Compare routes: Solicitor

Compare what matters before you decide. Routes are shown side by side, not ranked: an unknown is marked “Not enough data”. England & Wales only.

Choose 2 or 3 routes

Route A: Law degree, then the SQE and qualifying work experience
Route B: Degree in another subject, then the SQE
Route C: Solicitor apprenticeship (Level 7)

Comparing 3 routes. Nothing here is ranked or scored.

Comparison of 3 routes. Unknown values are marked Not enough data and are not ranked.
Route	Route ALaw degree, then the SQE and qualifying work experience	Route BDegree in another subject, then the SQE	Route CSolicitor apprenticeship (Level 7)
Entry requirements	Universities set their own entry requirements for law degrees For admission you need a degree (any subject) or equivalent level 6 qualification You must meet the Solicitors Regulation Authority's (SRA) character and suitability requirements	A degree in any subject, or an equivalent level 6 qualification, meets the SRA's degree requirement Many non-law graduates take an SQE preparation course; it is optional and prices vary You must meet the SRA's character and suitability requirements	You apply for a solicitor apprenticeship job; each employer sets its own requirements Funding age limit: from 1 January 2026, new Level 7 starts are funded only if you are 16 to 21 at the start (or 22 to 24 with an EHC plan or care experience) Vacancies are limited and competitive
Official mandatory credentials	A degree in any subject, or an equivalent level 6 qualification Pass SQE1 and SQE2 Two years' full-time (or equivalent) qualifying work experience, with up to four organisations, confirmed by a solicitor or COLP Meet the SRA's character and suitability requirements Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE1 and SQE2)	A degree in any subject, or an equivalent level 6 qualification Pass SQE1 and SQE2 Two years' full-time (or equivalent) qualifying work experience, with up to four organisations, confirmed by a solicitor or COLP Meet the SRA's character and suitability requirements Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE1 and SQE2)	A degree in any subject, or an equivalent level 6 qualification Pass SQE1 and SQE2 Two years' full-time (or equivalent) qualifying work experience, with up to four organisations, confirmed by a solicitor or COLP Meet the SRA's character and suitability requirements Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE1 and SQE2)
Time	About 5 years or more A typical 3-year full-time degree plus two years' full-time (or equivalent) qualifying work experience. SQE timing varies.	About 5 years or more A typical 3-year degree plus two years' full-time (or equivalent) qualifying work experience. Extra preparation time for SQE1 is common for non-law graduates.	About 6 years Find apprenticeship training lists the Level 7 Solicitor apprenticeship at 72 months.
Cash costs	Fees charged: £34,462 Paid up front by you: £5,092 Up-front figure assumes a Tuition Fee Loan pays the tuition. The loan is repaid from future earnings above a threshold, so it is shown separately as a loan balance.	Fees charged: £34,462 Paid up front by you: £5,092 Up-front figure assumes a Tuition Fee Loan pays the tuition. The loan is repaid from future earnings above a threshold, so it is shown separately as a loan balance.	Fees charged: Up to £32,092 of training (funding band maximum), paid for you Paid up front by you: £0 — training and assessment are funded
Employer-funded possibilities	Possible but not guaranteed — some employers pay fees or give study leave. Ask before you accept an offer. University tuition is usually covered by a Tuition Fee Loan (England), which is repaid from future earnings.	Possible but not guaranteed — some employers pay fees or give study leave. Ask before you accept an offer. University tuition is usually covered by a Tuition Fee Loan (England), which is repaid from future earnings.	Yes — training and assessment are paid by the employer and government; you must not be asked to contribute.
Work while studying	Possible Full-time study, then work. Usually once you start paid qualifying work experience, often after graduating. Some QWE roles are paid, others may not be.	Possible Full-time study, then work. Usually once you start paid qualifying work experience, after graduating.	Yes Work-based, with at least 20% off-the-job training. From day one — apprentices are employees and are paid a wage.
Salary evidence	Solicitor: £30,000 to £80,000 a year (starter to experienced, England) National Careers Service, checked 12 Oct 2026. Typical range for comparable roles — indicative, not guaranteed.	Solicitor: £30,000 to £80,000 a year (starter to experienced, England) National Careers Service, checked 12 Oct 2026. Typical range for comparable roles — indicative, not guaranteed.	Solicitor: £30,000 to £80,000 a year (starter to experienced, England) National Careers Service, checked 12 Oct 2026. Typical range for comparable roles — indicative, not guaranteed.
Competition and availability	Qualifying work experience roles and training contracts are competitive Passing the SQE does not guarantee a QWE role, a job or admission	QWE roles and training contracts are competitive Some employers recruit non-law graduates and pay for SQE preparation; others prefer law graduates	Solicitor apprenticeships are offered by a limited number of employers and are competitive The Level 7 funding age rule means many adults cannot start a funded solicitor apprenticeship You study alongside a demanding job, with fewer course choices than at university
Geographical constraints	Applies in: England & Wales only Tuition fees and student finance shown are England's Moving region changes the firms near you	Applies in: England & Wales only Tuition fees and student finance shown are England's Moving region changes the firms near you	Applies in: England & Wales only Apprenticeship funding rules shown are for England Moving region changes which employers offer apprenticeships
Alternative exits	A law degree is useful in many careers outside law You could work as a paralegal or legal assistant You could look at other legal careers, such as CILEX lawyer or barrister, which have separate rules	Your degree keeps other careers open You could work as a paralegal or legal assistant You could look at other legal careers, such as CILEX lawyer, which have separate rules	You could move into paralegal or other legal work if you leave part-way You could look at other legal careers, such as CILEX lawyer, which have separate rules
Source freshness	Evidence checked 12 Oct 2026 Oldest source check: 12 Oct 2026	Evidence checked 12 Oct 2026 Oldest source check: 12 Oct 2026	Evidence checked 12 Oct 2026 Oldest source check: 12 Oct 2026

Costs are published fees only (lower and upper ends of official ranges). To change assumptions such as funding, loans, pay or living costs, use Compare costs.

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