How to Become a Barrister in the UK from Pakistan
Updated: August 2026
Many students and lawyers in Pakistan ask the same questions:
- How can I become a barrister in England and Wales?
- Can I do the UK Bar Course after an LLB from Pakistan?
- Do I need to study at a top university?
- Which universities offer Bar training?
- Do I have to join an Inn of Court?
- Can I choose Lincoln’s Inn?
- Is there an age limit for becoming a barrister?
- Do I need to take the BCAT?
- How much does Bar training cost?
- Can I return to Pakistan after being Called to the Bar?
The short answer is yes, a person with a Pakistani law degree may be able to follow the route to the Bar of England and Wales. However, an overseas law degree is not automatically treated in exactly the same way as a UK law degree.
The route normally involves meeting the academic requirements, completing vocational Bar training, joining one of the four Inns of Court, completing the required Qualifying Sessions, being Called to the Bar and, if you want to practise in England and Wales, completing pupillage and obtaining the appropriate practising certificate.
This guide explains the process in simple English, particularly for students and lawyers considering the Bar from Pakistan.
What is a barrister?
A barrister is a specialist legal adviser and advocate. Barristers may represent clients in court, provide legal opinions, advise solicitors and clients, draft legal documents and specialise in particular areas of law.
Not every barrister spends every day in court. The work can include legal research, written advice, conferences with clients, negotiations, drafting and advocacy.
The Bar of England and Wales is regulated by the Bar Standards Board (BSB).
Bar Council – Becoming a Barrister
The three stages
The route to becoming a barrister can be understood in three main stages:
- Academic component
- Vocational component – Bar training
- Work-based learning – pupillage
The BSB currently allows different training pathways, including three-step, four-step, integrated and apprenticeship pathways.
BSB – Bar Qualification Manual
For most students from Pakistan, the first step is to establish whether their Pakistani qualification meets the academic requirements for the Bar.
Academic requirements for Pakistani students
If you have a Pakistani law degree, you should not assume that your Pakistani LLB automatically satisfies the UK academic requirements.
The BSB states that a person with a law degree from outside the UK or Republic of Ireland who wants to qualify as a barrister must apply for a Certificate of Academic Standing.
The BSB assesses overseas qualifications using relevant comparability information. The minimum academic standard is generally equivalent to at least a UK lower second-class honours degree (2:2).
BSB – Bar Qualification Manual
What should a Pakistani LLB graduate do?
Before paying for a Bar Course, check your academic position with the BSB and your proposed Bar training provider.
Your route may depend on:
- the Pakistani university you attended;
- the qualification you hold;
- the subjects studied;
- the level and duration of your degree;
- when you completed your degree;
- whether your degree covers the required legal knowledge; and
- whether the BSB requires a Certificate of Academic Standing or another academic step.
Do not rely only on an education agent or an informal social media group.
Always check the current BSB rules.
What if you have a non-law degree?
You do not necessarily need an undergraduate law degree to become a barrister.
A person with a non-law degree can complete a law conversion course where required. The Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) is one traditional conversion route, although providers may now use other course names, such as the Postgraduate Diploma in Law (PGDL).
If you have an overseas degree, check the BSB requirements before starting a conversion course.
Do you need a 2:2 or 2:1?
The BSB’s minimum academic standard is generally a 2:2 for the relevant UK law degree route.
However, there is an important difference between the regulatory minimum and what is competitive for admission.
Some Bar training providers require a 2:1 or have other entry requirements. Pupillage is also highly competitive, and chambers often look for strong academic results.
The Bar Council notes that many chambers and employers expect a 2:1 or higher.
Bar Council – Students and Graduates
So, if you are studying law in Pakistan and want to become a barrister, aim for the highest result you can achieve.
Do you need a top university?
No. You do not have to attend Oxford, Cambridge or another famous university to become a barrister.
The BSB does not require you to graduate from a particular university.
However, the Bar is highly competitive. A strong academic record can help, but other factors are also important, including:
- advocacy skills;
- mooting;
- debating;
- legal work experience;
- mini-pupillage;
- written communication;
- research skills; and
- professional networking.
Rather than asking only which university is most famous, consider which provider offers the right course for your academic background, budget, location and career plans.
What is the Bar Course?
You may still see the terms BPTC, Bar Professional Training Course or Bar Vocational Course on older websites.
The system has changed.
