SQE Cost Breakdown 2026: Every Fee You Need to Budget For

Last updated: March 2026

Total SQE cost at a glance

Route	Course cost	SRA fees	Total
Self-study	£500–£1,500	£4,908	£5,408–£6,408
Budget provider (BARBRI)	£5,899	£4,908	£10,807
Mid-range (BPP online)	£12,200	£4,908	£17,108
Premium (ULaw classroom)	£18,850	£4,908	£23,758

SRA exam fees (£4,908) are fixed regardless of which provider you use. → Use the free calculator to model resit scenarios

Understanding the full cost of qualifying as a solicitor via the SQE route is essential for proper financial planning. This comprehensive guide breaks down all expenses you'll face in 2026, from exam fees to living costs, helping you budget realistically for your qualification journey. Use our free SQE cost calculator to model your specific situation, or compare course providers to see current pricing across all major providers.

Quick Summary: Total Costs

Minimum Route (Self-Study):

• SQE exam fees: £4,908
• Self-study materials: £500-£1,500
• Total: £5,408-£6,408

Mid-Range Route (Online Course):

• SQE exam fees: £4,908
• Preparation courses: £8,000-£12,000
• Total: £12,908-£16,908

Premium Route (Classroom Courses):

• SQE exam fees: £4,908
• Preparation courses: £12,000-£15,000
• Total: £16,908-£19,908

These costs assume you work during QWE (so living expenses covered by salary)

Fixed Costs: SQE Exam Fees

SQE1 Exam Fees (2026)

FLK1 and FLK2 Combined: £1,934

What This Includes:

• Both FLK1 (Functioning Legal Knowledge 1) assessment (£967)
• FLK2 (Functioning Legal Knowledge 2) assessment (£967)
• Computer-based testing at Pearson VUE centre
• 10 hours total examination time
• Results and score report

Booking Fee:

• No additional booking fee
• Pay full amount when registering

Resit Fees:

• Retake FLK1 only: £967
• Retake FLK2 only: £967
• Retake both FLK1 and FLK2: £1,934
• Pay per attempt

SQE2 Exam Fees (2026)

All 16 Assessments: £2,974

What This Includes:

• 16 practical skills assessments
• 2 oral assessments (client interview, advocacy)
• 14 written assessments
• 2 days of assessment
• Results and feedback

Resit Fees:

• Must retake all failed assessments
• Full resit: £2,974
• Partial resits available depending on which assessments failed

Total Fixed Exam Costs

First Attempt:

• SQE1: £1,934
• SQE2: £2,974
• Total: £4,908

If One Resit Needed:

• Average resit cost: ~£1,500
• Total: £6,408

If Two Resits Needed:

• Average resit cost: ~£3,000
• Total: £7,908

Variable Costs: Preparation

SQE1 Preparation Courses

Budget Options (£2,000-£4,000):

Providers:

• QLTS School: £1,995-£2,495
• Farnell Clarke: £2,495-£3,495
• JMC Legal: £2,995-£3,995

What's Included:

• Comprehensive study materials
• Question banks (2,000-3,500 questions)
• Video lectures
• Limited tutor support
• Self-paced online learning

Best For:

• Disciplined self-learners
• Those with legal background
• Budget-conscious students

Mid-Range Options (£5,000-£10,000):

Providers:

• BARBRI: £4,995-£5,995
• Kaplan: £6,495-£7,495

What's Included:

• Extensive study materials
• Large question banks (3,000-4,000 questions)
• Video lectures
• Live Q&A sessions
• Good tutor support
• Mock exams

Best For:

• Those wanting structure with flexibility
• Working professionals
• Balance of price and support

Premium Options (£7,000-£10,000):

Providers:

• BPP University: £6,995-£7,995
• University of Law: £7,500-£8,500

What's Included:

• Comprehensive materials
• Extensive question banks
• Live online or classroom teaching
• Regular tutor interaction
• Mock exams and feedback
• Study support

Best For:

• Those who value structured learning
• Candidates wanting maximum support
• Employer-sponsored students

SQE2 Preparation Courses

Budget Options (£1,500-£3,000):

Providers:

• QLTS School: £1,495-£2,495
• Farnell Clarke: £1,995-£2,995

What's Included:

• Skills guides
• Example scenarios
• Model answers
• Limited feedback
• Self-directed practice

Best For:

• Experienced legal professionals
• Budget-conscious students
• Those with significant QWE

Mid-Range Options (£3,000-£6,000):

Providers:

