Study at the London School of Economics
Study at one of the world's leading universities for economics, finance, politics, law, international relations, public policy, data science, and the social sciences in the heart of London.
The World's Leading Social Science University
The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), founded in 1895 by Beatrice and Sidney Webb, is one of the world's foremost specialist social science universities. A constituent college of the University of London and a member of the Russell Group, LSE is uniquely focused on the study and research of social sciences — economics, politics, law, sociology, and related disciplines.
With approximately 13,000 students from over 150 countries, LSE has the highest proportion of international students of any UK university (~70%). The institution has produced 18 Nobel Prize winners (in Economics, Peace, and Literature), over 55 current or former heads of state, and countless leaders in finance, policy, and academia worldwide.
LSE's campus sits in the heart of London between Holborn, Covent Garden, and the Aldwych — minutes from the City of London, Westminster, the Royal Courts of Justice, and major international institutions. This unrivalled location provides students with direct access to the worlds of finance, government, law, media, and international development.
Academic Programmes
25+ departments offering world-class social science programmes
Department of Economics
Houghton Street
Department of Finance
Houghton Street
Department of Management
Houghton Street
Department of Accounting
Houghton Street
Department of Law
Houghton Street
Department of Government
Houghton Street
Department of International Relations
Houghton Street
Department of Statistics
Houghton Street
Department of Mathematics
Houghton Street
Department of Media & Communications
Houghton Street
Department of Geography & Environment
Houghton Street
Department of Social Policy
Houghton Street
Investment in Your Future
Indicative fees for international students (2024–2025)
Undergraduate
- all programmes: GBP 26,880/year (standard international fee for most BSc programmes)
- notes: LSE charges a flat-rate fee for most undergraduate programmes. Some programmes may have slightly different fees.
Postgraduate
- taught masters standard: GBP 29,760–38,500/year (varies by programme)
- taught masters finance economics: GBP 38,500–42,000/year
- mba equivalent programmes: GBP 42,000–48,000/year
- executive masters: GBP 50,000–75,000 total
- mphil phd: GBP 22,500–28,000/year
Living in London
- accommodation: GBP 180–380/week (LSE halls of residence or private housing)
- meals: GBP 60–100/week
- health surcharge ihs: GBP 1,035/year (Immigration Health Surcharge for visa holders)
- transport: GBP 25–50/week (Oyster card / TfL zones 1–2; campus is very central and walkable)
- books supplies: GBP 300–500/year
- personal expenses: GBP 60–120/week
- total living estimate: GBP 13,000–17,000/year (London living costs are higher than other UK cities)
Tuition fees are indicative for international students (2024–2025 academic year) and are subject to annual review. LSE operates on a three-term (Michaelmas, Lent, Summer) academic calendar. London living costs are higher than the UK average. Always verify current fees on the LSE website.
Funding Your LSE Education
From Graduate Support Scheme awards to fully funded PhD studentships
LSE Graduate Support Scheme (GSS)
Awards ranging from GBP 5,000 to full fees + maintenance (GBP 25,000+ living costs)
Eligibility: International and Home postgraduate taught and research students demonstrating academic excellence and financial need
LSE's main graduate funding scheme. Hundreds of awards made annually. Single application covers multiple funding sources. Apply through the Graduate Funding Application.
LSE Undergraduate Support Scheme
Awards of GBP 3,000–full tuition fee reduction based on financial need
Eligibility: International undergraduate students with demonstrated financial need who hold an offer from LSE
Means-tested. Requires separate application with financial documentation. Limited number of awards. Deadline typically in spring.
LSE PhD Studentships
Full tuition fee waiver + annual living stipend (London rate, approx. GBP 20,000+/year) for 3–4 years
Eligibility: Outstanding applicants for PhD programmes with exceptional academic records and research proposals
Department-funded. Highly competitive. Applicants are automatically considered when applying for PhD. Covers full duration of programme.
Chevening Scholarships (UK Government)
Full tuition fees + living costs + flights + additional allowances for one-year Master's programmes
Eligibility: Mid-career professionals from Chevening-eligible countries with leadership potential, 2+ years work experience, and an unconditional offer from LSE
UK Government's global scholarship programme. LSE is one of the most popular Chevening destinations globally. Applications open August–November.
Commonwealth Shared Scholarships
Full tuition fees + living allowance + flights for one-year Master's programmes
Eligibility: Citizens of eligible Commonwealth countries who could not otherwise afford to study in the UK, studying development-related programmes
For students from least developed and lower-middle-income Commonwealth countries. Jointly funded by CSC and LSE.
