Introduction
Dreaming of getting into the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)? We can’t blame you for not wanting to wake up. However, you should, if you want to crack the LSE admissions process. With an honour roll comprising notable names such as Dr. B.R Ambedkar, George Soros and Mithan Tata, it’s one of the world’s most prestigious universities, known for shaping global thinkers, policy leaders and innovators. With limited spots and a competitive academic talent pool, the LSE admission process can seem like high-hanging fruit even for the most ambitious of aspirants.
The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) is more than just an academic milestone—it’s a launchpad into the global arena of research, innovation, and leadership.
This guide serves as your comprehensive roadmap to navigate that journey. From understanding academic and English language requirements to crafting a compelling personal statement, navigating the UCAS or postgraduate application process, exploring scholarships, and preparing for the UK student visa application, we will not merely scratch the surface but break down each step into clear, actionable insights.
Whether you dream of pursuing economics, international relations, data science, or law, this article outlines exactly what you need to stand out and maximise your chances of admission to one of the world’s most selective universities.
Why LSE? Understanding the London School of Economics Advantage
When it comes to global recognition, few universities stand as tall and proud as the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE). For over a century, LSE has built a reputation for academic excellence, social impact, and forward-thinking research that continues to shape global policy and business decisions.
LSE’s strength lies in its focused academic environment—it’s not a traditional university covering every discipline but a specialist powerhouse dedicated to economics, politics, sociology, law and other social sciences. This focus creates a vibrant community where students and professors engage in rigorous debates, explore real-world challenges and work together for solutions that influence governments and industries across the globe. In shaping today’s cohorts into tomorrow’s leaders, LSE graduates fast-track to change-advocacy positions that wield influence and hold power to shape the world.
The university’s faculty includes world-renowned economists, policymakers and researchers whose work regularly informs international organisations like the United Nations, World Bank and IMF. Students benefit from direct access to the experts who are shaping the very subjects they teach.
Beyond academics, LSE’s central London location gives students unmatched exposure to global business hubs, think tanks, and financial institutions. The university’s strong networking opportunities and employability support open doors to top-tier careers in economics, consulting, finance, policy and beyond.
In the QS World University Rankings 2025, LSE is placed among the top 50 universities globally and stands within the top 10 for social sciences and management. LSE attracts students from over 150 countries, creating a dynamic and multicultural learning atmosphere. Its economics and politics departments often feature in the top three worldwide, reflecting the school’s unmatched specialisation and research impact.
Beyond global rankings, LSE’s graduates enjoy an exceptional reputation among employers. The university regularly ranks high in employability reports, with alumni holding leadership roles in governments, financial institutions, international organisations and Fortune 500 companies. Being part of the LSE network means joining a community of more than 150,000 alumni making waves across industries—from Nobel laureates and policymakers to entrepreneurs and journalists.
LSE Admission Requirements: Complete Eligibility Criteria for Indian Students
| Criteria | Undergraduate (UG) Applicants | Postgraduate (PG) Applicants |
|---|---|---|
| Academic Qualifications | Higher Secondary (Class 12) from CBSE/ICSE/State Boards with 85-95% overall, strong in relevant subjects like Math for Economics | A bachelor’s degree from a recognised Indian university with a minimum 65-75% (usually 1st class or upper second/2:1 equivalent) |
| Subject Requirements | Advanced Maths recommended/required for quantitative courses (Economics, Maths, Management) | A relevant degree for some programmes (e.g., Economics or Finance). GRE/GMAT may be required in the absence of a quantitative background |
| English Proficiency | IELTS Academic: 7.0 overall (minimum 6.5 in each section) or TOEFL iBT: 100+ (with section minimums) | Same as UG: IELTS 7.0+, TOEFL 100+, PTE Academic 69+ |
| Tests Specific to Programs | LNAT for Law, TMUA for some Maths courses | GMAT or GRE sometimes required, especially for Finance, Management, or Economics programmes. |
| Additional Documents | Personal Statement, 1 academic reference | Statement of Purpose, 2 strong academic/professional references, CV/resume, sometimes research proposal (for research programmes) |
| Work Experience | Not required, but extracurriculars and leadership add value | Not compulsory except for some management/business programmes, but recommended for strengthening the application |
| Application Platform | UCAS | LSE Graduate Application Portal |
Academic Qualifications & Indian Degree Recognition at LSE
For Indian students aiming to study at LSE, understanding how academic credentials are evaluated is crucial in your application preparation and effort.
