The Faculty and COMBAR announce two new fully funded scholarships for Black students

The Commercial Bar Association (COMBAR) has joined with the Faculty to fund two new scholarships for students of Black or Mixed Black ethnicity to study the BCL from the start of the next academic year.

Uniquely the scholarships will not only cover the students’ tuition fees, but also provide a maintenance grant to enable the students to meet their accommodation and living expenses for their year of study. COMBAR will also offer the students the opportunity to join their new mentoring scheme to assist with the process of applying to and thriving at the Commercial Bar.

The scholarships will be available to those who demonstrate exceptional academic merit or potential, who are ordinarily resident in the United Kingdom, and who indicate a serious interest in commencing a career at the commercial bar following completion of their studies. 

Dean of the Faculty, Mindy Chen-Wishart, said

We are delighted to work with COMBAR to ensure that talented students are not prevented by financial need from taking the BCL course. Like the gene pool, diversity strengthens the university and the legal profession. We look forward to welcoming the COMBAR-Oxford Law scholars to the rich, challenging, and rewarding experience that is the BCL.

David Joseph QC, Chair of COMBAR added

I am delighted that together with Oxford we have been able to create these important scholarships, which I believe are best in class……This scheme is a practical step to further our aim of strengthening a Commercial Bar which reflects the make-up of the society in which we all live up and down the country.

The Faculty and COMBAR look forward to welcoming the scholars and to guiding them on a career path that fulfills their aspirations.