Mo Ibrahim Foundation Scholarship
Full tuition fees + living costs + internship placement for MSc Governance & Development programmes
Eligibility: African nationals with strong academic records and commitment to governance and development in Africa
One of LSE's most prestigious external partnerships. Includes work placement with the Mo Ibrahim Foundation. Highly competitive.
How to Get In
Deadlines: UCAS deadline: 31 January (equal consideration). LSE does not typically accept late applications as programmes fill to capacity.
- Apply via UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service)
- A-Level equivalents: typically A*AA, AAA, or AAB depending on programme (LSE is highly selective)
- International Baccalaureate: typically 37–38 points with 6,6,6 at Higher Level
- Meet programme-specific subject prerequisites (e.g., Mathematics for Economics, Further Maths for some programmes)
- English language proficiency: IELTS 7.0 overall (7.0 in each component) — this is LSE's standard requirement
- Personal statement demonstrating intellectual curiosity, analytical thinking, and genuine interest in social sciences
- Academic reference from school/college
- No admissions interviews for most programmes (assessed on application strength)
- LNAT required for Law (LLB)
- Some programmes require specific GCSE grades (e.g., Mathematics at grade A/7+)
LSE is extremely selective — typical offer rates are around 30–45% for undergraduate programmes (lower for Economics, Law, and Management). The university does not use contextual offers in the same way as some other Russell Group universities. LSE does not offer foundation programmes directly but accepts some partner programmes. Always check the LSE admissions website.
Life at LSE
A compact, vibrant campus in the heart of London
Marshall Building
LSE's flagship building opened in 2022 — a landmark 14-storey academic space with state-of-the-art teaching rooms, social spaces, the School's largest lecture theatre, and a rooftop terrace.
Centre Building
Designed by Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners, Centre Building is a striking contemporary addition to campus featuring flexible teaching spaces, open atria, and collaborative study areas.
British Library of Political & Economic Science
LSE's library is one of the world's largest social science libraries — 4.7 million items, 24/7 study spaces during term, digital resources, and specialist collections.
Student Societies & LSESU
Over 200 student societies through LSE Students' Union — from academic and debate societies to cultural groups, finance and consulting clubs, political organisations, and sports teams.
Sports & Fitness
LSE Sport facilities at Lincoln's Inn Fields and Berrylands Sports Ground in Surrey. Gym, courts, pitches, and competitive sports clubs in BUCS competitions.
LSE Residences
Guaranteed accommodation for first-year undergraduate and postgraduate students in LSE halls across London — Bankside, Rosebery, High Holborn, Passfield, and more.
Central London Location
Between Holborn, Covent Garden, and the Strand — walk to the City, Westminster, South Bank, theatres, museums, and world-class dining. Possibly the best-located university campus in the world.
Events & Public Lectures
LSE hosts 2,000+ public events annually featuring world leaders, Nobel laureates, heads of state, industry CEOs, and leading academics. Free and open to students.
Career Outcomes
Research Strengths
Economics & Econometrics
LSE's Economics department is world-leading — home to Nobel laureates and pioneers in microeconomics, macroeconomics, econometrics, development economics, and behavioural economics.
Finance & Financial Markets
One of the world's top finance research centres. Systemic Risk Centre, Financial Markets Group, and cutting-edge research in asset pricing, corporate finance, and fintech.
International Relations & Security
The IR department is one of the largest and most influential globally. Research spans conflict, diplomacy, global governance, political economy, and human rights.
Data Science & AI Ethics
The Data Science Institute and research in algorithmic accountability, AI governance, and computational social science address the societal implications of emerging technologies.
Climate & Sustainability Policy
The Grantham Research Institute on Climate Change leads global policy research on environmental economics, sustainable finance, and just transition — influencing COP negotiations and government policy.
Inequality & Social Policy
The International Inequalities Institute and Centre for Analysis of Social Exclusion drive research on wealth inequality, poverty, social mobility, and public policy design.
