CILEX Foundation
About the CILEX Foundation Charity
The CILEX Foundation is an independent, registered charity supporting CILEX members, CILEX students and those who aspire to become CILEX Lawyers.
We help address inequality and underrepresentation in the legal sector. We do this by removing financial and social mobility barriers to legal education and career progression.
Our programmes of support ensure that more talented and aspiring lawyers are achieving their career goals.
Bursaries – late summer 2026 cycle
The CILEX Foundation Bursary programme will open for new applications on 1 September 2026.
Designed to support current members of CILEX, the Bursary can support those who’s continued studies may be at risk due to financial barriers.
Check whether you are eligible here before beginning your application:
Bursary FAQs
What is the CILEX Foundation Bursary?
The CILEX Foundation Bursary is an academic award made to students who wish to continue their CILEX studies, but who are unable to fund the next stage of their learning.
The CILEX Foundation Bursary covers the cost of a single CPQ module, plus the associated costs of enrolling on the course (admin and exam fees).
The CILEX Foundation Bursary excludes the cost of your CILEX membership payments.
Who is eligible?
To be eligible, you must demonstrate:
– You are a current CILEX member.
– You live in England or Wales.
– You are applying to study a CILEX approved course and be eligible to start your studies straight away.
– You face financial barriers that prevent you from continuing your CILEX studies.
When can I apply, and how can I submit my application?
Applications can be made between 1 September and 13 September 2026, via the digital application form found on the CILEX Foundation page of your MyCILEX portal.
The application form will only be accessible during these dates.
This is a time limited funding cycle which we expect to be in high demand. Only applications made during this window can be accepted.
How can I prepare to make my application?
In the lead up to the application window, we strongly recommend candidates prepare by:
– Checking your eligibility to enrol on your chosen course with CILEX or your learning provider.
– Confirming the price of your next module, and any associated costs (admin, enrolment or exam fees).
– Making sure that your membership is active and up to date.
– Reading our Information and Guidance document, for more details of the award and application process.
– Attend an ‘Apply with Confidence’ webinar hosted by the CILEX Foundation team. Details of webinar dates and registration links will be promoted throughout August.
Practice Rights Grants
The CILEX Foundation Practice Rights Grant is currently available to Fellows who wish to apply via CRL or undertake the ULaw Assessment only routes.
Grants are limited, and are intended to support Fellows who require practice rights but who are limited financially.
Check whether you are eligible in our Information Guide before beginning your application.
Practice Rights FAQs
What is a CILEX Foundation Practice Right Grant?
The Practice Rights Grants Programme is a financial support initiative from the CILEX Foundation designed to help eligible CILEX members make an application for practice rights through the CRL portfolio route, or through the University of Law Assessment Only route.
Who is eligible?
To apply for a Practice Rights Grant, members must meet all of the following criteria:
– Be a resident of England or Wales.
– Be a CILEX Fellow at the time of applying, or have held Fellowship prior to the Mazur ruling.
– Have prepared an application for Practice Rights via the CRL portfolio route or be ready to apply for the University of Law Assessment at the time of applying for the grant.
– Not be receiving funding from any other source to obtain Practice Rights e.g. workplace funding.
– Be able to demonstrate that they have lost their job role or suffered demotion/pay reduction or that their current employment is at risk, or that their work is otherwise compromised, if Practice Rights are not obtained.
When can I apply and how can I submit an application form?
Applications are open until 6 September 2026.
Eligible members are invited to apply online. The simple application form can be found via the CILEX Foundation section of your MyCILEX portal.
I have already paid to obtain Practice Rights – can I receive a CILEX Foundation grant?
The CILEX Foundation is unable to reimburse the cost of applications already made.
Scholarships
The CILEX Foundation Scholarship programme is not open for applications in 2026.
Support for all CILEX Members
The CILEX Foundation has partnered with specialist organisations to offer Members and their family access to expert advice and resources:
- Money and debt advice, Free for CILEX members and their families: PayPlan
- Access to cost-of-living grants for CILEX members and members of their household: Lightening Reach
- Free or low-cost tickets to a wide range of events for CILEX members and their families: Tickets for Good
- CILEX Members can also access Mental Health support from LawCare
Currently, we are not accepting applications for financial welfare grants.
Support our work
Could you support our work, and contribute to a fairer, more diverse legal sector?
We offer individuals, employers, groups and networks the opportunity to get involved – through partnership, volunteering and fundraising to enable our important work to continue.
Stay up to date
The CILEX Foundation has a LinkedIn page which you can follow for news on our charitable work and partnerships, including future funding rounds.
Donate to us
A donation to the CILEX Foundation will support our work in providing opportunities to study and work in Law, to students from under-represented groups.
As an independent charity, we rely on the generosity of our donors.
Donate TodayCILEX Foundation registered charity number 1185862
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