Social Welfare Solicitors Qualification Fund

Posted on21 October 2026

Are you a social welfare lawyer wanting to qualify as a solicitor, but wondering how on earth you’ll afford it?

The SIXTH round of applications to the Social Welfare Solicitors Qualification Fund is now OPEN.

What does SWSQF fund?

✅ BARBRI preparation courses for SQE1 and SQE2.
✅ The SQE assessment fees.

Market value circa £12,500.

Removing a substantial financial barrier to becoming a solicitor, whilst you continue working in social welfare law.

Who is it for?

Broadly, you’ll need:

⚖️ A degree or equivalent.
⚖️ To be working in, or contracted to work in, social welfare law, with at least 70% of your work in eligible areas.
⚖️ A commitment to qualify and remain in social welfare practice for at least two years afterwards.
⚖️ To meet the Fund’s income and savings criteria.
⚖️ Your employer’s support for your application, study and qualifying work experience.

Please read the full eligibility criteria and guidance. Get your employer involved early: their support letter is part of the application.

📅 Applications close at 17:00 on Monday 16 November 2026.

Full criteria, guidance and application form: For Applicants

If this could be you, apply.

If this could be someone you know, please tell them.

Your share could help someone become a solicitor.

And that solicitor could change thousands of lives.

If you are an employer who would like to support the scheme, take a look at the website . Commercial law coming together for social welfare!

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