• BARBRI: £3,995-£4,995
• JMC Legal: £2,495-£3,495
• Kaplan: £5,495-£6,495

What's Included:

• Skills workshops (virtual)
• Practice scenarios
• Some mock assessments
• Feedback on selected work
• Video demonstrations

Best For:

• Those with some legal experience
• Candidates wanting guided practice
• Balance of cost and support

Premium Options (£5,000-£8,000):

Providers:

• BPP University: £5,995-£6,995
• University of Law: £6,000-£7,000

What's Included:

• Face-to-face or live virtual skills workshops
• Extensive mock assessments
• Individual feedback sessions
• Performance coaching
• Realistic practice environments

Best For:

• Those who need oral skills practice
• Candidates wanting extensive feedback
• Employer-sponsored students

Self-Study Materials

If Not Taking a Course:

Essential Resources:

• Textbooks for each SQE1 subject: £200-£500
• SQE1 question bank subscription: £100-£300
• SQE2 skills guides: £100-£200
• SRA sample questions: Free
• Online resources and videos: £0-£200

Total Self-Study: £500-£1,500

Advantages:

• Significant cost savings
• Complete flexibility
• Learn at own pace

Disadvantages:

• Requires strong self-discipline
• No structured support
• Lower pass rates typically

Additional Costs

Character and Suitability

SRA Assessment: FREE

• No fee for character assessment
• Included in admission process

Potential Costs:

• Criminal record check: £23-£44
• Credit report: Free (statutory)
• Additional documents (birth certificate, etc.): £10-£50

Total: £10-£100

Admission Fees

SRA Admission Fee: ~£200 (2026 rate)

Includes:

• Processing application
• Admission to Roll of Solicitors
• Registration

Practising Certificate (First Year)

Annual Fee: £310-£360 (2026 rate)

Required for:

• Practising as a solicitor
• Calling yourself a solicitor in practice
• Undertaking reserved legal activities

Note: If employed, employer may pay

Study Materials and Tools

Optional but Helpful:

Technology:

• Laptop/computer (if don't have suitable one): £300-£800
• Exam software practice: Free
• Note-taking software: £0-£100
• Cloud storage: £0-£50/year

Study Aids:

• Flashcard apps: Free-£50
• Study planners: Free-£20
• Highlighters, notebooks, etc.: £20-£50

Total Optional: £0-£1,070

Living Costs During Study

Full-Time Study Scenario

If Not Working While Studying:

Monthly Living Costs:

• Rent/accommodation: £400-£1,200 (varies by location)
• Food: £150-£300
• Utilities: £50-£100
• Transport: £50-£150
• Phone/internet: £30-£60
• Personal expenses: £50-£100

Monthly Total: £730-£1,910

Study Duration:

• SQE1 prep: 6-9 months
• SQE2 prep: 3-6 months
• Total: 9-15 months

Total Living Costs: £6,570-£28,650

Highly Variable Based On:

• Living with parents vs. renting
• London vs. regional location
• Lifestyle choices
• Support from family

Part-Time Study Scenario

If Working While Studying:

Living Costs Covered By:

• Paralegal salary (£20,000-£30,000)
• Legal assistant salary (£18,000-£25,000)
• Other employment

No Additional Living Costs Needed

• Regular salary covers expenses
• Study costs are only additional expense

Total Cost Scenarios

Scenario 1: Budget Self-Study (Working)

Costs:

• SQE1 exam: £1,934
• SQE2 exam: £2,974
• Self-study materials: £1,000
• Admission: £200
• Total: £9,710

Timeline: 12-18 months studying part-time whilst working Income: Paralegal salary throughout

Net Cost: £9,710

Scenario 2: Mid-Range Online Courses (Working)

Costs:

• SQE1 exam: £1,934
• SQE2 exam: £2,974
• SQE1 online course: £6,000
• SQE2 online course: £4,000
• Admission: £200
• Total: £18,710

Timeline: 12-18 months studying part-time whilst working Income: Paralegal salary throughout

Net Cost: £18,710

Scenario 3: Premium Courses (Full-Time Study)

Costs:

• SQE1 exam: £1,934
• SQE2 exam: £2,974
• SQE1 premium course: £8,000
• SQE2 premium course: £6,500
• Living costs (12 months): £15,000 (moderate budget)
• Admission: £200
• Total: £38,210

Timeline: 12 months full-time study No Income During Study

Net Cost: £38,210

Scenario 4: Training Contract (Sponsored)

Costs:

