MUKHTIAR SINGH

Guru Nanak Social Mobility Scholarships

2026 Bar Scholarship

“Why have international law?”

Introduction

The Guru Nanak Social Mobility Scholarships is a joint project between Mukhtiar Singh and the Sikh Education Council.

  1. The aims of the scholarships are:
    1. To improve social mobility in professions perceived to be out of reach for those from poorer backgrounds. This will be achieved through financial awards, mentoring and work placements.
    2. To encourage a wider understanding of Sikh jurisprudence by considering whether society may learn from Sikhism for the benefit of us all.
  2. The first scholarship was the Bar Scholarship which has run since 2018. There may also be scholarships for other professions in the future.

Criteria for Bar Scholarship

  1. Applicants from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply as long as they meet the following criteria:
    1. A strong commitment to a career at the UK Bar. Applicants will be expected to be studying law at degree level (or GDL or equivalent); or studying or about to study the Bar Practice Course; or have completed the Bar Practice Course but are yet to secure pupillage.
    2. The potential to become a barrister. This will be tested by the application itself including the essay.
    3. From a working class background. This will be for the Applicant to demonstrate, who must be prepared to provide further details and documentary evidence upon request. State school education alone is not sufficient. Examples of working class include, but are not limited to:
      1. Qualifying for free school meals.
      2. Living in, or having lived in at relevant times, social housing.
      3. Part of a family that has little or no economic capital whereby your parents, single parent or other carers were working in low-paid skilled manual work (e.g. electricians, plumbers and hairdressers); semi-skilled and unskilled manual work (e.g. factory workers and labourers); or were dependent on state benefits.
      4. Please note that these are only examples. Anyone in doubt over whether they are working class may contact Mukhtiar Singh at m.singh@doughtystreet.co.uk. If you are advised that you meet the criterion, then this is on the basis that you will provide verification in accordance with the application process.

The application process

  1. By 9AM on 31 August 2026, applicants should provide by email to m.singh@doughtystreet.co.uk.
    1. The Application form, references and a one-page covering letter.
    2. The essay. The Essay Guide should be carefully considered. The 2026 essay is “Why have international law?”
  1. The applications will be considered and further information may be requested. There may be brief interviews.
  2. It is hoped that the results will be published within two months of the deadline and mentoring will start around November 2026.

Awards

  1. The prize for the Bar Scholarship will once again be £4,000 and mentoring. If the first runner-up is exceptional, they will be awarded a Bar Scholarship of £300.
  2. Depending on the quantity and quality of applications, some work experience may be offered.
  3. Anyone fitting the criteria who has made a genuine attempt at the presentation, and is applying for pupillage in 2027, will be offered assistance with their pupillage application forms.
  4. Chambers and firms willing to provide work placements should please contact Mukhtiar Singh at m.singh@doughtystreet.co.uk

The Future

  1. In the spirit of the legal profession, and in the spirit of Sikhism, award winners/runner ups who subsequently secure pupillage through the scheme (“the Scholars”) will be expected to (and do) participate in the scheme including providing mentoring and helping with mock interviews.
  2. Further, it is hoped that as the scheme develops, Scholars will lead engagement in state schools with the Sikh Education Council to encourage the very best potential to consider a career in the Bar, whatever their background.
  3. The Guru Nanak Social Mobility Scholarships may be available in other professions: please contact me or the Sikh Education Council if you wish to register your interest.
  4. Previous applicants can re-apply except for first and second prize winners and the 2024 winners.

Any Questions

  1. Questions about the Bar Scholarship or the scholarships generally should be directed to Mukhtiar Singh at m.singh@doughtystreet.co.uk.

Documentation:

Please find below the form and guidelines for the process:

  1. Application form – here
  2. Essay Guidelines – here
     

© Singh Barrister 2016 - 2026


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