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aleks nowicka
Aleks Nowicka
05 September 2025

Can you really study for the SQE from outside the UK?

Aleks Nowicka
Published on 05 September 2025

If you're considering qualifying as a solicitor from outside the UK, it’s entirely possible. The College of Legal Practice’s flexible, online model is designed to support learners wherever they are in the world and many have successfully studied remotely while living abroad. 

In this article, Aleks Nowicka, LLM alumni and newly qualified solicitor, shares practical insights from her own experience of studying while working full-time. She also reflects on how international learners can get the most from the course. 

Everything is online, and it works

The College operates entirely online, without physical campuses. This makes remote study more accessible and efficient, whether you’re working full-time, living in another country, or managing other commitments. You’ll find all your course materials on a digital platform, including your study schedule, weekly tasks, video content and interactive learning activities. 

Live sessions such as supervisor check-ins, seminars, and course information sessions are offered virtually and recordings are available if you're in a different time zone. So you can make study work from different time zones. 

You’ll still receive printed materials

Hard copy manuals are sent out to students abroad - you’ll just need to cover the international postage fee. Many students, even within the UK, find having printed resources a helpful break from screen-based learning.  

You only need to travel to the UK for the SQE2 oral exams

SQE1 (all multiple-choice) and the written part of SQE2 can be sat at Pearson VUE centres globally. Whilst they aren’t in every country across the world, there are test centres across different continents and in many countries. 

But the oral SQE2 assessments, like client interviews and advocacy, are only offered in the UK. I chose to do my SQE2 exams in London, but the other locations are Manchester, Cardiff and Birmingham. You’ll need to plan for visas, accommodation, and time off. It’s important to time your course so you’re prepared, but also have availability to travel. 

Supervisor support is still personal

Personal supervisors meet with you virtually, and work closely with students with regular check ins, helping plan study schedules, and supporting key decisions like when to sit your exams. Many students say that, despite the distance, the support feels highly personal and genuinely human. 

The course fees are the same!

The good news is that for international students at The College of Legal Practice, you don’t pay any more that other students, the course fees are exactly the same. As i mentioned, you will need to pay postage for materials, and be mindful of the location of the SQE exams. 

Considering studying from abroad?

The College’s online-first approach, personal tutor support and global accessibility make it possible to prepare effectively for the SQE, wherever you are in the world. 

Learn more about our SQE Prep courses or book a free 1-2-1 call to explore how the learning with the College could work for you.