The Macfarlanes Bursary

Financial support to help talented students access and succeed in legal careers


We are committed to removing financial barriers for students aspiring to a career in law. The Macfarlanes Bursary provides financial support to socially-mobile undergraduates at any UK university.

We provide three types of grant

Technology Grant
Support with essential technology such as laptops, WiFi or accessories.

Accommodation Grant
A fixed payment to help cover London accommodation during our First Year Insight Scheme, Vacation Scheme or upReach Professional Experience Week.

Participation Grant
Support for students who would otherwise lose income by attending a Macfarlanes event.


Technology Grant

The technology grant is available to those who need support accessing technology. We will consider all reasonable requests for any form of technology, whether that is a laptop, a WiFi connection or any other devices or accessories. Please note, when laptops or tablets are requested, we will provide a model and make decided by the firm. Where appropriate, we may award a sum which covers all or part of the purchase, depending on the request.

When can I apply for the Technology Grant?

The technology grant opens once a year, usually around the first semester of the academic year. This year the technology grant will be open from Monday 7 October – Friday 1 November.

Who is eligible for the Technology Grant?

Any person currently enrolled, or with a place confirmed, on an undergraduate course at any UK university.

How can I apply for the Technology Grant?

To apply, please complete our grant application form. On the application form, you will be asked to outline what your technology needs are and how access to this technology will support your journey towards a career in law.


Accommodation Grant

The accommodation grant is a fixed payment to cover some or all of the cost of accommodation in London, so that students who live outside London are still able to access our vacation and first year insight schemes.

Who is eligible for the Accommodation Grant?

Participants on our vacation and first year insight schemes who meet our social mobility and geographic criteria.

How can I apply for the Accommodation Grant?

Eligible participants will be contacted directly by our early legal careers team.


Participation grant

The participation grant is available to undergraduates attending a Macfarlanes event who need to miss work to attend.

Who is eligible for the Participation Grant?

Working students who meet our social mobility criteria and can demonstrate they are missing work to attend a Macfarlanes event.

How can I apply for the Participation Grant?

To apply, please complete our grant application form. You will also need to provide evidence that you are scheduled to work.

Early Careers contact

Early Careers FAQs

Clear answers to the most common questions about our schemes, applications and training.

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