The London School of Economics and Political Science is one of the most reputable and leading research institutes in the UK. It is located in central London and was founded in 1895 by members of the Fabian Society. The London School of Economics notable alumni include B.R. Ambedkar, Clement Attlee, John F. Kennedy, and Amartya Sen.

The London School of Economics courses cover a wide range of fields like social science, economics, and finance. The programs offer excellent education, strategic thinking, and strong industry and academic connections to students. This makes admission to the LSE highly competitive, where the acceptance rate is around 6%. 

This article provides important information about the London School of Economics fees, ranking, courses, and admission requirements. The comprehensive information will help prospective students understand what it takes to study at LSE. 

The London School of Economics Ranking

QS University Rankings put the London School of Economics at #62 globally and #1 in London. QS University Rankings also recognizes LSE as a strong performer in social science and ranks it #5 globally. There are other fields in which LSE has excelled and is ranked at the top.

QS Ranking

Subject 

Ranking Category 

#1 

Accounting and Finance

UK

#2

Geography

Global

#4

Public Policy and Administration

Global

#5

Politics and International Relations

Global

#6

Economics and Econometrics

Global


LSE also ranks at the top in other university ranking systems. Here’s LSE’s rank by the following ranking systems:

London School of Economics Ranking

Name of the Ranking

Details

#1

The Times and Sunday Times Good University 

LSE was ranked first in the UK and was named the University of the Year 2025

#4

Daily Mail University Guide

LSE was ranked fourth overall in 2026 globally

#1

Complete University Guide 2027

LSE ranks first in London for the 15th year running

#4

Guardian University Guide

LSE ranks fourth overall globally

#3

University League Tables 2027

LSE ranked third overall among all UK universities

#1

Guardian Best UK Universities Guide 2026

Ranks first in London for the sixth consecutive year


Every system uses its own methodology and evaluates universities based on different factors, such as academic performance, subject rankings, research quality, student experience, and employability.

Courses, Fees and Key Requirements 

The LSE courses cover subjects from the following fields: social science, economics, law, politics, and anthropology. There are specific requirements for each course.

London School of Economics fees are different for domestic and international students. The tuition fees vary by the course and the degree level. In the table below, you’ll see a list of courses, tuition fees, and other key requirements for international students.

London School of Economics Courses

Level

Duration

London School of Economics fees for International Students (INR)

Key Requirements 

BSc Economics 

UG

3 years

~₹51.07 lakh per annum  

TMUA Mandatory

BSc Politics 

UG

3 years

~₹36.99 lakh per annum

Strong academic subjects preferred 

LLB Bachelor of Laws

UG

3 years

~₹45.70 lakh per annum

LNAT mandatory

BA Anthropology and Law 

UG

3 years

~₹39.30 lakh per annum

AAB at A-Level 

BSc Politics and Data Science 

UG

3 years

~₹41.09 lakh per annum 

Strong quantitative skills

BA Social Anthropology 

UG

3 years

~₹36.99 lakh per annum

AAB at A-Level 

MSc Accounting, Organization, and Institutions

PG

10 months

~₹51.07 lakh per annum

At least 60 to 70% in a bachelor’s degree with a strong Statement of Purpose 

MSc Finance and Risk

PG

1 year

~₹59.01 lakh per annum

At least 60 to 70% in a bachelor’s degree and good quantitative skills

MSc Economics

PG

10 months

~₹52.48 lakh per annum

Strong mathematics and economics background.

GRE is required.

MSc Political Science

PG

1 year

~₹38.91 lakh per annum

At least 60 to 70% in a bachelor’s degree with a strong social science background 

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Admission Requirements 

The London School of Economics is highly competitive and difficult to get into. You should meet the academic requirements and have an exceptional profile to get into the university. The acceptance rate for the undergraduate program is 6.6%, and 28% for the master’s. The requirements differ for both undergraduate and postgraduate programs. Here’s a list of basic requirements for both UG and PG degrees. 

1. UG Admission Requirements 

The undergraduate programs at the London School of Economics are highly competitive. The requirements for this degree vary by program. Students should check the requirements for their programs of interest for more information about the application form and its supporting documents. LSE’s admission requirements differ based on the applicant's country and education system. The following table describes the basic UG requirements. 

UG Requirements 

Details 

Academic Qualification

The applicant should complete class 12th with 85% to 90% from CBSE or CISCE (ISC) for direct admission. LSE does not accept state boards. 

Entrance Test

For students who are interested in law programs, the UK’s Law National Aptitude Test (LNAT) is mandatory 

Mathematics

Some programs, like BSc Economics, require a strong mathematics background. The applicant should take standard mathematics in their 12th grade. The London School of Economics does not accept applied mathematics. 

English Proficiency 

Applicants must fulfill the LSE's English language proficiency requirement by getting a 7.0 overall in IELTS 

Application 

Applicants who are applying for UG must submit their admission form via the Universities and College Admissions Service (UCAS). UCAS is a platform used in the UK for undergraduate admission. 

2. PG Admission Requirements 

The requirements for postgraduate programs at the London School of Economics vary by program, education system, and applicant’s country. The applicant doesn’t have to submit their application form via UCAS. There is an official admission portal on the LSE website. The table below describes the basic requirements for PG applicants.

UG Requirements 

Details 

Academic Qualification

The applicant must have 3 or 4 years of bachelor’s degree from a recognized university with 85% to 90% academic performance.

Entrance Test

The applicant must take the GRE or GMAT test, especially for quantitative programs like MSc Economics and MSc Finance. 

English Proficiency 

Applicants must fulfill the London School of Economics' English language proficiency requirement by getting 7.0 overall in IELTS. The scores vary by program. 

Application 

The applicant must submit their application documents, such as academic transcripts, two academic references, a CV, and a statement of purpose. The application form should be submitted through the LSE graduate application portal. 

Cost of Living  

The cost of living while studying at the London School of Economics depends on factors such as accommodation, food, transportation, and more. London is one of the most expensive cities in the UK, so planning your budget in advance can help you manage your expenses. Here’s a table below that provides an estimated cost of living for LSE students.

Expenses

Estimated Monthly Cost 

Accommodation

~₹1.03 to ₹1.26 lakh

Food and Groceries

~₹17,000 to ₹34,000

Transportation

~₹9,000 to ₹14,000

Utilities

~₹3,500 to ₹7,000

Phone and Internet

~₹1,700 to ₹3,500

Books and Study Materials

~₹3,500 to ₹5,700

Personal and Leisure Expenses

~₹11,500 to ₹23,000

Laundry and Other Expenses

~₹3,500 to ₹5,700

Estimated Monthly Cost Total 

~₹1.53 to ₹2.19 lakh

Estimated Annual Cost Total 

~₹18.36 to ₹28.38 lakh


These are estimated values. Your actual cost of living depends upon accommodation, food, transportation, and spending habits. It is important to plan your finances before going abroad. Explore funding options like education loans and scholarships to cover your tuition and living costs. 

Conclusion

Getting into the London School of Economics and Political Science requires you to have a strong academic background and careful planning. The admission requirements depend on the specific program. Researching the program and its requirements will help you understand what the university is and what is expected of you. Also, plan your funding by exploring available scholarships, grants, fellowships, and education loans to make your finances manageable.