Recognised Indian High School Qualifications
LSE recognizes the Indian Higher Secondary School Certificate/Standard 12 (from CBSE, ICSE, and various state boards) as broadly equivalent to UK A-levels. The expectation is an overall percentage of around 85-95%, depending on the programme’s competitiveness, which roughly aligns with the high A-level grades expected by LSE (e.g., A*AA). For example, a score of 90-95% in CBSE/ICSE is generally considered on par with top A-level results for undergraduate admissions.
The Association of Indian Universities (AIU) also recognises international qualifications like the IB Diploma as equivalent to the Indian Plus Two (10+2) level, which facilitates smoother admissions processing for students with international credentials alongside Indian qualifications.
Some courses at LSE require advanced proficiency in specific subjects—especially Mathematics for economics, finance and management programs. Having strong grades in class 12 mathematics or equivalent comes in useful for the coursework in these programmes.
Indian University Degree Recognition
For postgraduate admissions, LSE generally requires a bachelor’s degree recognized by the Association of Indian Universities or an equivalent reputable institution, typically with grades equivalent to a UK upper second-class honours degree (2:1). This usually translates to an Indian bachelor’s degree with 75% or higher, depending on the course competitiveness. LSE evaluates transcripts to confirm academic rigour and course relevance for the chosen master’s programme.
International students are encouraged to provide detailed transcripts and course descriptions, if available, because LSE also considers the Indian grading scale and academic context during evaluation. This equivalency framework allows Indian students to understand how their academic achievements fit LSE’s rigorous standards and informs decisions on which documents and grades to emphasise in their application.
Standardised Tests: GRE & GMAT Score Requirements for LSE
- General Expectations: LSE typically expects strong quantitative reasoning skills demonstrated by GRE or GMAT scores. For GRE, a minimum of around 160-161 in the quantitative section is common for competitive programmes, while for GMAT, a score above 650–680 is considered competitive. While there is no fixed minimum cutoff publicly stated for all programmes, higher scores significantly strengthen your application.
- Programme-Specific Requirements: Some programmes (e.g., MSc Finance, MSc Economics, MSc Management) strongly encourage or require GRE/GMAT scores, particularly if your undergraduate degree is non-quantitative or from outside the UK. If your previous degree is below a 2:1 equivalent, submitting GRE/GMAT scores is often mandatory.
- Score Validity: Scores must be less than five years old at the time of application, and official reports should be sent directly to LSE (GRE code: 0972, GMAT code: HMT 86-56).
- Tips to Aid Indian Students in Their Preparation:
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- Focus on Quantitative Sections: Strong math preparation is critical, especially for programmes with a quantitative component.
- Practice with Simulators: Use official GRE and GMAT simulators to familiarise yourself with test formats and question types.
- Plan Early: Schedule tests to allow time for retakes if needed and ensure scores arrive before application deadlines.
- Holistic Preparation: Alongside scores, prepare a compelling personal statement and gather supportive references to build a well-rounded application.
Choosing Your Programme & Understanding LSE's Academic Structure
Understanding Departments and Program Types
- Undergraduate Programmes: LSE’s undergraduate degrees are typically three years long and organised under departments such as Economics, Government, International Relations, Law, Sociology and Management. Each department offers tailored degrees—like BSc Economics or LLB Law—designed with a mix of core modules and electives to build foundational knowledge and practical skills.
- Postgraduate Programmes: At the master’s and doctoral levels, academic units offer a broader range of specialised degrees, including MSc Finance, MSc Data Science, MA International Relations or PhD research options. These programmes often balance theory with applied research and many offer pathway choices or specialisations within the discipline (e.g., MSc Economics with options in econometrics or development economics).
Aligning Programmes with Career Goals
- Consider the specific skills and knowledge required in your target career. For example, careers in finance or consulting often demand strong quantitative skills, making LSE’s MSc Finance or MSc Economics highly relevant. For careers in policy or international development, programmes like MSc Public Policy or MA International Relations might be ideal.
- Review course modules carefully to ensure they cover topics that interest you and that you would want to specialise in. LSE’s detailed programme outlines provide insight into core courses, electives and research projects.
- Take advantage of LSE’s interdisciplinary opportunities where you can combine modules from different departments to tailor your academic experience.
- Many programmes offer career support, internships and professional networking as part of their structure to facilitate job placements post-graduation.
