The Middle Temple has developed a reputation for being open and welcoming to all talented people. It is a matter of pride for us that over the last 20 years, the recipients of what has been until recently our most prestigious major award, the Queen Mother Scholarship (created in honour of the late Queen Elizabeth, Queen Mother, our Royal Bencher at the time) have come from many different classes, ethnic and age groups.  It is also important that we have managed to do so without making those who come from the more traditional or privileged backgrounds feel unwelcome or disadvantaged.

The Inn welcomes applicants from all backgrounds. There is no age limit for any scholarship or prize.

Scholarships are awarded on merit after taking into account the candidates' intellectual ability, motivation to succeed at the Bar, advocacy potential and potential to succeed in a career as a barrister. The Queen's Scholarship is now the most prestigious ‘label’, awarded to the single best candidate who showed the most exceptional promise. The Queen Mother Scholarship is considered next in line in terms of standing: it is awarded only to the most all-round impressive candidates; others may be awarded according to particular academic provenances or interest in a particular area of law.

Once panels have reached a decision on the scholarships, they will then decide on the size of the individual awards (which are not published). These will depend on individual financial circumstances, and while it is not possible to cover a scholars’ full expenses for the time in which they are undertaking the course, every effort is made to ensure that those with the greatest need receive the largest (though not necessarily the most prestigious) awards. Usually, the award will meet a percentage of the difference between each scholar’s resources and needs. The cost of meeting any additional needs of disabled scholars will be given special consideration.

You can read more about the Inn's values and commitments HERE.

When considering prospective Bar Course/GDL scholarship applicants, the following criteria are taken into account, with reference to both the written application and the interview.

• Intellectual ability: the ability to conduct legal research and give written advice, as demonstrated by performance in school and university examinations, the application form, the interview and, where appropriate, other experience;
• Motivation to succeed at the Bar: demonstrated by knowledge of the profession and the Courts in England and Wales, and steps taken to acquire the personal skills required of a Barrister.  This can include but it not limited to court visits (in person or online), mini-pupillages, mooting, etc. We recognise that opportunities to demonstrate motivation will be different for different people and so it is important that you should include any information which you consider demonstrates your motivation (this could include overcoming personal, family, educational and/or financial difficulties in your journey to the Bar to date);
• Potential as an advocate: the ability to make and respond to arguments effectively, both orally and in writing;
• Potential to succeed in a career as a barrister​: self-reliance, the ability to work independently where required and as part of a team; the capacity to work effectively with clients, colleagues, and staff.  

Two references are preferable to support your application, one of which should be from an academic referee. 

If you left higher education some time ago, a reference from e.g., an employer will be accepted in lieu of an academic reference.  Your second reference can be provided by any referee of your choice (other than from a member of your family), it can be a second academic reference if you choose.  If you have difficulties obtaining an academic reference before the closing date, please contact the Scholarships Officer.

You will find an information sheet at the bottom of this webpage for you to send to each of your referees. Academic referees should write your reference in accordance with the information sheet.  References from employers should address the criteria on which scholarships are awarded.

Once you submit your application you will be sent a link via email within one week which you must then send to your referee(s). The link contains instructions. 

No award will be paid out unless at least one academic (or equivalent) reference has been received.  It is your responsibility to ensure that your reference(s) are provided – we do not contact referees on your behalf. 

​It is the Inn’s policy to interview every applicant who has applied and obtained a place on the course (or has an application pending at the time of interview): potential as an advocate is not always recognisable from a written application and we feel strongly that all applicants should be given an opportunity to argue their case.

As of 2022, applicants will usually be given the choice of in-person or remote interviews with the in-person interviews being held at Middle Temple. Applicants will be asked their preference closer to the date of interview.

Interviews will be 15 minutes each and are conducted by panels consisting of three senior members of the Inn from a mix of practice areas. A couple minutes of the interview will be reserved at the end for finance-related questions. Any questions raised by the panel on finances are purely to seek clarification on any anomalies and you will have the opportunity to update the panel on any changes to your financial circumstances too.

If you have any accessibility requirements, please let us know as soon as possible by contacting the Scholarships Officer or Inn’s Outreach Officer, Richard Frost, via email r.frost@middletemple.org.uk.

The Inn is prepared to reimburse reasonable travel expenses for candidates travelling from outside the M25 to attend the interview, up to a maximum of £75 per candidate.  Further information HERE.

Can I apply for a scholarship from each Inn?

No. Potential applicants can only apply for a scholarship from one of the four Inns of Court.

Am I able to apply after the deadline?

No. Applications must be made before the deadline which is published on this webpage.

Do I need to join the Inn before submitting my application?

No. You can apply for a scholarship and attend the interview without being a member, but you must join the Inn in order to accept any award given. NOTE - you can only join one Inn of Court.

Do individual named awards have specific financial values?

No. Every award is means tested and named Scholarships do not carry defined monetary amounts.

What is an Entrance Exhibition?

Entrance Exhibitions are additional awards, which cover the Admission and Call Fees, and are sometimes awarded alongside a major scholarship. Find out more about these here.

Does Middle Temple interview every applicant?

Yes. We interview every applicant who applies as long as they have proof of a place on a Bar Course or GDL or equivalent course before the date of interview.

Do I have a choice of being interviewed in-person or online?

Yes. Currently, we offer in-person and online interviews.

When do I know if I have been awarded a scholarship?

You will be told if you were successful no more than 4 weeks after the date of interview.

Does the Inn provide feedback to unsuccessful applicants?

Unfortunately, no. We do not provide feedback to unsuccessful applicants.

Am I able to appeal a decision and/or lodge a complaint?

Yes. If you wish to appeal a decision or raise a complaint about the process, please email scholarshipapplications@middletemple.org.uk. The Inn takes anything of this nature very seriously and will make sure proper procedures are followed.

If unsuccessful, can I apply the following year?

Yes, providing you’re yet to start the Bar Course and still eligible under our rules, any unsuccessful applicants are welcome to reapply the following year.

When determining when you should apply, please bear in mind the following information, dependant on the length of course you intend to study.

Click here for a flowchart on the overall scholarship process.  

When determining when you should apply, please bear in mind the following information, dependant on the length of course you intend to study.