GDL
Total amount available to be allocated: up to £183,500
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 2022 |
GDL 2023 |
GDL 2024 |
|
|
No. Applications |
71 |
61 |
71 |
|
No. Interviewed |
69 |
59 |
70 |
|
No. Awarded |
32 |
33 |
33 |
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:
|
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
|
|
Maximum Award |
£12,000 |
£10,000 |
£11,000 |
How to apply
To apply, candidates will need to make an account on the Inn’s portal if you do not already have one. The link to the portal can be found here.
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 early June.
GDL interviews will take place on Saturday 5 & Tuesday 8 July 2025 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 2025:
|
Applications open: |
10am Monday 24 March 2025 |
|
Application deadline: |
3pm Friday 2 May 2025 |
Application Criteria
All GDL Scholarships are awarded on merit. Applicants will need to satisfy the following criteria (introduced from 2024) in order to receive a scholarship:
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 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
Use of AI for applications
Please note that candidates are not permitted to use Generative AI programmes, including Large Language Model (LLM) Programmes like ChatGPT for anything other than for checking spelling, punctuation or grammar. Candidates are not permitted to use AI software to write, rewrite, rephrase and/or paraphrase any part of any answer on the application form. Candidates will be asked to confirm this before submitting their application.