Crafting a Winning Personal Statement for LSE Admission
- Start with a Strong Opening Begin with a clear and engaging introduction that highlights your main motivation for applying to your chosen programme. Share a personal experience, a defining moment, or your passion for the subject to grab attention right away.
- Demonstrate Academic Strengths Explain your academic background and achievements, focusing on areas directly related to the course. Mention any relevant projects, research, competitions, or coursework that prepared you for LSE’s rigorous environment.
Show Understanding of LSE and Your Programme
Illustrate why LSE is the ideal place for your studies. Reference specific courses, faculty, research opportunities, or the university’s global reputation that align with your aspirations. This shows you’ve researched and have a clear academic goal.
- Connect Your Career Aspirations Describe your long-term career plans and how the LSE programme will help you achieve them. Be specific about the skills, knowledge and networks you hope to gain and how you intend to contribute to your field.
Highlight Personal Qualities and Experiences
LSE values well-rounded candidates. Include examples of leadership, teamwork, community involvement, or challenges overcome. Reflect on these experiences to demonstrate your resilience, adaptability and global outlook.
Conclude with Confidence and Enthusiasm
Wrap up by reiterating your enthusiasm for joining LSE and summarising how you and LSE are a perfect match. End on a positive, forward-looking note.
- Keep it Crisp Stick to a statement between 500-1000 words and use a formal yet engaging tone consistently throughout your statement. Avoid borrowing statements that you cannot back up or personally vouch for. Write from the heart to let the authenticity reflect. As always, have a trusted colleague, friend or guide go over your statement for grammatical accuracy, spelling and sentence structure before finalising the statement.
Academic References & Recommendation Letters: LSE Expectations
Choosing the Right Referees
- Select referees who know you well academically—usually professors, lecturers, or teachers who have taught you in relevant subjects or supervised your research or projects.
- For postgraduate applications, professional supervisors or mentors linked to academic work or internships are appropriate if they can speak to your scholarly aptitude.
- Avoid using referees who cannot provide detailed, specific insights about you or who are not familiar with your academic capabilities.
Securing Strong, Effective Letters
- Request letters well in advance—ideally at least 4-6 weeks before your application deadline—to give referees adequate time.
- Provide your referees with as much information as possible to help them tailor the letter effectively-such as your CV, personal statement draft and details about the LSE programme.
- Encourage referees to highlight your intellectual curiousity, analytical skills, academic achievements and potential to thrive in LSE’s challenging environment.
- Letters should ideally include examples of your contributions in class, research proficiency, critical thinking, motivation and teamwork.
Aligning Letters with LSE Standards
- LSE values clarity and specificity over general praise. Letters that discuss your academic journey with concrete examples and honest assessments carry the most weight.
- Referees should address your strengths in areas directly related to your course—for instance, quantitative skills for economics or finance applicants, or critical analysis and communication for politics or sociology programmes.
- Ensure that letters are written on official letterhead, signed, and submitted confidentially through LSE’s application system or as specified.
LSE Application Process: Step-by-Step Timeline & Deadlines
| Application Stage | Undergraduate (UCAS) Details | Postgraduate (LSE Portal) Details |
|---|---|---|
| Application Opens | 2 September 2025 | Usually opens ~1 year before course start, varies by programme. |
| Application Submission Deadline | Equal consideration deadline: 14 January 2026 (6 PM GMT) | Varies by programme, usually between Dec and Apr |
| Application Platform | UCAS portal (all sections complete, reference added, fee paid) | LSE Graduate Admissions Portal |
| Supporting Documents | Academic transcripts, personal statement and academic references | Transcripts, personal statement, academic/professional references, test scores (GRE/GMAT/English) |
| Additional Tests | May need to take the Undergraduate Admissions Assessment (UGAA) for some courses | GRE/GMAT required for some quantitative programmes. |
| Application Review & Decision | From November 2025, with weekly updates; final decisions by 13 May 2026 | Rolling basis after application review |
| Offer Response Deadline | 3 June 2026 | Varies per programme, usually prompt after offer issuance |
| Final Documents Deadline | Certified copies of qualifications & English proofs by 31 July 2026 | Varies per programme, generally alongside acceptance |
| Result Verification | Verification of end-of-year exams by 4 September 2026 | Not applicable |
| Welcome Info & Onboarding | Sent to unconditional offer holders late August/early September 2026 | After acceptance, it includes a visa and enrollment guidance |
LSE Tuition Fees & Cost of Living in London for Indian Students
| Expense Category | Estimated Cost (GBP) | Estimated Cost (INR) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate Tuition | £21,570 – £38,260 | ₹25.8 lakh – ₹47.8 lakh | Varies by programme; fees are per year |
| Postgraduate Tuition | £20,300 – £49,000 | ₹24 lakh – ₹58.2 lakh | Includes MSc, MBA, LL.M. depending on specialisation |
| Application Fee (UG) | £27 | ₹3,100 approximately | Payable via UCAS |
| Application Fee (PG) | £95 | ₹11,100 approximately | Payable directly to LSE |
| Monthly Living Expenses | £600 – £800 | ₹66,000 – ₹88,000 | Includes accommodation, food, transport, utilities; London is one of the most expensive cities |
| Accommodation | ~£500 monthly | ~₹55,000 monthly | On-campus or private housing; varies significantly |
| Food | £100 – £300 monthly | ₹11,000 – ₹33,000 | Depends on lifestyle and cooking habits |
| Other Costs (books, transport, leisure) | Variable | ₹10,000 – ₹20,000 | Budget for additional essentials like study materials and local transport |
- Consider shared accommodation to reduce housing costs.
