International business development bursary scheme

The International Business Development Bursary Scheme provides financial support to barristers participating in Bar Council international business development visits.

The scheme aims to support a more diverse and globally engaged Bar, by reducing your financial contribution, no matter your area of practice.

There are two scholarships of up to £3,000 each available per Bar Council visit.

Eligibility

Applicants must:

  • Have applied for, or been selected to attend, a Bar Council international business development visit
  • Demonstrate that financial hardship would otherwise limit participation
  • Explain how the visit will support their professional development

Assessment criteria

Applications will be assessed against:

  • Financial hardship and barriers to participation
  • Anticipated professional benefit
  • Potential to develop international or cross-border work
  • Contribution to wider international engagement across the Bar
  • Overall proportionality and value of the funding request 

Application process

Applications must be submitted alongside the relevant visit application. Successful applicants will be expected to:

  • Participate fully in the visit
  • Provide a short, written output following the visit

How to Apply

Please submit:

Your details

Visit details

Funding request

Financial need

Please explain, in up to 300 words:

  • Why financial support is required
  • How financial hardship would otherwise limit participation in the visit

You may also provide any additional context you feel is relevant, such as:

  • Stage of career
  • Caring responsibilities
  • Financial commitments
  • Availability of chambers/employer support.

Professional and international development

Please explain, in up to 300 words:

  • How participation will support your professional development
  • How the visit relates to your current or future practice
  • Any wider benefit to the Bar’s international engagement

Financial statement

Please download, complete and attach the Excel spreadsheet below:

International Business Development financial information.xls

Declaration

I confirm that

  • The information provided in this application is accurate to the best of my knowledge
  • If successful, I will participate fully in the visit
  • I will provide a short, written report following completion of the visit
  • I agree with the Bar Council's Terms of Reference