Studying at the London School of Economics (LSE) is a dream for many students, but the high cost of tuition and living in London can make it challenging. Scholarships offer a way to reduce this burden and make world-class education accessible. This blog, How to Get Into LSE London With a Scholarship, covers everything you need to know, from top LSE scholarships, eligibility, and benefits to application tips and deadlines. This guide will help you plan effectively and improve your chances of securing funding at LSE.
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How to Get Into LSE London With a Scholarship: Quick Highlights
Studying at the London School of Economics (LSE) can be expensive, but scholarships make it possible. Here’s a quick overview of the major scholarships, deadlines, and application process for 2025.
| Scholarship Name | Deadline (2025) | Link | Application Process |
| LSE Undergraduate Support Scheme | April 2025 | Apply Link | Apply with UCAS and LSE Financial Support Form before deadline |
| LSE Graduate Support Scheme | April 2025 | Apply Link | Submit financial application after program application |
| LSE PhD Studentships | Dec 2024 – Jan 2025 (varies by department) | Apply Link | Apply alongside PhD admission application |
| LSE Master’s Awards (LMAs) | April 2025 | Apply Link | Apply after program admission offer |
What Scholarships Does LSE Offer?
The London School of Economics (LSE) provides a diverse range of scholarships, studentships, and funding options for graduate and research students. If you’re pursuing a taught master’s or a PhD, LSE offers awards based on financial need, academic merit, or geographical eligibility. Many programmes include full tuition coverage, stipends, and targeted support. Here is the list of key scholarships available:
Top 5 LSE Scholarships
Here are the top 5 scholarships you should know about before applying. Each one has different eligibility rules, benefits, and deadlines, so check carefully which suits you best.
1. Graduate Support Scheme (GSS)
The Graduate Support Scheme is one of the most well-known LSE scholarships for master’s students. It helps students who can prove financial need and provides partial support towards tuition fees.
| Details | Information |
| Benefits | GBP 5,000 – GBP 15,000 towards tuition fees |
| Eligibility | Taught master’s applicants, based on financial need |
| Deadline | Same as programme application deadline (varies by course) |
| Application | Apply via LSE Graduate Application System after submitting course application |
2. LSE Master’s Awards (LMAs)
The LSE Master’s Awards provide extra help for students whose financial needs go beyond what GSS covers. These awards may cover partial to full tuition, depending on the student’s situation.
| Details | Information |
| Benefits | GBP 5,000 (full tuition) |
| Eligibility | Master’s students with proven financial need (all nationalities) |
| Deadline | Same as programme application deadline |
| Application | Automatically considered if you apply for GSS |
3. LSE PhD Studentships
This scholarship supports PhD students for up to four years. It is based on academic merit and provides both tuition fees and a yearly living stipend to cover expenses.
| Details | Information |
| Benefits | Full tuition and annual stipend (GBP 21,237) |
| Eligibility | PhD applicants (all nationalities), academic merit based |
| Deadline | Varies by department (generally December to January) |
| Application | Apply via PhD application form; automatic consideration |
4. Commonwealth Shared Scholarships
These scholarships are funded by the UK government and LSE, meant for students from developing countries who want to pursue a master’s degree. They cover both tuition and living costs.
| Details | Information |
| Benefits | Full tuition and maintenance (GBP 20,280), travel, and thesis grant |
| Eligibility | Students from eligible Commonwealth developing countries |
| Deadline | Usually December to March (check yearly updates) |
| Application | Apply through CSC application system and LSE programme application |
5. Access to Education Graduate Scholarships
This is a special scholarship for asylum seekers, refugees, or students under humanitarian protection. It ensures financial support so they can continue higher education at LSE.
| Details | Information |
| Benefits | Full tuition and maintenance grant (up to GBP 14,400) |
| Eligibility | Asylum seekers, refugees, or students under humanitarian protection |
| Deadline | Same as LSE graduate application deadlines |
| Application | Apply via Graduate Application System; additional proof of status required |
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Eligibility Criteria for LSE Scholarships
The eligibility for LSE scholarships depends on the type of award, but most focus on academic excellence, financial need, and nationality. Below are the general conditions international students should meet.
General Eligibility
- You must apply for an eligible LSE programme (undergraduate, master’s, or PhD).
- You should have a strong academic record.
- Many scholarships require proof of financial need.
- Some awards are limited to students from specific countries (e.g., Commonwealth nations).
- Refugees, asylum seekers, or students with humanitarian protection may get special consideration.