- Utilise university facilities such as libraries and dining halls to control expenses.
- Take advantage of student discounts on public transport and leisure activities.
- Plan finances for visa application, health insurance, and emergency contingencies.
- Take note of deadlines for scholarships and financial aid and apply to avail them on time, given limited spots and high competition.
Scholarships & Financial Aid for Indian Students at LSE
| Scholarship Name | Eligibility for Indian Students | Amount (GBP) | Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| LSE Undergraduate Support Scheme | Indian undergraduate students with financial need | £6,000 – £15,000 | Completed application form, academic reference and supporting financial documents |
| JN Tata Endowment Scholarship | Indian postgraduate, doctoral, or research students | ₹1,01,047 – ₹10,10,300 approx | Statement of Purpose, Letter of Recommendation and passport copy |
| Inlaks Foundation Scholarship | Indian students for full-time Master’s/MPhil/Doctoral programs | Up to £76,897.50 | Passport copy, English proficiency certificate and two Letters of Recommendation |
| Margaret Basu Scholarship | Indian postgraduate students with academic merit and financial need | £4,000 | LSE acceptance proof, financial support application form and graduate admission application |
| Marchant Foundation LLM Scholarship | Indian LLM applicants currently residing in India | £10,000 | LSE graduate application form, financial support application and statement of purpose |
| QS Leadership Scholarship | Indian postgraduate students showing leadership potential | £7,687.50 | Application, leadership evidence and excellent academic records |
| Lady Meherbai Tata Education Trust Scholarship | Need-based for postgraduate students | Need-based | Proof of financial need, academic acceptance and personal statement |
| Rajeeb Mukherjee Memorial Scholarship | Need-based undergraduate students | Need-based | Financial documents, academic performance records |
| AKO Master’s Scholarships | Indian master’s applicants from South Asia | 2 full scholarships (tuition + stipend), 8 tuition-only awards | Proof of admission, merit and financial need assessment |
| Sudipto Bhattacharya Scholarship | For Indian students pursuing MSc Finance and Economics. | Full tuition | Specific programme admission, merit-based application |
| Women in Finance Scholarship | Indian female MSc Finance students | Up to £20,000 | Admission in the MSc Finance programme, gender identification and academic merit |
UK Student Visa Guide: Immigration Requirements for LSE Students
Secure Your CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies)
- After you receive an unconditional or conditional offer from LSE and accept it, the university will issue a CAS letter.
- This letter contains your unique CAS number and course details, which are mandatory for your visa application.
- Prepare Key Documents
- Valid Passport: Must be current and valid for the duration of your stay.
- Proof of Financial Means: Show sufficient funds to cover one year’s tuition fees plus living expenses (~£1,483/month in London for 9 months). Bank statements or sponsor letters dated within 28 days are required.
- English Language Proficiency: IELTS or equivalent test scores as required by LSE and UKVI.
- Tuberculosis (TB) Test Certificate: Mandatory for Indian students as part of the UK immigration rules.
- ATAS Certificate: Required if you are studying sensitive subjects like engineering or technology (check if your course demands it).
- Passport-Sized Photographs: Must meet UK visa photo specifications.
Submit Visa Application Online
- Apply through the official UK Home Office website up to 6 months before your course start date.
