The DLA Piper Global Scholarship Programme is a prestigious, fully funded two-year initiative designed for outstanding law students from developing countries.
It empowers these students—not just financially—but also through mentorship, internships, leadership training, and a global network, with the ultimate goal of strengthening the rule of law in their home communities.
This is not a recruiting scheme; rather, it supports Fellows wherever their careers may lead, whether in public service, private practice, or beyond.
Summary Table: DLA Piper Global Scholarship 2026
| Item | Details |
| Scholarship Name | DLA Piper Global Scholarship Programme |
| Sponsor | DLA Piper (Global law firm) |
| Duration | 2 years |
| Eligible Study Levels | Undergraduate (penultimate year), Master’s in a law-related field |
| Eligible Countries | Developing countries (Africa, South & West Asia, Latin America, South Pacific) |
| Award Covers | Full tuition, internship costs (travel, visas, accommodation), laptop/phone, internet, study materials, business attire |
| Professional Development | Mentorship, leadership course (Oxford Saïd), CV/interview training, Rosetta Stone language access |
| Internships | With DLA Piper (commercial & pro bono) |
| Eligibility Criteria | – Law student in 2nd–last year or completed LLB + accepted for Master’s – Top academic performer (1st class or top 10%) – University recommendation – Citizen of home country – Good English skills |
| Application Requirements | Transcript, recommendation letter, 2-minute video about why law |
| Deadline | Not specified (check DLA Piper site) |
What Is the DLA Piper Global Scholarship Programme?
The DLA Piper Global Scholarship Programme (GSP) supports law students from developing countries through a comprehensive two-year fellowship.
Each year, up to 50 Fellows are selected from regions including Africa, South & West Asia, Latin America, and the South Pacific.
During those two years, Fellows benefit from:
- Full payment of their tuition fees
- Mentoring from DLA Piper lawyers (both locally and globally)
- Internships (commercial and pro bono) with DLA Piper
- Training and personal development, including a leadership course held in partnership with Saïd Business School, University of Oxford.
- Opportunities to build strong peer and professional networks across countries.
- After the programme, Fellows join a global alumni community.
Importantly, this is not a recruitment tool by DLA Piper. Rather, the aim is to empower students to pursue their own paths—whether in private practice, public service, academia, or community development.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the 2026 cycle, candidates must meet the following requirements:
- Current Study Status
- Be studying law and in the penultimate or final year in your home country; OR
- Already completed a law degree and accepted into a Master’s programme in a related field in your home country.
- Academic Performance: Achieving (or expected to achieve) a first-class degree, or be in the top 10% of your class.
- Recommendation: A letter of recommendation from your university (professor, Head of Department, or Dean).
- Nationality: Must be a citizen of the country from which you apply.
- Language Proficiency: Good level of spoken and written English to fully participate in the programme.
Benefits of the Scholarship
The DLA Piper Global Scholarship is very generous and holistic in its support:
- Financial Support
- Full tuition fees paid for the two-year programme
- All internship-related costs (travel, accommodation, food, visas).
- Funding for professional development courses or events (local and international).
- Provision of a laptop, phone, headphones, and a reliable internet connection.
- Support for study materials (textbooks, subscriptions).
- Help with business attire (for internships).
- Learning & Development
- Access to Rosetta Stone for language learning.
- A week-long development course: soft skills, networking, and interaction with lawyers and other Fellows.
- Support in setting and refining educational and professional goals.
- CV writing, personal branding, social media presence advice.
- Interview practice and coaching.
- Access to DLA Piper’s internal training resources.
- Internship placements within DLA Piper’s offices (pro bono and commercial).
- A leadership course in partnership with Saïd Business School, Oxford.
- Networking & Mentorship
- Regular mentoring sessions with experienced professionals.
- Peer networking: build relationships with other Fellows in your region and globally.
- Access to a global alumni network for continued growth and learning.
How to Apply: Step-by-Step Guide
- Visit the Official Portal: Go to DLA Piper’s Global Scholarships Portal to access the application.
- Prepare Required Documents
- Academic transcript (showing your university grades)
- Recommendation letter from your university (professor, department head, or dean)
- A short video (maximum 2 minutes) in which you introduce yourself and explain why you chose to study law.
- Complete the Application
- Fill out the online form with your personal, educational, and contact details.
- Upload your transcript, recommendation letter, and the video.
- Submit Before Deadline
- The specific deadline for 2026 has not been publicly specified; applicants should monitor the DLA Piper careers page for updates.
- Selection Process
- Shortlisted candidates may undergo further screening (e.g., interview).
- Final Fellows are selected based on merit, potential, and commitment to the rule of law.
FAQs
Is the DLA Piper Scholarship fully funded?
Yes, the scholarship is fully funded. It covers tuition, travel, accommodation, visas, technology, study materials, and professional development.
Do I need IELTS to apply?
No. IELTS is not required; however, applicants must demonstrate strong English communication skills.
Can Master’s students apply?
Yes. Students who have already completed a law degree and gained admission into a Master’s program in a related field are eligible.
Does the scholarship require recipients to work at DLA Piper afterwards?
No. The program does not require Fellows to work for DLA Piper. It is not a recruitment program.
How many students are selected each year?
Up to 50 Fellows are selected across all eligible countries.
What is the age limit?
There is no official age limit, but candidates are typically young professionals or final-year students.
What should be in the 2-minute application video?
You must briefly introduce yourself, explain why you chose to study law, and describe your future career goals.
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