Already a lawyer in Europe?
Here's your SQE route.
EU-qualified lawyers have significant advantages over domestic candidates - including potential SQE2 exemptions and no QWE requirement. Here's exactly what applies to you.
Your Route at a Glance
The SQE replaced the QLTS in September 2021 and is now the only route for foreign lawyers to qualify in England & Wales. Unlike domestic candidates, qualified overseas lawyers are exempt from the 2-year QWE requirement - meaning you only need to pass the SQE exams and meet character and suitability requirements.
SQE2 Exemptions - Does Your Country Qualify?
Lawyers from certain jurisdictions with at least 2 years of post-qualification experience are entitled to agreed SQE2 exemptions - meaning they only need to pass SQE1 to qualify.
Countries with agreed SQE2 exemptions (subject to 2 years PQE):
Dutch lawyers (Advocaten): SQE2 exempt
You have an agreed SQE2 exemption. This means you only need to pass SQE1 - no SQE2, no QWE. The SRA exemption application fee is £265 and decisions take up to 180 days. Apply via mySRA before booking any assessments.
What SQE1 Actually Covers
SQE1 tests England & Wales law specifically - not your home jurisdiction. This is the key challenge for EU lawyers: you must learn a new legal system.
Format
- → 360 MCQs across two papers (FLK1 and FLK2)
- → 10 hours across two days
- → Pass mark: approximately 60%
- → National pass rate: 53% (Jan 2026) - international candidates often perform below the national average
- → Can be taken at international Pearson VUE test centres - no travel to England required
Subjects tested
Civil law background? EU lawyers trained in civil law systems will find English law conceptually different - particularly land law, trusts, and the common law approach to contract. Allow extra time for these subjects. BARBRI offers a “Foundations in Law” add-on (£499) specifically designed to bridge the civil/common law gap.
SQE2 - If You're Not Exempt
For EU lawyers without an agreed exemption, SQE2 consists of 16 practical skills assessments.
Written assessments
- ✓ 12 written skills assessments
- ✓ Can be taken internationally - no UK travel required
- ✓ Covers legal research, writing, drafting, case analysis
Oral assessments
- ! 4 oral assessments over 2.5 days
- ✗ Must be taken in England or Wales - plan travel accordingly
- → Client interviewing and legal research orals
Costs
Which Provider is Best for EU Lawyers?
BARBRI
Best for EU LawyersSelf-paced, fully online, no need to attend UK campuses. Lowest cost SQE prep package at £5,899. Includes a “Foundations in Law” add-on (£499) covering common law fundamentals specifically for civil law lawyers - a genuine advantage for EU-trained lawyers.
Fully online · Self-paced · No UK campus visits required
QLTS School
Most Experienced with Overseas CandidatesSpecialist in international lawyer qualification - transitioned from QLTS to SQE and has the deepest experience with overseas candidates. Higher cost, but the team understands the specific challenges EU lawyers face.
BPP / University of Law
Less Suited Unless UK-BasedCampus-focused and best suited to candidates based in the UK. Less practical if you are studying from Europe and do not need to travel to a UK campus.
Important Practical Notes
- !Apply for your exemption before booking any SQE assessmentsDecisions take up to 180 days. Do not book exam dates until your exemption is confirmed.
- !From June 2024: you cannot apply for exemption from any part of the SQE you have already failedThis is a critical rule change - apply for exemptions first, sit exams second.
- !QWE exemption for qualified overseas lawyersQualified overseas lawyers are generally exempt from the 2-year QWE requirement. Confirm your specific position with the SRA via mySRA.
- !English language requirementIf exempt from SQE2, you must prove IELTS 7.5 or equivalent at the admission stage - unless your legal qualification was assessed in English.
- !Irish solicitorsFully exempt from all SQE requirements - apply directly to the SRA for admission.
EU Lawyer vs Domestic Candidate
How the routes compare side by side
| Requirement | Domestic candidate | EU lawyer ✅ |
|---|---|---|
| SQE1 | Required | Required |
| SQE2 | Required | Exempt (19 countries, 2yr PQE) |
| 2-year QWE | Required | Exempt (qualified overseas lawyer) |
| UK degree or equivalent | Required | Home qualification accepted |
| Study from home country | ✓ | ✓ |
| SQE1 at international centre | ✓ | ✓ |
| SQE2 oral assessments | England/Wales only | England/Wales only (if applicable) |
| Typical timeline | 3–4 years | 6–18 months |
| Typical cost | £25,000–£45,000 | £2,199–£10,000 |
Get the 2026 SQE Cost Cheatsheet
Includes the EU lawyer cost breakdown - SQE2 exempt route vs full route, provider prices and hidden fees.
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