GDL
Total amount available to be allocated: up to £178,200
The Inn offers up to thirty-two scholarships for non-law graduates of outstanding ability. The GDL scholarships are separated into three named awards. They are, in order of prestige:
- Lord Bowen
- Lord Haldane
- Lord Brougham
All of Lincoln’s Inn’s GDL Scholarships are awarded on merit. The value of each award is calculated through a means test based on the applicants’ disclosed financial resources and obligations.
Scholars awarded from 2018 will also benefit from reduced qualifying session fees (for 10 Qualifying Sessions) as well as free admission to the Inn and no call to the Bar fee.
Please note that students who receive a GDL Scholarship are not guaranteed to receive a Bar Course Scholarship.
If you have any questions about the scholarships at Lincoln’s Inn, please visit our FAQ page. If you can’t find the answer you are looking for, please contact the Scholarships Coordinator, Aisha Modeste-Simon below.
GDL Scholarship Statistics
Our recent scholarship statistics are as follows:
|
GDL 2020 |
GDL 2021 |
GDL 2022 |
|
|
No. Applications |
73 |
78 |
71 |
|
No. Interviewed |
52 |
60 |
69 |
|
No. Awarded |
32 |
32 |
32 |
Previous Maximum Awards
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:
|
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
|
|
Maximum Award |
£11,000 |
£12,000 |
£10,000 |
How to apply
In order to apply for a GDL Scholarship, students will need to submit an online application through the Inn’s Scholarships Application Portal.
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 found here.
Lincoln’s Inn does not interview all applicants. Candidates will be shortlisted and those who are offered an interview will be notified by the end of May.
GDL interviews will take place in July 2023 in London. It is possible to be interviewed remotely if necessary, you can download our remote interviewing policy on this page.
When to apply
For students intending to start the GDL in 2023:
|
Applications open: |
Monday 20 March 2023 1.00pm |
|
Application deadline: |
Friday 5 May 2023 5.00pm |
Application Criteria
All GDL Scholarships are awarded on merit. Applicants will need to satisfy the following criteria in order to receive a scholarship:
Introduced for 2022:
- Intellect
The level of intellect evidenced by an assessment of the candidate’s potential for analytical and critical thinking, judgment, perceptiveness and problem-solving, as well as their academic results (including a realistic assessment of degree level in the case of candidates still studying for one) - Motivation
The degree of motivation for a career at the Bar 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 areas of practice - Personal characteristics
Personal characteristics such as reliability in all its forms, including independence of mind and honesty; leadership; teamwork; and (if appropriate) the ability to overcome adversity - Communication
Oral and written persuasiveness, including listening skills, reaction to an audience, and attention to detail
General conditions for GDL 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
