By Shruti Menon Seeboo
Following the Campus Abroad International Education Fair 2026 held in February, Platform Africa sat down with Firdosh Allybokus, Senior Business Development Manager at Global University Systems, representing The University of Law (ULaw).
As a premier institution with over 200 years of heritage, ULaw remains a top choice for Mauritian students aspiring to join the Bar. In this exclusive interview, Allybokus discusses how the university’s practice-focused curriculum prepares students for the transition to the Mauritian legal landscape. From navigating the complexities of hybrid legal systems to leveraging the UK’s extensive pro bono opportunities, she highlights the strategic advantages of a ULaw education. She also provides essential guidance on financial planning, scholarships, and the transition to the new Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) framework. Excerpts:
1. Mauritius operates under a hybrid legal system. How does ULaw’s curriculum specifically prepare Mauritian students to integrate into our local legal landscape, particularly if they intend to sit for the Bar Exams or the Law Practitioners’ Exams in Mauritius?
At The University of Law (Ulaw) , we prepare students comprehensively for a career as a barrister. Our Bar Practice Course (BPC) is highly practice-focused and designed to develop the core skills required for the profession — including advocacy, legal drafting, opinion writing, case analysis and professional ethics. The UK remains a very popular destination for Mauritian students aspiring to become barristers because of the strength and reputation of its Bar training. The University of Law brings a long heritage to legal education, having been teaching law for over 200 years and having trained more practising lawyers in the UK than any other institution. This deep connection with the legal profession ensures that our programmes remain closely aligned with the practical skills and standards expected by the Bar.
For Mauritian students planning to return home, there is generally no cause for concern. Mauritian barristers who complete their Bar training abroad typically complement their qualification with specific modules delivered through the Institute for Judicial and Legal Studies (IJLS) before being called to the Mauritian Bar. ULaw’s training therefore provides the strong professional foundation, while the IJLS component ensures students meet the local requirements of the Mauritian legal system.
2. With the UK transitioning to the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE), how is ULaw supporting international students in navigating this new route to qualification?
This question is not directly applicable to the Mauritian context. In Mauritius, individuals who wish to practise as solicitors (avoués) must complete the required local professional training and examinations in Mauritius. For this reason, the SQE pathway in England and Wales is not something we actively promote in the Mauritian market, as it does not replace the professional qualification route required locally. Most Mauritian students studying law in the UK who intend to return home therefore pursue the Bar training pathway, which aligns more closely with the traditional route followed by Mauritian barristers.
3. The University of Law is known for its “learn-by-doing” philosophy. Can you share examples of pro bono or clinical legal experience available to Mauritian students?
Practical training is at the heart of The University of Law’s teaching approach. We run one of the largest pro bono programmes in the UK, offering thousands of opportunities each year for students to work on real legal matters through our Pro Bono Clinics, under the supervision of qualified lawyers. Students gain hands-on experience in areas such as client interviewing, legal research, drafting advice and preparing case documents, while helping individuals, charities and small organisations access legal support.
For students taking the Bar Practice Course (BPC) with the LLM, there is also the opportunity to complete a practice-based research project, where students can choose to work on a real legal case or pro bono matter as part of their postgraduate qualification. These experiences allow students to graduate not only with strong academic knowledge, but also with practical legal exposure that strengthens their CV when applying for pupillage, chambers or international law firms.
4. For many Mauritian families, studying in the UK is a significant financial commitment. Are there specific bursaries or scholarships available?
For many families, pursuing higher education in the UK represents a significant investment. It is therefore important for students to plan well, research their options carefully and budget ahead of time. At ULaw, we offer a range of financial support options for international students, including international bursaries, Early Bird discounts, and merit-based opportunities such as the Advocacy Scholarship for Bar students. Students also have flexibility in choosing where they study. The Bar Practice Course is delivered across several ULaw campuses, including Birmingham, Leeds, Newcastle, Nottingham, London Moorgate, Bristol, Liverpool and Manchester.
Many students choose cities such as Birmingham, Newcastle or Bristol where the cost of living is generally lower than in London, helping them manage their finances more effectively. Another important point is that ULaw’s BPC fees are inclusive of Bar Standards Board fees as well as textbooks and course materials, which helps students better anticipate their overall study costs. We also strongly encourage students to apply early and secure accommodation early, as this can significantly reduce living costs and help students settle into life in the UK more smoothly.
5. ULaw has multiple campuses across the UK. Can Mauritian students opt for a campus switch and how are international students supported?
Yes, ULaw offers flexibility for students who may wish to experience different locations during their studies through the CampuSwitch option, which allows students, subject to availability, to transfer between campuses. The University of Law has a strong national presence in key legal and commercial centres across the UK, including Birmingham, Leeds, Newcastle, Nottingham, London Moorgate, Bristol, Liverpool and Manchester. For international students, ULaw provides dedicated international student support, including pre-arrival guidance, visa and compliance advice, and assistance with settling into life in the UK. Students are also supported with accommodation options and booking platforms, and we strongly encourage them to secure accommodation early to ensure a smooth transition.
