SQE
How much does SQE1 cost?
Helena Kudiabor
Last updated 30th January 2024
If you are planning to take the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) soon, you may be interested to know how much it will cost. In fact, you will be pleasantly surprised to find out that the cost is far lower than the LPC and/or the PGDL
How much does SQE1 cost?
SQE1 will cost you £1,798, to take both parts of the exam. However the entire SQE will set you back by £4,564 - this includes the £2,766 cost of the SQE2. This is far less than the Legal Practice Course (LPC), which can cost between £12,000-£17,000, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Law (PGDL), costing £7,000-£13,000. This reduced cost makes the route to becoming a solicitor more accessible.
Are there any hidden costs?
You will also need to budget for the cost of preparing for the exam. Many law schools offer online preparation courses for each exam, which can cost between £3,500-£6,000. Given that the SQE1 and the SQE2 cover different topics, you will probably want to do preparation courses for both. If you don’t have any background in law, many schools are offering law courses for you to learn the basics of law and prepare for the exam. These can cost around £16,000.
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Will my law firm cover the cost of SQE1?
Many law firms offered to cover the cost of the LPC, and the PGDL if required. A few even provided maintenance grants to cover the cost of living. With the new SQE, several firms have stated that they will cover the cost of the SQE exams as well as any preparation courses, provided these are completed at a law school of their choice.
Are there bursaries available for SQE1?
The Law Society has run a Diversity Access Scheme every year for some time, covering the cost of the LPC for students who have come from disadvantaged backgrounds. The Society has confirmed that the Scheme will cover the SQE while it is being introduced, and other organisations are likely to provide scholarships as the SQE gets underway. Many of the law firms who are providing SQE preparation courses are also going to provide bursaries and scholarships for select students.
How else can I reduce the cost?
To reduce the cost, you could also self-study for the exams using textbooks and sample questions that can be found online. You can also study part-time to allow yourself to work alongside your preparation. Furthermore, if you are interested in becoming an apprentice, apprenticeship programs for solicitors not only cover the cost of the training, but the exam as well.
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