Why LSE is a top target for scholarship‑minded social science students

The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) is a leading global university for Economics, Politics, International Relations, Law, Social Policy and Business‑related degrees. Many IGCSE, A Level and IB students from South East Asia, South Asia and the Middle East see LSE as a top choice, but London costs can be high. Understanding LSE’s funding mechanisms is crucial.

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1. LSE Undergraduate Support Scheme (USS)

Most popular for:
International and UK students who demonstrate financial need and are offered a place at LSE.

Coverage

• The USS can provide means‑tested financial support towards:
  • Tuition fees
  • Living costs
• Awards vary significantly by individual circumstances; some students receive substantial contributions.

Eligibility

• Offer of admission to an LSE undergraduate programme.
• Demonstrated financial need through detailed documentation.

How many & odds

• A significant number of students receive some support, but full coverage is rare.

How to apply

• Apply to LSE via UCAS.
• Once you have an offer, complete the LSE Undergraduate Scholarship Application Form, including:
  • Family income and asset details
  • Personal statement explaining your situation and goals

Deadlines & duration

• Application deadlines are typically in the spring before you start at LSE.
• Awards are usually made for one year at a time, renewable based on continued need and academic progress.

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2. LSE Scholarships & Named Awards

LSE also administers a number of named scholarships funded by donors and foundations.

Coverage

• These can offer additional fee or maintenance support, sometimes targeted at:
  • Specific nationalities or regions
  • Students on particular programmes

Eligibility & odds

• High academic achievement plus factors such as nationality, subject choice, or financial need.
• Very competitive; only a small number of awards per year.

How to apply

• Often through the same USS application form; LSE’s financial support office matches suitable candidates to specific awards.

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3. LSE Bursaries for Home‑Fee Students

If you are classified as a home student (UK fee status), LSE bursaries can provide:

• Non‑repayable grants based on household income.

For many international‑curriculum students who manage to secure UK home‑fee status, this is a major additional support route.

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4. External & Home‑Country Scholarships for LSE

Many overseas‑fee students at LSE rely on:

• Government or corporate scholarships in their home country (e.g. sponsorship from central banks, ministries of finance, sovereign wealth funds).
• Foundation scholarships supporting Economics, Public Policy or Development Studies.

These can sometimes be full‑ride packages but often come with bond conditions.

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What % of fees do LSE scholarships usually cover?

• LSE’s own schemes (USS + named scholarships) can, in some cases, cover a large portion of fees and living costs, but full funding is uncommon.
• Realistically, international students may cover costs through a mix of LSE aid, home‑country scholarships and family contribution.

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Strategy & timelines for IGCSE, A Level & IB students

• Aim for AAA (or higher) at A Level or IB 40+, particularly in Maths and essay‑based subjects.
• Build a strong profile in:
  • Economics/Business subjects
  • Debate, Model United Nations, internships and community projects
• Apply to LSE by the January UCAS deadline (earlier for some international test requirements).
• Submit your financial support application as soon as you are eligible, paying careful attention to:
  • Required financial documents
  • Personal statement for funding

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How Tutopiya can help with LSE‑aligned scholarship plans

Tutopiya helps students aiming for LSE by:

• Strengthening Economics, Maths, Further Maths and essay‑writing.
• Providing guidance on balancing UK applications with scholarship‑rich alternatives (Netherlands, Europe, Asia, Middle East).
• Helping students and families understand where LSE sits in a broader financial plan rather than as the only target.

If LSE is on your list, we recommend pairing it with other British and European universities where full or near‑full scholarships may be more common for international students.