The DLA Piper Global Scholarship Program (also known as the DLA Piper Global Scholarship) empowers talented law students and graduates from developing countries to reach their full potential, contribute to sustainable development, and advance the rule of law in their communities. It pairs academic funding with professional development, mentoring, internships, and leadership training over two years.
About the DLA Piper Global Scholarship
The Global Scholarship Program is a fully funded initiative run by DLA Piper, a leading global business law firm with offices across Africa, Asia Pacific, Europe, the Middle East, and the Americas. The program selects up to about 50 Fellows annually from regions such as Africa, South and West Asia, the South Pacific, and Latin America. Participants (called Fellows) receive comprehensive financial support and professional development opportunities while completing legal studies or related postgraduate qualifications.
The program reflects DLA Piper’s commitment to sustainable development, particularly UN Sustainable Development Goal 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, by building legal leadership and expanding access to quality legal education in areas where opportunities may be limited.
Why Choose The DLA Piper Global Scholarship?
This program fully covers educational and professional development components so that you can focus on becoming a legal leader and change‑maker. Benefits include full tuition support, practical experience through internships, mentorship from skilled professionals, leadership training often co‑delivered with world‑class partners, and access to a global network of peers and alumni. Successful Fellows emerge ready to influence legal systems, serve communities, and pursue careers in law, public service, or broader social impact fields.
DLA Piper Global Scholarship Summary
- Host Organisation: DLA Piper (Global Law Firm)
- Scholarship Name: DLA Piper Global Scholarship Program
- Study Level: Undergraduate and Master’s (law‑related)
- Program Type: Fully funded scholarship + leadership and professional development
- Duration: 2–year comprehensive program
- Coverage: Full tuition support, mentoring, internships, training, leadership courses, networking, and professional development
- Application Deadline: Dates vary by cycle (notify from the official portal)
- Eligible Applicants: High‑achieving law students and recent law graduates from eligible developing countries (e.g., many Least Developed Countries across Africa, Asia Pacific, and Latin America)
Scholarship Benefits
Financial Coverage:
- Provide full tuition funding for the entire two‑year period of study or qualification.
- Pay costs associated with internships (transport, accommodation, visas, meals).
- Support professional development courses, events, and training (local, national, and international).
- Provide essential tools and technology (laptop, phone, headphones, quality internet).
- Offer financial support for academic materials and resources (textbooks, subscriptions).
Professional & Leadership Development:
- Pair you with mentors from DLA Piper’s global legal network.
- Enable internship opportunities — including commercial and pro bono placements — for hands‑on experience.
- Provide leadership training, often conducted in partnership with Saïd Business School at the University of Oxford, focusing on confidence, ethical leadership, and global legal challenges.
- Facilitate peer and professional networking with other Fellows and legal experts globally.
- Connect you to a global alumni network of past Fellows for long‑term career support and collaboration.
Eligibility Criteria
Candidates typically must meet these conditions (subject to official cycle requirements):
- Be studying law and in the penultimate or final year of an undergraduate law degree in their home country; OR already hold a law degree and be accepted into a Master’s program in a related field.
- Demonstrate strong academic performance, typically in the top 10 % of the class or with expected first‑class outcomes.
- Receive a formal recommendation from their university (professor, dean, or department head).
- Hold citizenship of the country from which they apply.
- Show proficiency in spoken and written English to participate fully in the program.
Required Documents
Documentation may include (requirements vary by year):
- Academic transcripts showing law academic performance.
- Letter of recommendation from an academic referee.
- Short video or personal statement explaining your motivations and goals (often required).
- Proof of acceptance or intent to pursue a Master’s in a law‑related field (if applicable).
(Always follow the official application instructions on DLA Piper’s scholarship page and contact the program team for cycle‑specific details.)
Application Process & Timeline
- Review the official DLA Piper Global Scholarship Program page for the current year’s application start dates.
- Prepare your application documents (transcripts, recommendations, personal statements, video).
- Submit your application by the announced deadline through the official portal or contact address listed.
- The scholarship team shortlists candidates based on academic merit, potential, and motivations.
- Shortlisted candidates may undergo further interviews or assessments.
- Receive your scholarship decision, then plan your educational and professional steps for the two‑year program.
