The Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) is the route to qualifying as a solicitor in England and Wales. Below we cover everything international students need to know about the SQE, from eligibility requirements to career opportunities after qualification.
Written by Grant Longstaff. Published 31 July 2026.
SQE requirements for overseas students
The entry requirements for the SQE are set by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA), the regulatory body for solicitors and law firms in England and Wales, and anyone can sit the examinations provided they meet the requirements of the SRA.
To qualify as a solicitor in England and Wales you need to:
- Hold a degree or equivalent qualification.
- Pass both SQE1 and SQE2.
- Complete two years' Qualifying Work Experience (QWE).
- Meet the SRA's character and suitability requirements.
Degree recognition for overseas students
The first step is gaining a degree or equivalent level 6 qualification. Importantly, this doesn’t need to be a UK degree, and you don’t necessarily need to have studied law. If you’ve studied a degree (or equivalent) outside the UK, the SRA use a third-party validation service to assess your qualifications against the UK level 6 qualifications criteria. The SRA can provide more guidance on this process.
If you’re already working as a lawyer elsewhere in the world then your previous legal qualifications and professional experience could also be relevant. Some internationally qualified lawyers may be eligible for exemptions from parts of the SQE. However, this does depend on your jurisdiction and experience. The SRA website has more detailed information on how qualified lawyers can seek an exemption.
Why are international students choosing SQE?
One of the reasons many legal professionals are considering taking the SQE is due to the influence UK law has on the world stage. TheCityUK produces an annual report on legal services in the UK. The most recent report highlighted that:
- “English law remains the preferred choice for cross-border contracts, underpinning 40% of global corporate arbitrations.”
- “London is seen as the world’s preferred centre for international alternative dispute resolution.”
- “London continues to attract more than 200 foreign law firms from over 40 jurisdictions, and all the world’s top 50 law firms have offices in the city.”
It also reported that the UK legal services market is the second largest in the world. This provides some insight into why the SQE has become a popular option for lawyers around the world. A deep understanding of UK law could mean you’re better positioned for international legal roles.
What does the SQE cover?
The SQE is a centralised assessment and tests the legal knowledge, skills and attributes of those who sit it and aims to ensure practising solicitors in England and Wales meet set standards. All students, whether they are home or international, will be tested on the same knowledge and criteria. You can find out more about the SQE on our dedicated SQE hub page.
Challenges international students may face during the SQE
International students could face additional challenges when taking the SQE as they may have to learn an entirely new legal system. However, there are ways you can study ahead of time.
If you have some understanding of practising law, then you could take an SQE preparation course which will cover the essential knowledge you’ll need to pass the examinations and help you better understand how you’ll be assessed.
However, if you’re looking to move into the legal profession and have limited understanding of the law then you may need to take a conversion course. Explore our range of law conversion courses that have the SQE embedded into them.
SQE for international students FAQs
How difficult is the SQE for international students?
The SQE can be challenging and, depending on your level of study, you might need to do a little extra work to get to grips with everything covered in the examinations. You can find out more from some students who have taken the SQE and how difficult they found it on our blog. They also share their tips for the best ways of preparing for each part of the SQE.
Can I complete qualifying work experience (QWE) outside the UK?
QWE can be completed outside the UK provided it meets the SRA's requirements.
Can I sit SQE outside England or Wales?
You can sit the SQE1 assessments and the SQE2 written assessments outside of England and Wales. However, the oral assessments for SQE2 are only held in person in locations across England and Wales. You can find out more, including a full list of international test centres on the SRA website.
Am I eligible for an exemption for the SQE?
Some qualified lawyers from recognised jurisdictions may be eligible for exemptions from parts of the SQE. Your eligibility depends on qualifications and experience. For more information on exemptions, you can look at the SRA website.
While the process requires commitment and preparation, sitting the SQE can open up career opportunities across the UK and internationally. Take a look at our range of SQE courses and choose the one that best suits your future ambitions today.
