The COIC Pupillage Matched Funding Scheme (PMF) helps to provide additional pupillages in chambers, and other approved training organisations, predominantly engaged in legally aided work. Encouragingly, a growing number of chambers are applying for COIC match-funded grants.

How the scheme works

It is a prerequisite of the scheme that chambers understand that match-funded pupillages are in addition to those they would have offered in any event. COIC matches pupillage funding already provided by chambers with a total grant of £12,400 for 2027-28 London pupillages and £11,350 for 2027-28 out-of-London pupillages and £13,500 for 2028-29 London pupillages and £12,350 for 2028-29 out-of-London pupillages, to fund the first six months of an additional pupillage. Chambers are responsible for ensuring that the total pupillage award meets the Bar Standards Board’s minimum award for the year in question.

How to apply

Applications to match fund 2027-28 and 2028-29 pupillages are invited between 1 September and 16 October 2026. Decisions will be communicated during the week commencing 2 November 2026. Online applications can be made at www.coic.org.uk/pupillage-matched-funding. 

To find out more please email Hayley Dawes at COIC: hdawes@coic.org.uk.

Testimonials
Castle Gate Chambers is very fortunate to have received support from the COIC Matched Funding Scheme over the last six years, enabling us to invest in the future of our profession by offering high-quality pupillages year in, year out. The pupillage process, and tenancy beyond, can be demanding. We pride ourselves on being a communal and supportive chambers at Castle Gate and are keen to grow organically, selecting the pupillage candidates who are most likely to thrive within the set. COIC’s invaluable support helps us to find the criminal Bar’s stars of tomorrow.
Katrina Wilson, Head of Pupillage, Castle Gate Chambers
No other area of law faces the same scale of challenges as the criminal Bar. The provision of matched funding offers invaluable assistance in the training of future criminal barristers, and we are extremely grateful to the COIC for the help offered. Rose Court Chambers is a small and friendly set of criminal barristers, founded in early 2021 during the pandemic. As we offer pupillages for the second year running, the COIC scheme allows us to recruit and train more pupils, including those from underrepresented groups and non-traditional backgrounds at the Bar, who will no doubt remain part of the Rose Court family for years to come.
Matheos Lefteris, Head of Pupillage Committee, Rose Court Chambers