- Pay the visa application fee (£524 as of 2025) and the Immigration Health Surcharge (£776 per year) for NHS access during your stay.
- Schedule and attend a biometric appointment at a visa application center for fingerprinting and photographing.
Wait for Decision and Prepare for Travel
- Processing time typically takes about 3 weeks, but can vary. Priority and super-priority services are available for an additional fee.
- Once approved, you’ll receive a vignette visa to enter the UK, valid for 30 days, during which you must collect your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) after arrival.
Tips for Indian Students:
- Start early to gather all documents and complete health and English tests on time.
- Maintain consistent bank statements reflecting required financial thresholds for at least 28 consecutive days before application.
- Use trusted visa application centers and keep copies of all submission receipts and documents.
- Stay informed about changing immigration rules and requirements from the UK Home Office and LSE’s international student office.
Life at LSE: Campus Culture, Indian Student Community & Support
Campus Culture & Diversity
LSE prides itself on a truly global community, with students and staff representing nearly 150 countries. This diversity fosters an environment of open dialogue, respect, and interdisciplinary collaboration, where ideas from varied cultural perspectives are shared and debated. The campus culture encourages robust academic discussion alongside mutual support and inclusivity, making it a stimulating place to learn and grow.Indian Student Community
The Indian student network at LSE is active and well-connected, often organising cultural events, festivals like Diwali and social meetups, which alleviate lethargy and homesickness feelings and build a strong support system. Various Indian student societies also collaborate with the wider South Asian and international communities, creating a culturally rich social fabric for networking and friendship.Extracurricular Opportunities
LSE offers over 200 student societies, including academic, career-focused, creative and cultural groups, alongside sports teams, fitness classes and volunteer programmes. Pursuing hobbies and interests outside of academics is encouraged to maintain a healthy work-life balance. Many Indian students are encouraged to participate in dance, music, debate and entrepreneurship clubs, enhancing their university experience.Campus Support Services
The university provides comprehensive support through LSE LIFE’s workshops, counseling, study skill sessions, and health and well-being resources. Residential Life programmes in campus accommodation foster community spirit with social events and wellness initiatives. Student unions and diversity offices work actively to ensure inclusivity and provide forums to address student concerns.Tips to Make the Most of the LSE Experience
- Engage actively with student societies and cultural clubs to build friendships and professional networks.
- Take advantage of academic support and skill development workshops to enhance your studies.
- Explore London through organised trips and social events to feel at home in the city.
- Reach out for support services early if you’re experiencing challenges adjusting academically or personally.
- Balance academic demands with hobbies and social activities to maintain wellness.
Career Prospects & Post-Study Work Opportunities in the UK
Career Opportunities for LSE Graduates
- LSE graduates commonly secure roles in fields like consulting, finance, economics, public policy, law, technology, and academia.
- Top employers include global consulting firms such as McKinsey, BCG, and Bain; leading banks like Goldman Sachs, Barclays, and J.P. Morgan; tech giants including Google and Amazon; and international organizations such as the UN and World Bank.
- Program-specific outcomes vary: MSc Finance and Economics graduates tend to receive lucrative offers in banking and investment; Management graduates find roles in consulting and corporate strategy; and social sciences graduates enter policy roles and research organizations.
Post-Study Work Visa Options for Indian Students
- The UK’s Graduate Route permits international students, including Indians, to stay and work, or look for work, for up to 2 years after completing their degree (3 years for PhD graduates).
- This visa is flexible, does not require employer sponsorship, and allows graduates to gain valuable UK work experience or switch to other visa routes. From January 2027, the length of the post-study work visa will be shortened from 2 years to 18 months.
Internships and Work Experience
- LSE has an active Careers Service offering internships, career fairs, workshops, and one-on-one coaching, helping students build industry connections.
- Many degree programs incorporate internship opportunities or projects with real-world exposure, boosting students’ practical skills and CV appeal.
Guidance for Indian Students Planning to Work in the UK
- Start early to build your UK-based professional network through LSE events, LinkedIn, and alumni connections.
- Understand visa rules thoroughly—apply for the Graduate Route visa promptly when eligible.
- Seek career advice services at LSE to tailor your job search strategy, focusing on skill development and interview prep.
- Explore opportunities in industries aligned with your studies and interests, and consider multinational firms with global career mobility if planning to return to India or move elsewhere later.
