The Mediation Society is inviting law students in Kerala to apply for the Mediation Scholars Programme 2026, which offers up to 120 full Mediation Training Scholarships for a 60-hour programme with no fee. This mediation scholarship for law students is open to third and fourth-year students of a five-year LL.B. and second-year students of a three-year LL.B. studying in Kerala, and applications close on 15 October 2026.

About the Organisers

The Mediation Scholars Programme is designed and administered by the Professional Development Division of The Mediation Society. The initiative aims to identify, train and nurture promising law students who have an interest in, and the potential to develop as, mediation professionals. The inaugural Mediation Scholars Programme 2026 offers up to 120 full Mediation Training Scholarships to eligible law students studying in Kerala.

Eligibility

• Students presently studying in a recognised law college or law school in Kerala
• Students in the third or fourth year of a five-year LL.B. programme, or students in the second year of a three-year LL.B. programme
• Working understanding of both English and Malayalam
• Willingness and ability to complete the full 60-hour Programme and its prescribed requirements
• There is no Kerala domicile requirement, so students from outside Kerala who are presently studying in an eligible law college or law school in the State may apply
• Previous mediation, negotiation or alternative dispute resolution training or competition experience is not required

Programme details

• The 60-hour Programme introduces participants to mediation and develops their ability to apply mediation principles and skills in practice
• It is conducted bilingually in English and Malayalam
• Online Learning Sessions: 18 hours
• Practical Workshops: 24 hours
• Guided Learning, Exercises and Assessment: 9 hours
• Interactions with Senior Mediation Professionals: 6 hours
• Mediation in Action (Society Engagement): 3 hours
• The online learning component covers the context, idea and choice of mediation, the start, process and conclusion of mediation, post-mediation considerations, and mediation and the lawyer
• The practical component includes exercises, simulations and applied learning on mediation agreements, the mediation process and mediated settlement agreements
• Initial practical workshops are conducted virtually in regional cohorts, followed by an intensive in-person regional workshop for each cohort
• The proposed in-person regional workshop locations are Thiruvananthapuram, Ernakulam and Kozhikode, and the Society designates the regional centre for each Scholarship Recipient based on programme arrangements and the recipient’s location
• Guided learning and assessment may include exercises, quizzes, simulations, reflective work and other practical activities
• Successful completion of the prescribed training and assessment requirements is necessary to earn recognition as a Mediation Scholar
• Scholars interact with senior mediation professionals from across India and receive structured exposure to the Society’s projects, research and knowledge initiatives, community activities and other mediation-related work, depending on the nature and requirements of individual activities
• The Programme is delivered by a core teaching team of mediation practitioners and trainers, supported by invited professionals
• The Course Director and Principal Instructor provide academic leadership across the 60-hour curriculum, Programme Faculty contribute to online sessions, workshops, guided learning and assessment, and Workshop Facilitators support simulations, role plays, small-group exercises and regional workshops