The old BPTC was replaced by the current Bar training system from September 2020. Different providers now use different names for their courses.
You may see courses called:
- Bar Training Course;
- Barrister Training Course;
- Bar Practice Course;
- Bar Vocational Studies;
- Bar Course; or
- Bar training LLM.
The important question is not the course name.
The important question is whether the provider is currently authorised by the BSB to deliver the relevant vocational component of Bar training.
BSB – Authorised Bar Training Providers
Do you need the BCAT?
No.
This is an important correction to many older articles about becoming a barrister.
The Bar Course Aptitude Test (BCAT) requirement was abolished by the BSB from 31 July 2022.
Therefore, a student planning to start Bar training in 2026 does not need to take the BCAT.
Individual universities may still have their own admission requirements.
BSB – Bar Qualification Information
Bar training universities in the UK
The BSB’s current 2026/27 information lists the following authorised organisations for vocational Bar training.
BPP University
BPP University offers Barrister Training Courses and LLM Bar Training options at several locations.
BPP University – Barrister Training Course
Cardiff University
Cardiff University offers the Bar Training Course and an LLM in Bar Training.
Cardiff University – Bar Training Course
Manchester Metropolitan University
Manchester Metropolitan University offers a Bar Training Course through Manchester Law School.
Manchester Metropolitan University – Bar Training Course
Northumbria University
Northumbria University offers Bar training options including the Bar Course, Bar Course LLM, Bar Knowledge Course and Bar Skills Course.
Northumbria University – Bar Course
Nottingham Trent University
Nottingham Trent University offers the Barristers Training Course (BTC), including postgraduate diploma and LLM routes.
Nottingham Trent University – Barristers Training Course
City St George’s, University of London
City St George’s offers Bar Vocational Studies (BVS).
City St George’s – Bar Training
The University of Law
The University of Law offers the Bar Practice Course (BPC) at several locations.
The University of Law – Bar Practice Course
University of the West of England, Bristol
UWE Bristol offers a Bar Training Course, including PGDip and LLM routes.
UWE Bristol – Bar Training Course
University of Hertfordshire
The University of Hertfordshire offers PGDip Bar Practice and LLM Bar Practice.
University of Hertfordshire – Bar Practice
Inns of Court College of Advocacy
The Inns of Court College of Advocacy (ICCA) is not a university, but it is authorised by the BSB to provide vocational Bar training.
Current provider list
The current list is:
- BPP University
- Cardiff University
- Manchester Metropolitan University
- Northumbria University
- Nottingham Trent University
- City St George’s, University of London
- The University of Law
- University of the West of England
- University of Hertfordshire
- Inns of Court College of Advocacy
BSB – Authorised Education and Training Organisations
Which Bar provider is best?
There is no single best university for everyone.
Consider:
- tuition fees;
- location;
- entry requirements;
- international student requirements;
- course length;
- full-time or part-time study;
- scholarships;
- teaching and advocacy facilities;
- student support; and
- career and pupillage support.
For a Pakistani student, also check whether the university is currently accepting international applications for your preferred intake.
The four Inns of Court
Before you can be Called to the Bar, you must become a member of one of the four Inns of Court.
The four Inns are:
- Lincoln’s Inn
- Inner Temple
- Middle Temple
- Gray’s Inn
The Inns have an important role in the professional life and training of barristers. They also offer scholarships, mentoring, educational activities and other support.
Why choose Lincoln’s Inn?
Lincoln’s Inn has a particularly strong historical connection with Pakistan.
Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan, was Called to the Bar at Lincoln’s Inn.
For Pakistani students, this historical connection can make Lincoln’s Inn an attractive choice.
However, you are not required to join Lincoln’s Inn because you are Pakistani. You can choose any of the four Inns.
I am personally a member of Lincoln’s Inn, and this is the Inn through which I was Called to the Bar.
What are Qualifying Sessions?
Joining an Inn is not the end of the process.
You must complete the required Qualifying Sessions before you can be Called to the Bar.
For example, Lincoln’s Inn currently requires students to complete 10 Qualifying Sessions, including the required interactive sessions.
Lincoln’s Inn – Qualifying Sessions
These activities can include workshops, lectures, debates, advocacy activities and other educational events.
When should you join an Inn?
Do not leave Inn membership until the last minute.
Each Inn has its own application process and deadlines. You should check the requirements well before your Bar Course begins.
