Lse Graduate Support Scheme 2027 | Study in United Kingdom — London School of Economics and Political Science
LSE’s reputation in economics, politics, and social science draws thousands of master’s applicants every year, and its Graduate Support Scheme remains the university’s main answer to the funding gap many of them face.
About the Scholarship
The LSE Graduate Support Scheme is the London School of Economics’ central financial support programme for master’s students, assessing applicants primarily on financial need alongside academic merit. Awards range from partial tuition contributions to full scholarships covering both fees and living costs, depending on the strength of the application and the funding available in a given department. Every eligible applicant to an LSE taught master’s programme is automatically considered for the scheme, removing the need for a separate, lengthy application in most cases.
Because funding is distributed across many departments and subject areas, award sizes and competitiveness can vary noticeably depending on the specific master’s programme applied to.
Scholarship Benefits
- Awards ranging from partial tuition support to full tuition and living cost coverage
- Automatic consideration for most LSE taught master’s applicants, without extra paperwork
- Funding available to both international and UK students based on need
- Assessment that considers family income and personal financial circumstances
- Access to LSE’s wider financial support and hardship fund network if needed later
- No repayment requirement for any portion of the award received
Eligibility Criteria
- Apply for and gain admission to an eligible LSE taught master’s programme
- Submit the LSE Graduate Support Scheme application, usually alongside your course application
- Demonstrate financial need through household income and personal financial information
- Meet LSE’s standard academic and English language entry requirements
- Apply by the relevant funding deadline, which is often earlier than the general admissions deadline
- Not already hold another scholarship fully covering your tuition and living costs
Fields of Study Covered
The scheme covers master’s programmes across LSE’s full range of departments, including economics, international relations, law, sociology, management, and data science, since funding decisions are made centrally rather than by individual department budgets alone.
Required Documents
- Standard LSE graduate application for your chosen master’s course
- A separate Graduate Support Scheme financial information form
- Academic transcripts and degree certificates
- Evidence of household income and financial circumstances
- Academic references
- Evidence of English language proficiency if required
How to Apply (Step-by-Step)
- Apply for admission to your chosen LSE taught master’s course as early as possible
- Complete the Graduate Support Scheme section of the application, including financial details
- Submit all required academic documents by the relevant funding deadline
- Provide clear, accurate information about household income and financial need
- Respond promptly to any requests for additional financial documentation
- Wait for confirmation of both your admission and funding outcome from LSE
Selection Process
LSE assesses academic admission first, then reviews Graduate Support Scheme applications based on financial need using a standardized income assessment. Awards are allocated according to need and available departmental funding, meaning the size of the award can differ even among similarly qualified applicants depending on their specific financial circumstances.
Tips to Improve Your Chances
- Submit your application well before the funding deadline, since late applications may miss the main funding round
- Provide complete and accurate financial information, since incomplete forms slow down assessment
- Choose a master’s programme where your academic background is a strong, demonstrable match
- Keep supporting financial documents organized and ready to submit quickly if requested
- Compare this scheme with the UCL Global Masters Scholarship if you are applying to both universities and want to understand how each assesses need
- Apply to other funding sources in parallel in case your LSE award covers only part of your costs
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to submit a separate application for this scheme?
In most cases the financial information form is submitted alongside your standard LSE graduate application.
Is this scholarship only for international students?
No, both UK and international students are assessed for the Graduate Support Scheme based on financial need.
Does the award always cover full costs?
No, awards vary from partial tuition support to full funding depending on need and available funding that year.
Is there a specific funding deadline?
Yes, the funding deadline is often earlier than the general admissions deadline, so applying early matters.
Does the scheme cover PhD study?
No, it is designed specifically for taught master’s programmes at LSE.
How is financial need assessed?
LSE uses a standardized household income and circumstances assessment to determine need-based funding levels.
Can I appeal if I am not satisfied with my award amount?
LSE’s funding office can be contacted to discuss individual circumstances, though formal appeals processes vary by case.
Is academic merit considered at all?
Yes, admission to your chosen course is based on academic merit, while the scheme itself focuses on financial need.