How much will SQE2 cost?

Jan 30, 2024

Written By Helena Kudiabor

SQE2 is the final step in your journey to becoming a qualified solicitor. Unlike the previous LPC and law conversion courses, which could cost up to £17,000, the SQE2 is relatively cheap.

How much will SQE2 cost?

SQE2 on its own will cost you £2,766 to take. However, the combination of both SQE2 and SQE1 will set you back £4,564, including the £1,798 cost of the SQE1. While this may seem expensive, it is far less than the previous route to qualifying.

The PGDL can cost £7,000-£13,000, while the LPC can cost between £12,00-£17,000. If you have to do both, as is the case if you don’t have a qualifying law degree, you will be paying up to £30,000. The low cost of the SQE makes becoming a solicitor more accessible to everyone, regardless of your socioeconomic background.

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What about the cost of preparation for SQE2?

With regard to your preparation, the cost depends on how extensive you want your studying to be. For example, if you prefer to take a preparation course, law schools across the country offer them for between £3,500-£6,000. Given that the SQE is quite new, many are offering introductory discounts.

If you would prefer to self-study the exam, you can access practice questions online for free, but you may wish to buy textbooks and other resources. More resources will be available as the SQE gets underway.

How much does it cost to resit?

If you fail the SQE2, you will have to retake the whole exam. The cost of retaking is the same as the original cost, £2,766. If you retake the SQE2 three times in six years, you will have to wait until six years after the date of your first exam to restart.

This means you will have to retake the SQE1 as well. If you disagree with the results given, you can make an appeal. The first appeal will cost £350 and a final appeal will cost £850. If it is found that an error was made, these fees will be refunded.

Will my law firm cover the cost of SQE2?

Many of the large, commercial law firms offered to cover the cost of the LPC and the law conversion course when they were the sole route to qualification. Now, many have publicly pledged to cover the cost of the whole SQE as well as any required preparation courses. These will only be available to you if you have a training contract with the firm, and you will have to do the courses at the law school of their choice.

How else can I have the SQE2 funded?

Unfortunately, the SQE2 is not covered by student loans, but there are still a few other ways to receive financial support. The Law Society’s Diversity Access Scheme provides SQE funding, as well as work experience and a mentor to students from disadvantaged backgrounds. Other ways you can fund the exam include a bank loan and doing an apprenticeship.

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