London School of Economics And Political Science (LSE), one of the top institutions in London, attracts top-tier global students, many seeking financial aid for education.
Currently, the LSE acceptance rate is 8.9%. By this, you can imagine how selective this university is in terms of academic excellence. If you are someone who has received an offer from LSE college, let us tell you that LSE Scholarships provide substantial funding for both undergraduates and postgraduates, totalling over GBP 4 million and GBP 13 million annually.
Additionally, external organisations like the British Council extend scholarships to international students aspiring to study at the LSE and similar top universities in London. This blog explores these opportunities for international students like you, seeking financial support to study at LSE University.
| Overview Of University of LSE Scholarship Highlights | |
| Categories | Undergraduate scholarshipsPostgraduate ScholarshipsIndian Scholarships |
| Eligibility | All international studentsInternational students of Commonwealth countries, and India undertaking graduate, postgraduate or research programmes |
| Range | Awarded scholarships range or fee reduction |
LSE Scholarships For International Students
Every year, LSE grants scholarships funded by the school or external donors, with varying numbers, values, eligibility criteria, and types.
Scholarships prioritise financial need first, followed by academic merit. Submitting your completed LSE Undergraduate Scholarship application automatically considers you for eligible LSE scholarships, offering an opportunity to receive financial assistance based on your circumstances and academic achievements.
In the sections below, we are going to understand LSE undergraduate, postgraduate, and research scholarship programmes in detail.
LSE Undergraduate Scholarships
LSE awards undergraduate scholarships based on academic merit, specifically designated for covering tuition fees. International students commencing an undergraduate programme at the LSE face an annual tuition fee of approximately GBP 21,570, subject to an annual increase of 2.5% to 4%.
The availability of LSE scholarships for international students alleviates the financial burden, assisting in covering remaining tuition fees and cost of living in London. Below are some London School of Economics and Political Science scholarships for undergraduate students:
| Scholarship Name | Award |
| The Beacon Scholarship | One scholarship with an annual value of £24,000 |
| LSE Undergraduate Support Scheme | Usually between £6,000 and £15,000 |
| Rajeeb Mukherjee Scholarship | £9,000 contribution to tuition fees |
LSE Postgraduate Scholarships
Approximately 19% of incoming LSE master’s programme students receive merit-based or need-based scholarships. Postgraduate-level LSE scholarships encompass a blend of internal and external programmes.
The table below highlights some of the postgraduate scholarships accessible to international students at LSE:
| Scholarship Name | Award |
| Chevening Scholarship | Covers tuition fees, cost of accommodation, and travel in the UK |
| LSE Master’s Awards | Starts from GBP 5000 to full funding |
| LSE Access To Graduate Scholarship | GBP 14,400 |
| Commonwealth Shared Scholarship | Covers fees, fares, and maintenance expenses |
Note: As evident from the table, external organisations predominantly grant merit-based LSE master’s scholarships, while internal sources handle the distribution of need-based scholarships. For internal LSE scholarships, a separate application is required.
Apart from the LSE undergraduate and postgraduate scholarships, LSE PhD scholarships support students undertaking PhD or research courses at the university. The funding of this scholarship ranges between GBP 17,000- GBP 18,000.
Indian Scholarships Applicable To LSE
Additionally, LSE is also open to support students who have secured scholarships from their home country awarded by the Government or organisations. Some of the Indian Scholarships applicable to the London School of Economics include:
| Scholarship Name | Awards |
| Lady Meherbai Scholarship | INR 3,00,000 and INR 6,00,000 ( $3,6OO to $7,200 |
| JN Tata Endowment Scholarship | INR 1,00,000 and INR 10,00,000 |
| Inlaks Shivdasani Scholarship | Varies |
| Margaret Basu Scholarship | GBP 4,000 |
| Marchant Foundation LLM Scholarship | GBP 10,000 |
LSE Scholarships Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility criteria for LSE scholarships serve as important guidelines for prospective applicants. Understanding these criteria is essential for a successful application. Each LSE scholarship supports different educational levels, financial needs, and academic excellence.
