The Edinburgh Legal Education Trust Scholarships 2027 offers funding for eligible students who want to pursue postgraduate legal research at the University of Edinburgh in the United Kingdom.
The scholarship supports the LLM by Research programme, focusing specifically on Scots private law. It is available for full-time and part-time study beginning in September 2027.
International applicants, including students from Nigeria and other countries, can apply if they meet the academic and admission requirements.
The full-time scholarship provides tuition fees at the UK home-student rate and a maintenance award currently worth £21,805. The part-time scholarship covers tuition fees at the home-student rate but does not list a maintenance stipend.
Applications should normally be received by 3 May 2027. Applicants must also apply for admission to the University of Edinburgh’s LLM by Research programme.
About the Edinburgh Legal Education Trust Scholarship
The Edinburgh Legal Education Trust (ELET) was established in 1996 to advance legal education in Scotland.
Through its scholarship programme, the Trust supports postgraduate research in Scots private law at the University of Edinburgh. The award is intended for students who want to develop their legal research skills and complete a substantial research dissertation.
The LLM by Research is different from a conventional taught Master’s degree. Students undertake independent research under academic supervision and produce a dissertation of up to 30,000 words.
The programme can also provide a route towards doctoral study. Some students may be able to transfer to a PhD during their LLM research year, subject to the Trust’s arrangements and approval. However, future PhD funding should not be treated as automatic.
Edinburgh Legal Education Trust Scholarship 2027 Summary
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Scholarship | Edinburgh Legal Education Trust Scholarship 2027 |
| Scholarship provider | Edinburgh Legal Education Trust |
| Host institution | University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom |
| School | Edinburgh Law School |
| Degree | LLM by Research |
| Research area | Scots private law |
| Study options | Full-time and part-time |
| Full-time duration | One year |
| Part-time duration | Two years |
| Study commencement | September 2027 |
| Eligible applicants | UK and international applicants who meet the requirements |
| Full-time scholarship value | Home-rate tuition fees and maintenance award currently worth £21,805 |
| Part-time scholarship value | Home-rate tuition fees, with possible limited research expense assistance |
| Application deadline | 3 May 2027 |
Available Edinburgh Legal Education Trust Scholarships
For September 2027 entry, the Edinburgh Legal Education Trust advertises two LLM by Research scholarship options.
1. Full-time LLM by Research Scholarship
The full-time scholarship supports postgraduate research in Scots private law at the University of Edinburgh for one year. Students will complete an independent research dissertation of up to 30,000 words under academic supervision.
The Trust offers one or more scholarships for September 2027 entry. The award is intended for applicants who want to undertake focused legal research, and preference may be given to candidates who intend to progress to a PhD.
2. Part-time LLM by Research Scholarship
The part-time scholarship supports postgraduate research in Scots private law over two years.
It is suitable for applicants who want to complete the LLM by Research on a part-time basis.
Unlike the full-time award, the published part-time scholarship does not include a maintenance stipend. It covers tuition fees at the UK home-student rate, with the possibility of limited assistance towards research expenses.
Edinburgh Legal Education Trust Scholarship Value and Benefits
The financial support depends on whether the applicant receives the full-time or part-time scholarship.
Full-time scholarship benefits
The full-time award includes the following:
- Tuition fee contribution: The Trust pays tuition fees at the UK home-student rate directly to the University of Edinburgh.
- Maintenance award: The current maintenance allowance is £21,805 for the year.
- Research expenses: Limited assistance may be available for research expenses, normally not exceeding £400 in a year.
The maintenance allowance is paid in four equal instalments on:
- 15 September
- 15 December
- 15 March
- 15 June
Part-time scholarship benefits
The part-time award includes:
- Tuition fees at the UK home-student rate.
- Possible limited financial assistance towards research expenses.
The published part-time scholarship regulations do not list a maintenance stipend.
Important information for international applicants
The scholarship wording specifies tuition fees at the UK home-student rate. It does not promise to cover the full international tuition fee.
International applicants should therefore contact Edinburgh Law School before accepting an offer to confirm whether any difference between the home and international tuition rates would remain payable.
Applicants should also make separate financial arrangements for living expenses if they receive the part-time award, because it does not include a published maintenance allowance.
Eligibility Requirements for the Edinburgh Legal Education Trust Scholarship 2027
The scholarship is open to UK and international applicants who meet the requirements for the LLM by Research programme. To qualify, applicants must satisfy the following conditions:
1. Relevant law qualification
Applicants must hold one of the following qualifications by the start of the LLM programme:
- An honours degree in law; or
- An ordinary degree in law together with an honours degree in a different discipline.
The Trust also requires applicants to be accepted by the University of Edinburgh for the LLM by Research programme.
2. Research interest in Scots private law
The proposed research must be in Scots private law.
Applicants are expected to choose their own research topic. The Trust particularly emphasises legal doctrine rather than subjects focused mainly on legal theory or socio-legal issues.
Historical and comparative legal perspectives are welcome.
Applicants should identify a research topic that can be supported by the academic expertise available at Edinburgh Law School.
3. University admission
Applicants must apply for admission to the University of Edinburgh’s LLM by Research programme.
The Trust’s published regulations allow applicants to submit a scholarship application before they have received confirmation of admission. However, they must satisfy the university admission requirement by the start of the LLM programme.
4. Academic references and research preparation
Applicants should prepare a strong academic application that demonstrates their ability to undertake independent legal research.