International Student Support
Approximately 70% international students from 150+ countries — the highest proportion of any UK university
- International Student Visa Advice Team (ISVAT)
- Pre-departure webinars and comprehensive welcome guide
- Heathrow airport meet-and-greet service
- Welcome Week orientation programme
- LSE Language Centre (English for Academic Purposes, pre-sessional courses)
- Academic mentoring and peer support
- Student counselling, wellbeing, and disability services
- LSE Careers — dedicated international student employability support
- Student visa (Student Route) compliance and renewal guidance
- Global Café — international student social and networking space
- LSE Global — study abroad and exchange with 35+ partner universities
- Financial support and hardship advice for international students
Your Path to LSE
Expert guidance from enquiry to enrolment
Programme Selection
We help you navigate LSE's 25+ departments and specialised social science programmes, identify the best fit for your academic profile, and advise on the quantitative requirements for Economics and Finance.
UCAS & Application Strategy
Expert guidance on UCAS applications and LSE's direct graduate applications — personal statement writing tailored to LSE's analytical expectations, LNAT preparation for Law, and meeting deadlines.
Scholarship Guidance
Support with the Graduate Support Scheme application, Undergraduate Support Scheme, PhD studentship applications, and external funding like Chevening, Commonwealth, and the Mo Ibrahim Scholarship.
Research & Supervisor Matching
For PhD applicants, we help identify potential supervisors at LSE, craft research proposals aligned with departmental strengths in economics, politics, IR, and data science.
Visa & Accommodation
UK Student Route visa guidance, CAS support, Immigration Health Surcharge, LSE halls applications (Bankside, High Holborn, Rosebery), and private housing advice in central London.
Pre-Departure & Arrival
Comprehensive pre-departure briefing, Heathrow airport meet-and-greet coordination, Oyster card guidance, bank account setup, GP registration, and ongoing support throughout your time at LSE.
Apply to LSE
Free expert guidance — no hidden fees
Hear From LSE Students
“LSE's Finance programme is unmatched — the faculty are genuine thought leaders, the City of London is on your doorstep, and the alumni network in investment banking and asset management is extraordinary.”
“The intellectual rigour at LSE is unlike anything I've experienced. Being in a classroom with students from 50+ countries debating economic policy makes every seminar feel like a mini UN session.”
“The public lectures at LSE are incredible — I've attended talks by heads of state, Nobel laureates, and UN officials. Combined with proximity to Whitehall and international NGOs, it's the perfect place for IR.”
Frequently Asked Questions
LSE is ranked #50 globally (QS 2025), #3 worldwide for Social Sciences & Management, and #4 for Politics. It's the world's leading specialist social science university with 18 Nobel Prize winners, unmatched London location, 70% international student body, and exceptional graduate outcomes in finance, policy, law, and consulting.
Undergraduate fees are approximately GBP 26,880/year (flat rate for most programmes). Postgraduate taught fees range from GBP 29,760–42,000/year (finance/economics at the higher end). MPhil/PhD fees are GBP 22,500–28,000/year. Executive programmes can be higher. Fees are reviewed annually.
LSE offers the Graduate Support Scheme (GBP 5,000 to full fees + maintenance), Undergraduate Support Scheme, PhD Studentships (fully funded), and departmental awards. External scholarships include Chevening, Commonwealth Shared Scholarships, and the Mo Ibrahim Foundation Scholarship. Apply through the Graduate Funding Application.
LSE has a standard English requirement: IELTS 7.0 overall with 7.0 in each component. This is higher than many UK universities. TOEFL iBT (minimum 100, with 25 in each section), PTE Academic (minimum 69 in each), and Cambridge English (minimum 191) are also accepted. Pre-sessional courses available.
LSE is one of the UK's most selective universities. Undergraduate offer rates are typically 30–45% (lower for Economics, Law, Management). Postgraduate programmes in Finance and Economics can be even more competitive. Strong quantitative skills, high grades, and compelling personal statements are essential.
First-year students are guaranteed LSE accommodation if they apply by the deadline. LSE halls include Bankside (on the South Bank), High Holborn, Rosebery, Passfield, and others across zones 1–2. Costs range from GBP 180–380/week. The campus is extremely walkable so many students live nearby.
Educational Hub provides free expert guidance including programme selection, UCAS/direct application support, personal statement writing tailored to LSE's expectations, GRE/GMAT preparation advice, scholarship application assistance, visa guidance, accommodation support, and pre-departure briefing.
LSE graduates are among the highest-earning in the UK. 93% are in employment or further study within 15 months. Top destinations include investment banking, consulting (McKinsey, BCG, Bain), government/civil service, international organisations (UN, World Bank, IMF), law firms, and tech companies. LSE Careers provides exceptional support.