How to apply for the BPTC

Applications for a place on the BPTC must be made through the Bar Standards Board's central applications system; BPTC Online. To make an application visit www.barprofessionaltraining.org.uk, applications can only be accepted by online submission and not by post or email.

Please note that once your application is submitted, the BPTC Providers make the decision on whether you will be offered a place, not the BSB. You should contact the Provider with queries regarding your application unless it is a technical matter.

BPTC places

There is heavy competition for places on the BPTC. In the region of 3000 candidates apply for approximately 1800 places each year. You will find specific place allocation for each BPTC Provider within the Course Contact Information document.

BPTC provider information

If you have not found all the information you require about a specific BPTC Provider at www.barstandardsboard.org.uk, you may wish to consult the Providers’ prospectus. You will need to contact them directly or visit their websites.

Submitting your chosen provider

You should note that all applications submitted in the first round will be considered at the same time after the closing date. It is important that if you wish to be considered for the second round as well, you ensure you make ALL choices relevant to you in the first round. Only the first three choices on your application form count towards the first round; the rest to the second. You cannot add any choices following submission and you cannot make more than one application per year.

BPTC Online timetable

You are strongly advised to submit your application as early as possible. The Online application process timetable is:

  • 7 November 2011 - The system opens for applicants for September 2012 (9.00am)

  • 12 January 2012 - Closing date for first round applications (2.00pm)

  • 9 February 2012 - System reopens for new applications into the clearing round (9.00am)

  • 6 March 2012 - Offers start to be released from first round applications (9.00am)

  • 3 April 2012 – Acceptance deadline for first round offers (2.00pm)

    In order to ensure the security of their place on a Bar Course, students must log in and accept their place online in both the first and the clearing rounds.

  • 16 April 2012 – New clearing round applications and unsuccessfuly first round applications are released to Providers (2.00pm)

    Offers are continuously released in the clearing round, there is no set date by which all offers will have been made in this round.

  • 31 May 2012 – Closing date for application to an Inn of Court – you must be a member of an Inn to commence a BPTC

    Students are stongly warned that if there is likely to be a problem with your application to an Inn, please ensure that you apply as early as possible as this may mean that you cannot start a course if your membership is not confirmed in time for enrolment.

  • 31 August 2012 – Clearing round closes (2.00pm)

  • 14 September 2012 – The system closes (2.00pm)

Fees

To submit a completed application, there is a one off fee payment of £40. This is payable upon completion of the form and must be paid online through BPTC Online. Neither the Bar Council nor the Bar Standards Board are able to accept cash and/or cheque payments.

Course fees for the 2011-2012 intake range from around £10,000 to around £15,000 including all fees/deposits. Please consult the BPTC Contact Information for details of a specific Provider.