The Early Bird Scholarship offers a great opportunity for international students who dream of studying law in the UK. This country is one of the best places in the world to study law. The scholarship has its primary focus on mentoring, skill-building, financial assistance, and work experience. Early Bird Scholarship equips students with the tools they need to launch a successful legal career. You can up to EUR 7500 in multiple instalments to cover the essential expenses. Read on to find out all the details on Early Bird Scholarship.
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What is the Early Bird Scholarship?
The Early Bird Scholarship is a three-year programme offered by Bird & Bird, designed to support aspiring law students in the UK. This is one of the top scholarships to study in UK. It provides 1:1 mentoring from junior solicitors, dedicated workshops, and skills sessions to build professional expertise. Scholars receive EUR 7,500 in financial assistance, hands-on work experience at the firm’s London office, and guidance on pursuing legal career opportunities such as training contracts and vacation schemes.
Also Read: Check here all the details about British Council Scholarship for Women in STEM
Early Bird Scholarship: Programme Highlights
The Early Bird Scholarship offers a well-rounded programme to support scholars throughout their university journey. In the first year, students gain practical insights through the Virtual Experience Programme, Flying Start Programme, and in-person work experience at Bird & Bird’s London office. Check all the major program highlights of the Early Bird Scholarship below:
| Program | Major Features |
| First Year | Complete the Virtual Experience Programme Flying Start Programme In-person work experience at Bird & Bird’s London office |
| Penultimate and Final Years | Receive special guidance on applying for training contracts and vacation schemes. |
| Throughout the University Degree | Regular mentoring sessions with a Scholar Buddy Termly one-on-one sessions with the Early Careers team. Workshops and skill sessions to sharpen your expertise. Yearly financial support to ease the burden of university expenses. |
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the Early Bird Scholarship, applicants must be in Year 13 or starting their first year at a UK university in Autumn 2025, studying law or a related degree. The eligibility criteria for the scholarship have been determined by the organisation based on age requirements, educational qualification and some additional conditions. Check the essential eligibility criteria below:
Basic Requirements
- The students must be in Year 13 or starting their first year of university in Autumn 2025.
- Attend a state (non-fee-paying) school or sixth-form college in the UK.
- Be the first generation in their immediate family to attend university.
- Be applying to study Law or a law-related degree at a UK university. Part-time distance learning courses are considered under specific circumstances.
- Have achieved at least 5 GCSEs (grades 9-4/A*-C), including English and Maths, and be predicted to secure AAB or equivalent at A-Level.
Additional Criteria
Applicants must also meet one or more of the following conditions:
- Eligible for free school meals or attend a school with over 25% of students qualifying for free school meals.
- Have spent time in local authority care.
- Be a parent or registered carer.
Note: Bird & Bird also considers candidates who have faced extenuating circumstances affecting their grades and uses a Contextual Recruitment System (CRS) to ensure a fair evaluation.
Also Read: Check here all the details about Commonwealth Masters Scholarships to study in the UK
Early Bird Scholarship Application and Recruitment Process
The application process for the Early Bird Scholarship begins on 10 April 2025, with a deadline of 31 July 2025. As Bird & Bird uses a rolling recruitment system, applicants are encouraged to apply early. The process includes three stages: an online application form, the Watson-Glaser Critical Thinking Test, and a pre-recorded video interview. Check more details below:
- Visit the official website of Bird & Bird i.e. twobirds.com
- Select careers and then the United Kingdom
- Check all the features of the scholarship and make sure that you are fulfilling all of them
- Fill out the scholarship application form and upload the relevant documents
For guidance on these stages, visit Bird & Bird’s employability hub, The Nest, which offers resources to enhance your legal skills, commercial awareness, and understanding of the recruitment process.
Why Indian Students Should Consider This Scholarship?
For Indian students aspiring to study law in the UK, the Early Bird Scholarship is an unparalleled opportunity. Beyond financial support, it offers a comprehensive pathway to a legal career, with mentorship, professional development, and invaluable work experience. Check some major benefits of the Early Bird Scholarship below:
- The scholarship offers EUR 7,500 in instalments, helping to ease the financial burden of studying in the UK.
- Scholars gain invaluable work experience at Bird & Bird’s London office, providing insights into UK legal practices and enhancing employability.
- 1:1 mentoring with junior solicitors ensures personalised guidance and support throughout the university.
- Regular workshops, skill sessions, and mentoring prepare students for future opportunities like training contracts and vacation schemes.
- Scholars are automatically enrolled in the Flying Start Programme and are mentored to apply for prestigious legal roles, making it a comprehensive career accelerator.
- Customised workshops and termly one-on-one sessions build essential legal and professional skills, boosting confidence and career readiness.
- Bird & Bird’s use of a Contextual Recruitment System ensures a fair evaluation of achievements.
Early Bird Scholarship can be one of the best financial aid to pursue a successful career in law in the UK. Make sure that you meet the eligibility criteria and then apply for the Early Bird Scholarship. Check some FAQs in the scholarship below:
FAQs
The Early Bird Scholarship is a three-year programme by Bird & Bird that provides mentoring, financial assistance, skills development, and work experience to aspiring law students in the UK.
Applicants must be in Year 13 or starting their first year at a UK university in Autumn 2025, studying law or a related degree. They must meet academic, financial, and background criteria, including being the first generation in their family to attend university.
Scholars receive EUR 7,500 in instalments over three years to support their education and living expenses during university.
Scholars are paired with a junior solicitor (Scholar Buddy) for personalised guidance, career advice, and professional development throughout their degree.
In the first year, scholars participate in in-person work experience at Bird & Bird’s London office, gaining hands-on exposure to the legal profession.
The programme includes the Virtual Experience Programme, Flying Start Programme, termly workshops, 1:1 mentoring, and guidance on applying for training contracts and vacation schemes.
The process involves an online application form, a Watson-Glaser Critical Thinking Test, and a pre-recorded video interview. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
Applications open on 10 April 2025 and close on 31 July 2025, but early submissions are encouraged due to rolling recruitment.
Yes, Bird & Bird considers applicants who faced extenuating circumstances affecting their grades. Candidates should explain these circumstances in their application.
The scholarship offers financial support, mentorship, skills development, and exposure to UK legal practices, providing a strong foundation for a successful legal career in the UK.
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