Pursuing an LLB or Bachelor of Laws degree in the UK is a highly appealing option for aspiring lawyers across the world. Not only does the UK offer some of the best law schools globally with rigorous academic programs, but studying law in the UK also unlocks valuable career opportunities in the lucrative legal sectors of both the UK and international markets.
However, the hefty tuition fees and cost of living in the UK present a major financial barrier for many deserving students. This is where fully funded LLB scholarships come into play by providing generous financial aid to cover tuition, living expenses, and otherstudy-related costs. These merit-based scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic excellence, extracurricular achievements, financial need, or diversity.
In this in-depth blog post, I will provide a comprehensive overview of some of the most prestigious fully funded LLB scholarship programmes available in the UK for the 2024 intake. I will discuss the eligibility criteria, award details, application deadlines and processes for each scholarship.
My aim is to equip interested international students with sufficient information to make informed funding decisions and effectively plan the scholarship application process well in advance. So let’s get started!
Major Fully Funded LLB Scholarship Programmes in the UK
Chevening Scholarships
Administered by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office of the UK government, Chevening Scholarships are one of the most coveted awards in the world for pursuing a one-year Master’s programme in the UK, including an LLM.
Eligibility: Applicants must be citizens or permanent residents of eligible countries, have at least 2 years of work experience, and demonstrate strong academic merit and leadership qualities.
Award Details: Covers full tuition fees, a monthly living stipend, travel to/from the UK, visa costs and medical/dental coverage.
Deadline: 1 November 2022 for the 2023/24 academic year. A rigorous selection process follows.
Notable Aspect: Recipients join a prestigious global alumni network with strong professional networking opportunities. Previous Chevening Scholars include heads of states and government ministers.
Marshall Scholarships
One of the most generous financial aid programmes available, Marshall Scholarships support exceptional US citizens to study any master’s degree, including an LLM, at a university in the UK for up to 2 years.
Eligibility: Applicants must be US citizens with a first degree, usually a Bachelor’s, and demonstrate strong leadership qualities and commitment to public service.
Award Details: Covers tuition fees, living allowance, book grant, thesis grant, visa costs and travel to/from the UK.
Deadline: Early October 2022 for the 2023/24 academic cycle. Selection is highly competitive.
Notable Aspect: In addition to career networking, Scholars join a large US-UK alumni network with life-long connections on both sides of the Atlantic.
Rhodes Scholarships
Established after the will of Cecil Rhodes, Rhodes Scholarships are awarded to outstanding students across disciplines, including law, to pursue a one or two-year postgraduate degree at the University of Oxford.
Eligibility: Applicants must have an undergraduate degree, be unmarried, and ideally prove intellectual and physical vigor, kindness, truthfulness and devotion to duty. Age and citizenship requirements vary by country.
Award Details: Covers all tuition fees, a living stipend, travel costs to/from the UK and college fees at Oxford. Scholarship tenable for 1-2 years based on academic program.
Deadline: September 2022 for the 2023 cohort. Selection process includes multiple rounds of evaluations and interviews over many months.
Notable Aspect: Rhodes Scholars gain access to an exclusive global alumni network, marry intellectual achievement with leadership experience. Many past scholars have become influential figures.
Gates Cambridge Scholarships
Gates Cambridge Scholarships are full financial aid awards made possible by a donation from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to study at the University of Cambridge.
Eligibility: Applicants can be of any nationality/citizenship status and should demonstrate outstanding intellectual ability and a commitment to improving the lives of others.
Award Details: Covers full tuition fees, a generous living allowance, travel costs and thesis grant for up to 3 years of postgraduate study at Cambridge.
Deadline: Early November 2022 for the 2023/24 academic year. Selection process involves essays, statement of purpose and interviews.
Notable Aspect: Recipients join an influential global alumni network of leaders across sectors who aim to tackle humanity’s biggest challenges. Excellent career networking opportunities.
University-Specific Scholarships
Aside from these prestigious national and international scholarship programmes, many UK universities also offer partial to fully-funded LLB scholarships on their own. Here are a few examples:
King’s College London LLB Scholarships
KCL has a generous package of full and partial tuition fee scholarships for high-achieving international and domestic undergraduate law students. Selection is based on academic merit and potential.
Eligibility: Minimum academic qualifications and proven financial need.
Award: Covers 100% or 50% of full tuition fees for duration of LLB program.
Deadline: Scholarship applications open in early 2023 for September 2023 intake.
UCL Faculty of Laws Scholarships
UCL awards a range of full and partial scholarships based on academic excellence, leadership or financial need for LLB undergraduate degrees.
Eligibility: Demonstrated academic merit meeting UCL entry requirements and scholarship criteria.
Award: Varies but some cover full tuition fees and living costs.
Deadline: Early 2023 for September 2023 admission. Strict qualification criteria apply.
Durham University Law Scholarships
Durham Law School makes available scholarships worth £3,000-£6,000 per year towards the tuition fees of top international LLB students.
Eligibility: Very strong academic background meeting Durham entry standards.
Award: Covers substantial portion of annual tuition fees.
Deadline: Varies but 2023 applicants should apply by mid-January 2023.
Additional Funding Sources
For students who do not receive a full scholarship, combining multiple partial awards is another viable funding strategy. Here are some additional potential sources:
- School/Department Awards: Inquire about prizes, bursaries or scholarships specific to your intended law school or university department.
- National Scholarship Portals: Websites like The Scholarship Hub and Going Global list various international, ethnic/cultural minority and need-based scholarships.
- Crowdfunding: Platforms like GoFundMe or Kickstarter allow creating online campaigns to crowd-source donations from family/friends.
- Student Loans: If eligible, consider government-backed or private loans requiring post-study repayment to bridge funding gaps.
- On-Campus Jobs: Many UK universities post part-time jobs for international students to earn some income while studying.
- External Scholarship Searches: Thoroughly research grants/prizes offered by non-profits, corporations, professional associations related to your background/interests.
Conclusion
By thoroughly researching these funding options well in advance of deadlines, law aspirants stand a strong chance of winning fully or partially funded scholarships for their dream LLB programs in top UK universities commencing in 2024.
The scholarships discussed here provide generous financial support and excellent career credentials making them highly competitive to obtain. With determination and perseverance, many deserving candidates do succeed every year.