Let’s understand the specific requirements and qualifications necessary to qualify for LSE scholarships, ensuring a detailed grasp of the application process.
| Scholarship Name | LSE Scholarship Eligibility Criteria |
| The Beacon Scholarship | The student must possess academic excellence should have an interest in sportsShould be a ‘changemaker’. Have the will to help others who need financial help. There’s a detailed eligibility criteria you can go through on their website. |
| Rajeeb Mukherjee Scholarship | Applicants must be from Bangladesh, Canada or IndiaThey must possess strong academic excellence. |
| Chevening Scholarship | Adhere to all relevant guidelines and programme expectations.Possess a postgraduate (PG) level qualification or equivalent professional experience.Have at least 5 years of significant professional experience or be a current non-UK/non-US PhD candidate.Not hold dual nationality with British citizenship, unless exempt as per Chevening Guidance for Applicants. |
| LSE Master’s Awards | Available for students who plan to reside in India, Europe (including Eastern Europe), or Latin America after completing their programme.Applicable to the majority of LSE postgraduate programmes, excluding those within or affiliated with the Department of Economics. |
| LSE Access To Graduate Scholarship | Especially for asylum seekers and refugees or persons with humanitarian protection |
| Commonwealth Shared Scholarship | First degree at their class level is expected This scholarship applies to specific programmes like development management, global health policy, local economic development etc. You should |
| Lady Meherbai Scholarship | Indian women who have earned a bachelor’s degree from a reputable university Must have applied to, and preferably been accepted by, reputable universities or institutions in the United States, the United Kingdom, or Europe for the academic year 2022-2023. |
| JN Tata Endowment Scholarship | Candidates below 45 years of age are allowed to applyGraduates of recognised Indian universities with above 60% marks are eligible to apply Candidates undertaking distance education are not allowed to apply |
| Inlaks Shivdasani Scholarship | Open to all Indian passport holdersApplicants must be residents in India at the time of applicationCandidates are generally expected to have obtained a good first from previous degreesPrevious degrees should be from a recognised university in India |
| Margaret Basu Scholarship | Applicants must be Indian Nationals No specific restrictions are applicable |
| Marchant Foundation LLM Scholarship | Available for use on the full-time LLM (Master of Laws)Awarded based on financial needPreference given to Indian applicants resident in India initially.If no suitable Indian students, consideration will be given to those with UK and EU fee status. |
How To Apply For A University Of LSE Scholarship?
To secure a scholarship at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) can be both exciting and challenging. In this process, candidates often find themselves looking for a thorough application process that requires careful attention and strategic planning.
This section covers the step-by-step process of applying for the LSE Scholarship programme, to enhance your chances of getting selected for the scholarship.
Step 1- Research Scholarships:
Start by researching scholarships that fit your academic interests, field of study, and financial needs. You can check the websites of colleges, universities, and professional organisations for scholarship opportunities.
Step 2- Check Your Eligibility:
Once you’ve found a few scholarships that you’re interested in, carefully read the eligibility requirements to make sure you qualify. Some scholarships may have requirements such as a minimum GPA, a certain year of study, or financial need.
Step 3- Meet The Deadlines:
Pay close attention to the application deadlines for each scholarship you’re interested in and make sure to submit your materials on time. Late applications will not be considered.
Step 4- Proofread Your Application Carefully:
Before you submit your application, make sure to proofread it carefully for any errors in grammar, spelling, or punctuation. You can also ask a friend or family member to proofread it for you.
Step 5- Submit Your Application:
Once you’re satisfied with your application, submit it according to the instructions provided by the scholarship committee or university.
Documents Required For LSE Scholarships
Applying for the LSE Scholarship programme involves a clear understanding of the required documents. Though documents of every scholarship at LSE may vary, here’s a list of documents that are mandatory for your scholarship application.
How Hard/Easy IS IT To Get Scholarships For International Students?
