How a Refugee Solicitor Can Qualify in the UK
Overseas-qualified lawyers can become solicitors in England and Wales by qualifying through the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA). You pass SQE1 (£1,934) and SQE2 (£2,974), complete qualifying work experience, then pay admission (£100) and an annual practising certificate (£396). There are no SRA-specific refugee waivers, but RefuAid offers interest-free loans, and exempt lawyers may avoid parts of the SQE.
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Since 2021 the route to becoming a solicitor is the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE). Qualified overseas lawyers can apply for exemptions from parts of the SQE based on their existing qualifications and experience. Note the SQE fees rise from autumn 2026 (SQE1 to £2,006 and SQE2 to £3,086). Path by RefuAid maps the route and costs for your situation.
Key facts (June 2026)
- SQE1 costs £1,934 and SQE2 costs £2,974 — verified June 2026.
- Admission is £100 and an annual practising certificate is £396.
- Fees rise from September/October 2026: SQE1 to £2,006 and SQE2 to £3,086.
- Qualified overseas lawyers may be exempt from parts of the SQE based on their experience.
Steps for a refugee lawyer to qualify as a solicitor
- Confirm your right to work. Refugee status and humanitarian protection give full work rights. Confirm your status before booking exams, as it affects funding and timing.
- Check for SQE exemptions. Qualified overseas lawyers can apply to the SRA for exemptions from parts of the SQE based on their existing qualifications and experience, which can save time and money.
- Pass SQE1. SQE1 (£1,934) tests functioning legal knowledge through multiple-choice assessments and can be taken at international test centres.
- Pass SQE2. SQE2 (£2,974) tests practical legal skills such as advocacy, interviewing, and legal writing, and is taken in the UK.
- Complete qualifying work experience. Complete two years of qualifying work experience, which can be gained across up to four organisations.
- Apply for admission and a practising certificate. Pay the admission fee (£100) and the annual practising certificate (£396) to be admitted to the roll and practise as a solicitor.
Refugee solicitor support and funding
- RefuAid: interest-free loans for SQE exams, admission, and practising certificate fees.
- There are no SRA-specific refugee fee waivers, so funding through RefuAid is especially important.
- Breaking Barriers and the Refugee Council offer general English and employment support.
Frequently asked questions
How can a refugee lawyer become a solicitor in the UK?
By qualifying through the SRA's SQE route: passing SQE1 and SQE2, completing qualifying work experience, and applying for admission. Overseas lawyers may be exempt from parts of the SQE, and RefuAid provides interest-free loans.
How much does the SQE cost in 2026?
SQE1 costs £1,934 and SQE2 costs £2,974. These rise from autumn 2026 to £2,006 and £3,086 respectively. Admission is £100 and the annual practising certificate is £396.
Do overseas lawyers have to take the full SQE?
Not always. Qualified overseas lawyers can apply to the SRA for exemptions from parts of the SQE based on their existing qualifications and experience.
Official sources
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