Common Mistakes Indian Students Make in LSE Applications
- Weak or Generic Personal Statements
- Mistake: Using templated statements that mention LSE superficially without personalising or showing a deep understanding of the programme.
- Strategy: Craft a clear narrative that connects your academic background, career goals, and specific reasons why LSE is the perfect fit for you. Make it genuine and aligned with LSE’s values.
Late Submission of Applications
- Mistake: Missing UCAS or LSE portal deadlines, resulting in automatic disqualification or last-minute rushed applications.
- Strategy: Start early, track deadlines carefully and submit well ahead to allow buffer time for technical or document-related hiccups.
Poor or Generic Recommendation Letters
- Mistake: Letters that lack specific examples or personal insights, failing to highlight your unique strengths or suitability for LSE.
- Strategy: Choose referees who know you well academically and provide them with background materials. Ensure letters focus on your academic excellence, research skills and potential.
Insufficient Academic Preparation or Test Scores
- Mistake: Underestimating the required grades or English proficiency, or submitting GRE/GMAT scores below competitive thresholds for quantitative programmes.
- Strategy: Understand programme-specific academic rigor, prepare accordingly and retake language or standardized tests if necessary to meet or exceed expectations.
Lack of Clear Career Goals and Motivation
- Mistake: Applications that lack clarity on why you want to pursue a particular programme or what you plan to do after graduation.
- Strategy: Clearly articulate career aspirations and how LSE will bridge your academic journey to professional goals.
Ignoring LSE’s Unique Culture and Values
- Mistake: Failing to demonstrate knowledge of LSE’s emphasis on social sciences, interdisciplinary thinking and global impact in your application materials.
- Strategy: Reference LSE’s research, faculty, or mission in your statements to show alignment and genuine interest.
Conclusion
Walking through the doors of LSE is an honour like no other. Renowned for tapping into prodigal potential, the LSE offers an unparalleled academic environment rich with global perspectives, world-class faculty, and vibrant campus life. Securing admission demands careful preparation—aligning strong academic credentials and English proficiency with a thoughtful application including a compelling personal statement, robust references and timely submission of all materials.
Navigating the application process, from UCAS to LSE’s graduate portal, with awareness of deadlines, document requirements and visa procedures, equips applicants to confidently pursue their academic goals. In this regard, making use of a seasoned team of educational guidance counsellors can help take the weight off of multitasking. With Fateh Education, you get expert guidance tailored to your strengths that can shine through in your application, ensuring a hassle-free student experience. Once admitted, Indian students find a supportive campus culture with a strong Indian community, extracurricular richness, and dedicated support services that enhance both personal growth and career readiness.
Post-study, LSE graduates benefit from excellent career prospects and flexible UK work visa options, empowering Indian students to build careers and serve a higher purpose.
Treat this guide as your roadmap—empowering you with insights and practical advice to turn your dream of studying at LSE into reality. With commitment, clarity, and careful planning, the incredible opportunities at LSE await you, setting the stage for a transformative academic and professional journey.
FAQs
To get into LSE, Indian students must meet academic and English proficiency requirements, submit a strong application through UCAS (undergraduate) or LSE portal (postgraduate), and prepare a compelling personal statement and references. Meeting minimum GPA (typically 3.5/4 or 65-75%) and language scores (IELTS 7.0+) is essential, alongside submitting documents on time and possibly standardized test scores like the GRE/GMAT for quantitative courses.
- Undergraduate: Completion of 10+2 with 85-95% overall, relevant subjects, particularly in math for economics/finance courses.
- Postgraduate: A recognized bachelor’s degree with at least a 65-75% score or equivalent, preferably an upper second-class honours or better.
- English proficiency: IELTS (academic) 7.0 overall, TOEFL iBT 100, or PTE 69+.
- GRE/GMAT scores may be required for some master's programs without a strong quantitative background.
LSE requires a minimum IELTS Academic score of 7.0 overall with no lower than 6.5 in any band for most programs. Equivalent TOEFL or PTE scores are also accepted.
GRE or GMAT scores are required or strongly recommended for Indian applicants applying to quantitative postgraduate programs (like MSc Finance, MSc Economics, or Management) if their prior education lacks sufficient math or related coursework. There is no fixed minimum cutoff, but competitive scores are generally 160+ on GRE Quant or 650+ on GMAT.
- For undergraduate courses via UCAS, the deadline is typically 14 January every year.
- For postgraduate courses via LSE portal: Deadlines vary by programme but generally fall between December and April, with rolling admissions after that.