The Bar Council also recommends that students consider Inn membership before starting the vocational stage.
Bar Council – Becoming a Barrister
How long does it take?
There is no single timetable for everyone.
A simplified route is:
Pakistani LLB → BSB academic requirements → Bar training → Inn Qualifying Sessions → Call to the Bar → Pupillage → Practising certificate
If you have already completed an LLB in Pakistan, the remaining time will depend on your individual academic position, the Bar Course you choose and your ability to secure pupillage.
What happens after the Bar Course?
Completing the Bar Course does not automatically mean that you can practise as a barrister in England and Wales.
You must first satisfy the requirements for Call to the Bar.
After Call, you normally need to complete pupillage before you can practise independently.
What is pupillage?
Pupillage is the practical, work-based stage of barrister training.
It normally lasts 12 months and is traditionally divided into two six-month periods.
During pupillage, you work under the supervision of an experienced barrister and develop practical skills in advocacy, legal research, drafting, conferences and case preparation.
Is pupillage difficult to obtain?
Yes.
This is one of the most important things to understand before spending money on UK Bar training.
Getting onto a Bar Course is not the same as securing a career as a practising barrister.
Pupillage is highly competitive.
For an overseas student, the challenge can sometimes be greater because you may have less UK legal experience and fewer professional connections.
You should therefore consider building experience in:
- mooting;
- advocacy competitions;
- debating;
- mini-pupillage;
- legal research;
- pro bono work;
- marshalling;
- legal writing; and
- public speaking.
Start building your profile before you finish the Bar Course.
Can you become a barrister at an older age?
Yes.
Do not assume that you are too old simply because you are not a recent graduate.
People enter the legal profession at different ages and stages of life.
The more important questions are whether you can meet the academic requirements, afford the training, commit the necessary time and compete successfully for pupillage.
If becoming a barrister is genuinely what you want to do, make a realistic plan and work towards it.
Do Pakistani students need IELTS?
English language ability is essential because Bar training requires a high standard of English reading, writing, speaking and advocacy.
However, English-language requirements vary between universities.
For example, some providers publish an IELTS requirement of 7.5, while other universities may have different requirements or accept alternative evidence.
Always check the university’s current requirements before applying.
What about a UK Student Visa?
If you are travelling from Pakistan to study a full-time Bar Course in the UK, you will need to consider the UK’s current Student visa rules.
Your university should provide information about its international admissions and visa process.
Immigration rules can change, so check the official UK Government guidance before making arrangements.
How much does Bar training cost?
There is no single UK-wide Bar Course fee.
Fees vary according to:
- university;
- course;
- LLM or PGDip route;
- full-time or part-time study;
- location; and
- international or home fee status.
You also need to budget for:
- accommodation;
- food;
- transport;
- visa costs;
- immigration-related charges;
- books and equipment;
- Inn membership;
- Qualifying Sessions;
- travel; and
- other living expenses.
The total cost of studying in the UK can therefore be considerably higher than the tuition fee alone.
Always check the latest fees directly with the university.
Can you study an LLM with Bar training?
Some universities offer an LLM alongside Bar training.
This can be attractive because you may finish with a master’s qualification as well as completing the vocational component.
However, an LLM does not guarantee pupillage.
Your priority should be to complete your training successfully and build a strong profile for pupillage.
I personally completed an LLM in Criminal Law and Family Law at the University of the West of England, Bristol, alongside my professional development.
Can you return to Pakistan after Call?
Yes.
Being Called to the Bar of England and Wales is an important professional qualification, and many people use UK legal education and experience in careers outside England and Wales.
However, being a barrister of England and Wales does not automatically give you the right to practise as an advocate in Pakistan.
Pakistan has its own professional and regulatory requirements.
If you intend to practise in Pakistan, check the current requirements of the relevant Pakistani Bar Council and Pakistan Bar Council.
Can you practise in England after returning to Pakistan?
If you want to practise as a barrister in England and Wales, you must satisfy the relevant practising requirements.
Being Called to the Bar does not by itself give you unrestricted permission to practise independently.
You should therefore not describe yourself as entitled to practise independently in England and Wales unless you have completed the necessary requirements and hold the appropriate practising status.
My advice to Pakistani students
If you are serious about becoming a barrister, do not start by booking a flight to London.
Start with the rules.
1. Check your academic qualification
Find out whether your Pakistani degree meets the BSB requirements and whether you need a Certificate of Academic Standing or another academic step.
