If you’re considering a career in law through the solicitor apprenticeship route, time is running out. The government has announced that from January 2026, funding for Level 7 apprenticeships, including solicitor routes, will only be available to those aged 21 and under. This change could fundamentally alter your path into the legal profession.
Right now, solicitor apprenticeships offer an incredible opportunity to earn while you learn, with the government covering the substantial costs of your legal education. This includes funding for the Solicitor Qualifying Exam (SQE), which typically costs between £4,564 and £7,200 when paid privately.
From January 2026, if you’re over 21, you’ll no longer be eligible for government funding for solicitor apprenticeships, including graduate solicitor apprenticeship routes. This means you’ll either need to:
The age restrictions will primarily impact:
Anyone Over 21 by January 2026: If you’ll be 22 or older when the restrictions come into effect, you’ll lose access to government-funded solicitor apprenticeships. This affects current university students, recent graduates, and anyone who planned to start their legal career after January 2026.
Career Changers: Professionals looking to transition into law from other fields will find fewer funded opportunities available. Since most career changers are typically over 21.
Mature Students: Those returning to education later in life, whether after raising children, working in other careers, or taking time for personal circumstances, will find their preferred route into law significantly more expensive. Many mature students choose apprenticeships specifically because they can earn while learning, making the funding loss particularly impactful.
Understanding the true cost of legal qualification is crucial for your career planning. Without apprenticeship funding, you’ll face:
For many aspiring solicitors, these costs represent a significant financial barrier that apprenticeships currently help to remove.
Act Now if You’re Over 21
If you’re currently over 21 or will be by January 2026, you have a limited window to secure funded training. Many apprenticeship training providers are expanding their cohorts to help people access current funding arrangements before the deadline.
Research Available Programmes
Look into training providers who are offering solicitor apprenticeships with immediate start dates. The application and selection process can take months, so early action is essential. One of our proud sponsors, Datalaw Ltd, have created additional cohorts for their Graduate Solicitor Apprenticeship to ensure learners can claim funding for their SQE before changes take effect.
Chartered Legal Executive Route: The Chartered Legal Executive apprenticeship remains available for all ages beyond 2026. This is a great route to consider as it allows you to specialise in an area of law, which most solicitors come to do, and you can also choose to dual-qualify as a solicitor once completed.
Specialist Legal Roles: Other law apprenticeships, such as the conveyancing apprenticeships or data protection apprenticeship may provide stepping stones into the legal profession while you plan your longer-term career path.
Don’t wait until the last minute. Start researching apprenticeship providers and law firms now. Consider not just the immediate apprenticeship opportunity, but how these changes might affect your long-term career plans and financial situation.
While solicitor apprenticeships are an excellent route into law, they’re not the only path. Research all available options to find the best fit for your circumstances.
These funding changes reflect the government’s broader focus on supporting younger apprentices, but they create new challenges for career diversity in the legal profession. The legal sector has benefited enormously from the life experience and different perspectives that mature apprentices bring.
If you’re passionate about a legal career, don’t let these changes discourage you entirely. However, they do mean you need to be more strategic about your approach and potentially more creative about your pathway into becoming a solicitor.
If you’re considering a solicitor apprenticeship and you’re over 21 (or will be soon), the time to act is now. The window for accessing government-funded training is closing rapidly, and the financial landscape for legal qualification is about to change significantly. If you are unable to apply for a solicitor apprenticeship in time of the funding changes, we recommend looking into alternative apprenticeships such as the Chartered Legal Executive apprenticeship.
Your legal career is still achievable, but it may require different planning and preparation than it would have in the past. Start exploring your options today to ensure you don’t miss out on the opportunities that are currently available.
Q: I turn 22 in March 2026. Am I still eligible for funding? A: No, if you’re over 21 on January 1, 2026, you won’t be eligible for government funding for the solicitor apprenticeship and will have to find alternative apprenticeship routes.
Q: What if I’m already on a programme when I turn 22? A: If you start before January 2026, you will continue to get government support even after turning 22.
Q: How much will private training cost? A: SQE preparation courses cost round £7,200, plus exam fees cost around £4,564.
Q: Can I still become a solicitor without apprenticeship funding? A: Yes, through traditional training contracts, independent SQE study, or the Chartered Legal Executive route.
Q: What’s the difference between solicitor and Chartered Legal Executive apprenticeships? A: Both lead to qualified lawyer status, but solicitors have broader practice rights whilst a Chartered Legal Executive specialises in an area of law.
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