Getting a scholarship at the can be competitive, as LSE is a prestigious institution that attracts high-achieving students from around the world. The difficulty of obtaining a scholarship depends on various factors, including the specific scholarship program, the number of applicants, the eligibility criteria, and the overall competitiveness of the applicant pool.
Let’s discuss the factors that might increase the difficulty of getting a scholarship and what can be done to increase your chances of qualifying.
Factors Increasing Difficulty:
- High competition: LSE attracts top students from around the world, making the competition for scholarships fierce. The number of scholarships offered is also limited compared to the applicant pool.
- Academic merit: Many LSE scholarships prioritise academic excellence, demanding strong grades, test scores, and achievements in relevant fields.
- Financial need: While financial need is considered, it’s not always the sole deciding factor. Scholarships might require demonstrating exceptional circumstances or significant hardship alongside merit.
- Specificity: Some scholarships have narrow eligibility criteria based on nationality, program of study, or other factors, further limiting your chances.
What Can Be Done To Ease The Difficulty?
- Strong application: Tailoring your application to each scholarship, showcasing your unique strengths, and crafting an interesting personal statement can significantly improve your chances.
- Early application: Submitting your application early demonstrates commitment and increases visibility to the selection committee.
- Exploring diverse options: Researching and applying for various scholarships, including need-based and merit-based, expands your opportunities.
- Unique profile: Distinguishing yourself with impressive extracurricular activities, research experience, or leadership roles can make your application stand out.
Securing an LSE scholarship requires a combination of academic excellence, financial need, an interesting application, and a bit of luck. While it’s a competitive process, focusing on strengthening your profile, tailoring your applications, and exploring various options can increase your chances of success.
LSE Scholarships serve as a crucial lifeline for students aspiring to study abroad by providing essential financial support and even getting you a highest paying job in London. These funds cover various expenses, such as cost of studying in London, and travel, reducing economic barriers that might otherwise hinder access to international education. Beyond financial aid, scholarships also recognise and reward academic excellence, fostering a diverse and globally enriched student community.
If you loved reading this article, and want to finance your study abroad education, check out UniCreds the one-stop shop for all things study loans!
FAQs
1. Does LSE offer full scholarships?
LSE offers substantial financial support, including bursaries and scholarships funded by private donations, for Overseas fee-status students, with varying numbers, values, eligibility criteria, and types awarded each year.
2. Can I apply for multiple scholarships at the LSE?
If you are eligible for another corresponding scholarship, you will be considered for it by the college, without you having to fill a separate application form.
3. What is the deadline for LSE scholarship applications?
Scholarship decisions for all applicants will be communicated by the end of July 2025. If you are an offer holder with Overseas fee status, the deadline for submitting LSE Undergraduate Scholarship applications is 28 April 2025.
4. How competitive are the scholarships at the LSE?
The competitiveness of scholarships at the LSE can vary depending on factors such as the specific scholarship programme, the number of applicants, and the eligibility criteria.
5. What documents are required for an LSE scholarship application?
Academic transcript, letter of recommendation, personal statement, financial aid form, and standardised test scores are needed for LSE scholarship application.
6. How can I apply for a LSE scholarship?
To apply for an LSE scholarship, submit a completed application for admission to your chosen program by the program deadline and ensure you meet the eligibility criteria for available scholarships.
7. Are there research-specific scholarships at LSE?
Yes, LSE offers research-specific scholarships to support postgraduate students engaged in research across various disciplines, with eligibility criteria and availability varying by program and academic year. For instance, the LSE PhD scholarship.
Related and Important Scholarships Blogs You Must Definitely Explore:
1. How to Apply For Study Abroad With Scholarship
2. Top Scholarship Benefits To Study Abroad
3. How to Get a Letter of Recommendation for a Scholarship
4. Know About Taxes on Your Scholarships
5. Tips On Outstanding Scholarship Application Writing
6. Scholarships for Indian Students to Study Abroad
7. SOP for Scholarships
Recent Posts