• SQE1 exam: £0 (firm pays)
• SQE2 exam: £0 (firm pays)
• Preparation courses: £0 (firm pays)
• Living costs: Covered by training contract salary
• Admission: £0 (firm pays)
• Total: £0

Timeline: 2 years training contract Income: £25,000-£50,000 per year (London higher)

Net Cost: £0 Net Gain: £50,000-£100,000 in salary

Funding Options

Student Finance

Postgraduate Loan:

• Up to £12,167 available
• For eligible master's-level SQE courses
• Check course eligibility with provider

Covers:

• Partial course fees
• Living expenses
• Repayment starts when earning above threshold

Employer Sponsorship

Training Contracts:

• Full SQE costs covered
• Maintenance grant: £5,000-£10,000
• Salary during training

Paralegal Employer Support:

• Some firms reimburse exam fees
• May provide study leave
• Contribution to course costs
• Varies widely by employer

Scholarships

Course Provider Scholarships:

• BPP, ULaw, others offer bursaries
• £1,000-£5,000 typically
• Based on merit or diversity criteria
• Apply when enrolling

Law Society Grants:

• Diversity Access Scheme
• Other targeted grants
• £500-£2,000 typically
• Competitive application

Firm Scholarships:

• Some firms offer without training contract commitment
• £1,000-£10,000
• Vary by firm and scheme

Personal Savings

Save-Then-Study Approach:

• Work as paralegal for 1-2 years
• Save portion of salary
• Fund SQE from savings
• Continue working during study (part-time study)

Example:

• Earn £24,000 as paralegal
• Save £500/month for 18 months = £9,000
• Covers budget/mid-range course fees

Payment Plans

Course Provider Instalments:

• Most providers offer payment plans
• Split costs over 12-24 months
• Often interest-free
• Reduces upfront burden

Cost-Saving Strategies

Reduce Course Costs

1. Self-Study: Save £2,000-£10,000+ vs. courses
2. Early Booking: 10-20% discounts often available
3. Compare Providers: Don't just choose most expensive
4. Used Materials: Buy second-hand textbooks
5. Free Resources: Utilise SRA materials, YouTube, etc.

Reduce Living Costs

1. Live with Family: Save £5,000-£15,000 if possible
2. Work Part-Time: Offset living expenses
3. Budget Strictly: Track spending, cut non-essentials
4. Share Accommodation: Lower rent costs
5. Study Locally: Avoid relocation costs

Maximise Income

1. Paralegal Work: Earn whilst gaining QWE
2. Side Hustles: Tutoring, freelance work (balance with study)
3. Summer Work: Intensive work periods during study breaks

Avoid Unnecessary Costs

1. Don't Overbuy Materials: One good set sufficient
2. Avoid Multiple Courses: Choose one and commit
3. Don't Rush Exams: Failing and resitting costs more
4. Limit Retakes: Prepare thoroughly first time

Return on Investment

Solicitor Salaries (2026)

Newly Qualified (NQ):

• Magic Circle (London): £125,000-£150,000
• Large London firms: £70,000-£100,000
• Regional large firms: £40,000-£55,000
• High street practices: £25,000-£35,000
• In-house: £35,000-£50,000

Payback Period

Scenario 1: £10,000 investment, £45,000 NQ salary

• Payback: Less than 1 year

Scenario 2: £20,000 investment, £35,000 NQ salary

• Payback: 1-2 years

Scenario 3: £40,000 investment, £80,000 NQ salary

• Payback: Less than 1 year

Long-Term Returns:

• Partner salaries: £80,000-£1,000,000+
• Career earnings over 40 years: £2,000,000-£10,000,000+
• SQE investment: £10,000-£40,000

ROI: Excellent long-term investment

Conclusion

The total cost to qualify as a solicitor via the SQE route in 2026 ranges from £10,000 to £40,000+, depending on your choices regarding preparation methods and study approach.

Key Cost Factors:

• Exam fees (fixed): £4,908
• Preparation method: £500-£15,000
• Living costs: £0-£30,000 (depends on working status)
• Whether employer-sponsored: Can reduce to £0

Most Cost-Effective Route:

• Work as paralegal whilst studying part-time
• Use budget/mid-range online course
• Total cost: £10,000-£20,000
• QWE completed simultaneously
• Living costs covered by salary

Remember: This is an investment in your career. Even at the higher end, qualification costs are recovered within 1-2 years of qualifying, and solicitor earnings over a career far exceed the initial investment.

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Use our SQE cost calculator to plan your personal budget based on your chosen route. Explore our funding options guide for scholarship and financing opportunities.