LSE Scholarship-Wise Eligibility
| Scholarship | Eligibility |
| Graduate Support Scheme (GSS) | Master’s students, based on financial need |
| LSE Master’s Awards (LMAs) | Master’s students with additional needs beyond GSS |
| LSE PhD Studentships | PhD applicants with outstanding academic merit |
| Commonwealth Shared Scholarships | Students from Commonwealth developing countries |
| Access to Education Scholarships | Refugees, asylum seekers, or humanitarian protection status |
Tips for a Successful Scholarship Application
Applying for scholarships at LSE is competitive, but with the right planning, you can increase your chances. Here are the key tips to follow.
- Apply for a Programme First
- You must submit your application to an eligible LSE undergraduate, master’s, or PhD programme before scholarship consideration.
- Use the UCAS portal for undergraduate applications and the LSE Graduate Application System for postgraduate ones.
- You must submit your application to an eligible LSE undergraduate, master’s, or PhD programme before scholarship consideration.
- Check Scholarship Deadlines
- Scholarship deadlines may be earlier than the course deadline.
- Many LSE awards close by late April, so prepare in advance.
- Scholarship deadlines may be earlier than the course deadline.
- Complete the LSE Financial Support Application Form (FSF)
- Once you have applied for a programme, fill out the FSF on LSE’s online system.
- Provide details of family income, personal finances, and funding needs.
- Once you have applied for a programme, fill out the FSF on LSE’s online system.
- Submit Supporting Documents
- Academic transcripts
- Personal statement (highlight financial need and career goals)
- Proof of income (if required)
- References/recommendation letters (for merit-based awards)
- Academic transcripts
- Await Decision
- LSE scholarships are reviewed after course offers are made.
- Successful students are usually notified between June and July.
- LSE scholarships are reviewed after course offers are made.
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Important Deadlines for LSE Scholarships
Scholarship deadlines at LSE are strict, and missing them means losing your chance for funding. Most scholarships have earlier deadlines than programme applications, so students must plan carefully.
- Undergraduate scholarships: Applications usually close by late April of the year of entry.
- Postgraduate scholarships: Many close between January and April, depending on the award.
- PhD/Research scholarships: Deadlines may be even earlier, often December to February.
LSE Scholarships 2025: Key Deadlines
| Scholarship Name | Level | Deadline (2025) |
| LSE Undergraduate Support Scheme | UG | 26 April 2025 |
| Graduate Support Scheme (GSS) | PG | 25 April 2025 |
| LSE Master’s Awards (LMAs) | PG | 27 April 2025 |
| PhD Studentships | PhD | 15 January 2025 |
| Country-Specific Awards (e.g., Chevening) | UG/PG | Varies (Oct 2024 – Feb 2025) |
Why Study at LSE London?
The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) is widely recognised for its focus on economics, politics, law, and social sciences. Consistently ranked among the top global universities, LSE attracts students from more than 150 countries and provides direct access to employers, policymakers, and international organisations.
Key Benefits of Studying at LSE
- Global reputation as a top-ranked university, especially in social sciences.
- Strong career outcomes with over 90% of graduates employed or pursuing further study within six months.
- Distinguished faculty that includes Nobel Prize winners, government advisors, and industry leaders.
- Strategic location in central London, offering access to multinational companies, financial institutions, and international organisations.
- Comprehensive scholarship support, reducing the financial burden for international students.
- Prestigious alumni network of global leaders, entrepreneurs, and policymakers.
Also Read: Harvard University Scholarships for Indian Students
FAQs
Ans: A full scholarship at LSE can be secured by applying for competitive awards such as the LSE Undergraduate Support Scheme, Graduate Support Scheme, or external scholarships like Chevening. Strong academic performance, a compelling personal statement, financial need, and evidence of leadership or extracurricular achievements significantly improve chances of success.
Ans: A 100% scholarship in the UK is offered through government-funded awards like Chevening, Commonwealth Scholarships, and GREAT Scholarships, along with university-specific awards. Students must meet strict academic criteria, demonstrate leadership potential, and submit well-prepared applications before the deadlines.
Ans: An Indian student can get into LSE by meeting the academic entry requirements, which usually include high grades in CBSE, ISC, or IB qualifications, along with proof of English proficiency through IELTS/TOEFL. Applying early through UCAS for undergraduate courses or directly via the LSE portal for postgraduate courses is essential. Strong extracurriculars and recommendation letters add weight to the application.
Ans: Studying at LSE for free is possible if a student secures a fully funded scholarship that covers tuition and living costs. While LSE itself offers partial and full funding options, most international students rely on external schemes such as Chevening or Commonwealth scholarships for complete financial support.
Ans: Yes, LSE accepts CBSE qualifications. Applicants with CBSE Class 12 results are expected to score between 90–95% overall, depending on the chosen program. Some courses may also require high marks in specific subjects and proof of English proficiency.
Relatable Reads
That was everything you needed to know about how to get into LSE London with a scholarship. For more such detailed guides on scholarships and study opportunities abroad, visit the Scholarships Page on Leverage Edu and stay updated with reliable information.
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