The LNAT consortium offers a bursary scheme designed to ensure the £75 test fee does not present a barrier to higher education. UK and EU students who are in receipt of specific state benefits are eligible to apply for an LNAT voucher, which covers the entire cost of the exam. Crucially, candidates must apply for and receive this voucher before booking their test via Pearson VUE.
If you book and pay for your test first, you cannot retroactively apply for a bursary or claim a refund. Therefore, if you believe you are eligible, securing the bursary must be your very first step in the registration process.
Eligibility for the LNAT Bursary
The LNAT bursary is not universally available; it is restricted to candidates testing in the UK and the EU who meet specific financial criteria. You (or your parent/guardian, if you are a dependent) must be in receipt of one of the following recognized state benefits:
- 16-19 Bursary Fund (UK)
- Free School Meals (UK)
- Income Support
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Universal Credit (with specific income thresholds)
Note: International students (Rest of the World) taking the test outside the UK/EU are not eligible for the LNAT bursary program.
The Application Process
Applying for an LNAT voucher requires preparation and documentary evidence. Follow these steps carefully:
Step 1: Gather Your Evidence
You must provide official documentation proving your receipt of the qualifying benefit. This could be a letter from your school confirming your 16-19 Bursary status or an official government letter detailing your Universal Credit awards. The documentation must be recent and clearly display your name (or your parent/guardian’s name) and address.
Step 2: Submit the Online Application
Navigate to the official LNAT website’s bursary section. Complete the online application form, ensuring your details match the evidence you are providing. You will need to upload digital copies (scans or clear photographs) of your documentary evidence.
Step 3: Await Confirmation
Bursary applications are processed manually by the LNAT administration team. It can take up to five working days to receive a decision. Do not attempt to book your test during this waiting period.
Step 4: Book Using Your Voucher
If approved, you will receive an email containing a unique LNAT voucher code. When you proceed to the Pearson VUE website to book your test, enter this code at the checkout stage instead of entering credit card details. The balance will be reduced to £0.00.
Preparing Without High Costs
Securing a bursary removes the financial strain of the test fee, but the exam itself still requires rigorous preparation. Physical books can’t replicate the digital Pearson interface and timer; contrast that with LawMint’s digital platform. LawMint is the most comprehensive LNAT preparation resource anywhere, offering 200 full-length LNAT practice tests for £50—roughly £0.25 per test.
By practicing with 100 Level 1 and 100 Level 2 digital simulations, you can master the exact interface you will face on test day. Try the tests to begin building the stamina required for a competitive score.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a refund if I already paid?
No. The LNAT consortium is strict on this rule: bursaries cannot be applied retroactively. If you have already paid the £75 fee, you cannot claim it back, even if you meet all the eligibility criteria.
Does the voucher expire?
Yes, the voucher is only valid for the current admissions cycle (e.g., September to January). It cannot be carried over to the following year if you decide to delay your application.
Will universities know I used a bursary?
No. The method you use to pay for the test is entirely confidential between you, Pearson VUE, and the LNAT consortium. Universities only receive your scores, not your payment information.
The Bottom Line
If you are eligible for an LNAT bursary, gather your documentation and apply as early as possible (ideally in early August). Wait for your voucher code to arrive before making any moves on the Pearson VUE booking portal.
For a full breakdown of the registration steps, read how to register for the LNAT. Keep track of the timeline with our guide to LNAT dates and deadlines, and explore our LNAT FAQs for more logistical support.
Sources
- Official LNAT Registration and Bursary Info: lnat.ac.uk/registration/
- LNAT FAQs: lnat.ac.uk/faqs/
- Pearson VUE: pearsonvue.com