There are two competitions for Major Scholarships each year: one for the Common Professional Entrance Examination (CPE) or the Post-Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) course, and one for the Bar Vocational Course (BVC).

When awarding scholarships to prospective students, the Inn takes the following criteria into account:

1. Intellectual ability: the ability to conduct legal research and give written advice, as demonstrated by performance in school and university examinations, the interview and, where appropriate, other experience;
2. Motivation to succeed at the Bar: knowledge of the profession and the Courts, and steps taken to acquire the personal skills required of a Barrister, will be taken into account;
3. Potential as an advocate both in oral and written skills;
4. Personal qualities:those required by members of the Bar include self-reliance, independence, integrity, reliability, and the capacity to work effectively with clients, colleagues and chambers staff.

Once the decision to award a scholarship has been made by the interviewing panel, the question of financial need is considered and the size of the award determined. Where a preference or limitation was expressed by the donor of the fund (for example the Malcolm Wright award for those whose upbringing has fallen mainly on one parent or guardian) the committee will, where possible, allocate named awards between successful candidates in a way which reflects these purposes. It should be emphasised that no candidate's opportunity of receiving a scholarship will be adversely affected by this.