2. Compare Bar providers
Look at:
- fees;
- entry requirements;
- international admissions;
- location;
- course length;
- scholarships;
- student support; and
- pupillage support.
3. Choose an Inn
Research:
- Lincoln’s Inn;
- Inner Temple;
- Middle Temple; and
- Gray’s Inn.
4. Apply for Bar training
Apply according to the individual provider’s current admissions process.
5. Complete the Bar Course
Work hard and develop your advocacy, drafting, research and professional skills.
6. Complete Qualifying Sessions
Make sure you satisfy your Inn’s requirements.
7. Get Called to the Bar
Once you have satisfied the relevant requirements, your Inn can Call you to the Bar.
8. Apply for pupillage
This is one of the most competitive stages, so start preparing early.
9. Complete pupillage
Pupillage gives you the practical experience required before independent practice.
Frequently asked questions
Can I become a barrister after an LLB from Pakistan?
Potentially, yes. Pakistani law graduates need to check how their overseas qualification is treated under the BSB’s academic requirements.
Is a Pakistani LLB the same as a UK LLB?
Not automatically. The BSB has specific requirements for law degrees obtained outside the UK and Republic of Ireland.
Do I need a 2:2?
The BSB’s minimum academic standard is generally 2:2 for the relevant UK law degree route, although individual providers and chambers may require higher grades.
Do I need a 2:1?
Not necessarily as a BSB minimum, but some providers may have higher entry requirements, and a strong academic record can be important for pupillage.
Do I need the BCAT?
No. The BSB abolished the BCAT requirement from 31 July 2022.
Do I need to join an Inn?
Yes. You must become a member of one of the four Inns as part of the route to Call.
How many Inns are there?
There are four:
- Lincoln’s Inn
- Inner Temple
- Middle Temple
- Gray’s Inn
Do I have to join Lincoln’s Inn?
No. You can choose any of the four Inns.
Can I become a barrister if I am older?
Yes. There is no reason to assume that you are automatically too old. You should instead consider the practical cost, time and competitiveness of the route.
Do I need Oxford or Cambridge?
No. You do not have to attend Oxford or Cambridge to become a barrister.
Is the BPTC still the current course?
No. The old BPTC was replaced by the current Bar training system from September 2020.
Can I practise immediately after Call?
No. You normally need to complete pupillage and satisfy the relevant practising requirements.
Can I return to Pakistan after Call?
Yes. However, if you want to practise in Pakistan, you must meet the applicable Pakistani professional requirements.
Final advice
Becoming a barrister is possible, but it is not an easy or cheap qualification.
If you are in Pakistan and thinking about the UK Bar, do not let your age, university, background or location automatically stop you.
At the same time, do not romanticise the profession.
The UK Bar is highly competitive.
You need academic ability, excellent English, strong advocacy and communication skills, financial planning, determination and a realistic understanding of the pupillage process.
The most important thing is to plan the journey properly.
Check your academic eligibility first. Choose your Inn carefully. Choose a BSB-authorised provider. Understand the total cost. Build advocacy and legal experience. Then work towards pupillage.
Hard work and determination matter, but they work best when combined with good planning.
About the Author
Barrister Muzamil Kaisrani is a Barrister-at-Law of the Honourable Society of Lincoln’s Inn, London, and was Called to the Bar with Distinction. He is also a registered Advocate with the Punjab Bar Council.
He holds an LLM in Criminal Law and Family Law from the University of the West of England, Bristol, and an LLB from the University of London. He leads Kaisrani Law Associates in Lahore, where he practises in civil, criminal, corporate and family law.
He has also completed professional training in International Commercial Arbitration and Arbitration Advocacy.
Alongside legal practice, Barrister Muzamil Kaisrani has worked as a law lecturer, teaching Contract Law, Criminal Law, Constitutional Law and Legal Skills.
About Barrister Muzamil Kaisrani
Useful official links
Bar Standards Board
BSB – Official Website
Bar Qualification Manual
BSB – Bar Qualification Manual
Authorised Bar Training Providers
BSB – AETOs
Bar Council
Bar Council – Becoming a Barrister
Lincoln’s Inn
Official Website
Inner Temple
Official Website
Middle Temple
Official Website
Gray’s Inn
Official Website
UK Student Visa
GOV.UK – Student Visa
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