Scholarship details

• Number of scholarships: Up to 120 full Mediation Training Scholarships
• Programme duration: 60 hours
• Application fee, tuition fee and training fee: None for a selected Scholarship Recipient
• Coverage: The prescribed 60-hour Programme, including training and academic components, faculty and trainer costs, programme learning activities, practical training and assessment
• Value: Each Scholarship has an estimated training value of ₹22,500, which represents the value of the training and programme support and is not a cash payment or stipend
• Not covered: Travel, accommodation, meals and other personal or incidental expenses, which participants must bear themselves
• Certificate: Mediation Masterclass, Foundational and Intermediate (Assessed) Certificate
• Certificate: Mediation Scholars Programme Certificate, recognising successful completion of the full Programme and conferring recognition as a Mediation Scholar of The Mediation Society
• Benefit for certified Scholars: One year of complimentary Associate Membership of The Mediation Society
• Benefit for certified Scholars: Continuing membership of the Mediation Scholars Network
• Benefit for certified Scholars: Opportunities to participate in appropriate Society events, learning activities and projects
• Benefit for certified Scholars: Eligibility, subject to applicable prerequisites, for specified advanced programmes of the Society at preferential rates
• Benefit for certified Scholars: Eligibility to participate in the proposed State Mediation Competition for certified Mediation Scholars, subject to the competition rules
• Internships: The Society proposes a limited number of internship opportunities with The Mediation Society for top-performing Scholars during the succeeding academic year, subject to its requirements and availability
• The Society may also recommend outstanding Scholars for internships with leading law firms, mediation institutions and other organisations, which remain subject to the relevant organisation’s requirements, selection process and availability
• Scholars may also be considered for opportunities in Society initiatives such as the Mediation Knowledge Hub, research and publication activities and mediation projects, depending on performance, aptitude, availability and project requirements
• Selection: Competitive, with the Society endeavouring to secure broad representation across law colleges and law schools in Kerala
• Selection process: Eligibility screening, evaluation of applications, constitution of a provisional cohort, clarification or interaction where required, institutional consultation and final selection
• The Society may verify information in an application, contact an applicant for clarification or a brief interaction, and consult the applicant’s law college or law school before finalising a Scholarship, and its decision on the award is final
• A selected applicant initially becomes a Scholarship Recipient, and the designation Mediation Scholar is earned on successful completion of the Programme and assessment requirements
• What the Society looks for: Motivation and commitment, aptitude for mediation and judgement, reflective ability and maturity, communication and interpersonal orientation, engagement and leadership potential, and potential for continuing engagement with mediation
• Applicants may show initiative, responsibility or meaningful participation through college, community, volunteering, legal aid, student activities, competitions, research, employment, sport, arts or other settings, and formal leadership positions or titles are not essential
• Academic performance and previous ADR experience may form part of the overall profile, but neither is a prerequisite nor the sole basis of selection
• Documents required: College student identity card
• Documents required: Latest available academic record or mark sheet
• Documents required: Curriculum vitae of a maximum of two pages
• Documents required: Signed faculty endorsement
• The faculty endorsement must come from a faculty member of the applicant’s law college or law school confirming: “I know the applicant and consider them suitable for consideration for the Mediation Scholars Programme.” A detailed recommendation letter is not required
• Applicants must provide the faculty member’s name, designation, institution and official contact details and upload the signed endorsement with the application
• Applications open: 24 September 2026
• Applications close: 15 October 2026
• Selection process: Mid-October 2026
• Programme commencement: Late October 2026
• Training period: Late October to December 2026
• Assessment and certification: January 2027
• Detailed dates will be communicated to selected Scholarship Recipients, and the schedule is indicative and may be revised to accommodate programme, faculty and institutional requirements
• Click here to visit the official website.

How to apply

Interested candidates may apply by clicking here and completing the online application before 15 October 2026.

The application asks applicants to reflect on their interest in mediation, their experiences of disagreement or conflict, and their approach to conflict situations. Applicants should apply only if they are prepared to commit to the full Programme, including the online and practical sessions, the designated regional in-person workshop, learning activities and assessments within the prescribed timelines, and other Programme requirements. More details are available on the official website by clicking here.

Why apply for this scholarship

• The scholarship covers a 60-hour mediation training programme with an estimated value of ₹22,500, and there is no fee for selected applicants
• The programme combines online learning, practical workshops, an in-person regional workshop and interaction with senior mediation professionals
• Certified Scholars receive two certificates, one year of complimentary Associate Membership and continuing membership of the Mediation Scholars Network
• Top-performing Scholars may be considered for internships with The Mediation Society, and outstanding Scholars may be recommended for internships with law firms and mediation institutions
• No prior mediation or ADR experience is needed, so the programme is open to beginners

Tips to apply

• Check that you are studying in a recognised law college in Kerala and are in an eligible year before applying
• Get the signed faculty endorsement early, since it must carry the faculty member’s name, designation, institution and official contact details
• Keep your CV to a maximum of two pages and keep your student ID card and latest mark sheet ready
• Reflect honestly on your interest in mediation and your approach to conflict, as the application asks for these
• Show initiative through college, community, volunteering, legal aid, competitions, research or other activities, since formal leadership titles are not essential
• Apply only if you can commit to the full 60-hour Programme, including the in-person regional workshop, and plan for your own travel and accommodation costs
• Apply well before 15 October 2026

Frequently asked questions

• Who can apply? Students in the third or fourth year of a five-year LL.B. or the second year of a three-year LL.B. at a recognised law college or law school in Kerala, with a working understanding of English and Malayalam
• Do I need to be from Kerala? No, there is no Kerala domicile requirement, but you must be presently studying in an eligible law college or law school in Kerala
• How many scholarships are available? Up to 120
• Is there any fee? No, there is no application fee, tuition fee or training fee for a selected Scholarship Recipient
• Is the scholarship a cash payment? No, the ₹22,500 value represents the training and programme support and is not a cash payment or stipend
• Are travel and accommodation covered? No, travel, accommodation, meals and other personal expenses must be borne by participants
• Do I need previous mediation experience? No, previous mediation, negotiation or ADR training or competition experience is not required
• What documents are needed? College student ID card, latest academic record or mark sheet, a CV of up to two pages and a signed faculty endorsement
• What is the last date to apply? 15 October 2026
• Where will the in-person workshops be held? At Thiruvananthapuram, Ernakulam and Kozhikode, with the Society designating the centre for each Scholarship Recipient