The University of Edinburgh’s admission process may require supporting documents such as academic transcripts, degree certificates, references, a personal statement and a research proposal.
Applicants should follow the current LLM by Research admission instructions when preparing these documents.
Research Areas and Choice of Topic
The scholarship is intended for research in Scots private law. Applicants are expected to develop their own research topic and explain how it relates to the relevant area of law.
The Trust particularly welcomes research that focuses on legal doctrine. Historical and comparative approaches may also be considered.
Applicants who are unsure whether their proposed topic fits the scholarship should seek guidance from Edinburgh Law School before submitting their application.
Can the Edinburgh Legal Education Trust Scholarship Lead to a PhD?
Yes. The LLM by Research can provide a pathway to further study for a PhD. The Trust explains that some students may be able to transfer from the LLM to a PhD during the year of study. In such cases, funding for the remaining three years of full-time PhD study may often be made available by the Trust.
However, progression and further funding are not automatic. Applicants should discuss their research plans and possible progression arrangements with the Trust and the University.
Application Deadline for Edinburgh Legal Education Trust Scholarship 2027
The application deadline for the full-time and part-time Edinburgh Legal Education Trust scholarships is 3 May 2027.
Applications should normally be received by this date for study beginning in September 2027.
Applicants should not wait until the final day to prepare their university admission application and scholarship documents. Edinburgh Law School advises applicants for its research scholarships to apply for their programme at least two weeks before the relevant scholarship deadline.
How to Apply for the Edinburgh Legal Education Trust Scholarship 2027
Applicants must complete two related application steps: applying for admission to the LLM by Research programme and submitting the Edinburgh Legal Education Trust scholarship application form.
Follow the steps below.
Step 1: Review the scholarship requirements
Visit the official Edinburgh Law School scholarship page and read the full-time or part-time scholarship regulations. Confirm that your proposed research is in Scots private law and that you meet the academic qualification requirements.
Step 2: Apply for admission to the LLM by Research programme
Submit an online application for the Law LLM by Research programme at the University of Edinburgh. The programme is available full-time over one year and part-time over two years.
Step 3: Complete the scholarship application form
After applying for admission, download and complete the Edinburgh Legal Education Trust Scholarship Application Form.
The Trust’s regulations allow an application to be made before the University has formally accepted the applicant. However, applicants must still meet the admission conditions by the start of the programme.
Step 4: Submit the scholarship application
Send the completed scholarship application form to phd.law@ed.ac.uk and Make sure the application reaches the University by 3 May 2027.
Step 5: Wait for the scholarship decision
The Trustees have full discretion to decide whether to award a scholarship. Meeting the minimum eligibility conditions does not guarantee an award. Applicants should also prepare a strong research proposal and demonstrate that their proposed topic fits the Trust’s research interests.
Official Website and Application Links
Applicants should use the official University of Edinburgh and Edinburgh Legal Education Trust websites for the current scholarship regulations and application instructions.
- Edinburgh Law School scholarship information: Scholarships and Funding
- Full-time scholarship regulations: Edinburgh Legal Education Trust – Full-time LLM by Research
- Part-time scholarship regulations: Edinburgh Legal Education Trust – Part-time LLM by Research
- LLM by Research admission: University of Edinburgh Law LLM by Research
Frequently Asked Questions About the Edinburgh Legal Education Trust Scholarship
Is the Edinburgh Legal Education Trust Scholarship open to international students?
Yes. The 2027 scholarship regulations state that applicants from any country may apply, provided they meet the academic and programme requirements.
What degree does the Edinburgh Legal Education Trust Scholarship support?
The scholarship supports the LLM by Research at the University of Edinburgh, focusing on postgraduate research in Scots private law.
How much is the Edinburgh Legal Education Trust Scholarship worth?
The full-time award covers tuition fees at the UK home-student rate and provides a maintenance allowance currently worth £21,805. Limited research expense assistance of normally up to £400 a year may also be available.
Does the scholarship cover full international tuition fees?
The published regulations specify fees at the UK home-student rate, not the full international tuition rate. International applicants should confirm with Edinburgh Law School whether they would need to pay any remaining tuition fee difference.
Can I apply for the scholarship before receiving a university admission offer?
Yes. The Trust’s published regulations allow applicants to apply for the scholarship before receiving formal acceptance from the University. However, they must meet the university admission requirement by the start of the LLM programme.
What is the application deadline for the 2027 scholarship?
The deadline for both the full-time and part-time scholarships is 3 May 2027.
Does the part-time scholarship provide a monthly stipend?
The published part-time scholarship regulations cover home-rate tuition fees and allow for possible research expense assistance. They do not list a maintenance stipend.
Can the LLM by Research lead to a PhD?
Yes. The LLM can provide a pathway to doctoral study. Some students may be able to transfer to a PhD during the LLM, with further funding potentially available under the Trust’s arrangements. This is not guaranteed.
Conclusion
The Edinburgh Legal Education Trust Scholarship 2027 is a postgraduate research funding opportunity for students interested in Scots private law at the University of Edinburgh.
The Trust offers both full-time and part-time LLM by Research scholarships. The full-time award includes a maintenance allowance, while the part-time award focuses on tuition fees at the UK home-student rate.
International applicants should pay particular attention to the tuition fee conditions before applying, as the scholarship does not explicitly promise to cover the full international tuition fee.
Applicants interested in the September 2027 intake should prepare their university admission application and scholarship documents ahead of the 3 May 2027 deadline.
