Photo: Wikimedia Commons
About the university
The world's leading specialist social science university, built entirely around economics, politics, law and international relations. Its compact Houghton Street campus sits between Covent Garden and the Thames, in the heart of London.
Country
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
City
London, England
Founded
1895
Study levels
Foundation, Undergraduate, Postgraduate, Postgraduate Research
Intakes
September, January (selected courses)
Approx. tuition
GBP 20k–38k/yr
Popular courses
What people actually study here.
Entry requirements & approximate costs
What it takes to get in, and to fund it.
Academic entry
Completed GCE A/Levels (or equivalent), with grades matched against the university's published entry tariff for your course. A foundation year is common where results fall short of direct entry.
English proficiency
IELTS Academic 6.0–7.0 overall is typical, with higher requirements for competitive courses. UKVI-approved tests are required where a Student visa is involved.
Approximate tuition
Roughly GBP 20,000–38,000 a year for most undergraduate and master's programmes; medicine and some specialist courses run considerably higher. Confirm current fees directly with the university.
These figures apply broadly across United Kingdom's higher-education system, not just London School of Economics (LSE), always confirm your specific course's exact requirements and fees on the university's own site.
Scholarships
Ways to lower the cost.
The LSE Undergraduate Support Scheme and country-specific scholarships are available for international students.
The vibe
What it actually feels like.
- No science labs or engineering workshops here — every subject on campus is social science or law.
- A famously international, debate-heavy culture, with over 140 nationalities represented among students.
- Central London location means finance and policy internships are a Tube ride away, not a plane ride.
For Sri Lankan applicants
Why Sri Lankan students consider it.
For Sri Lankan students set on economics, law or international relations, LSE's specialist focus and proximity to the City of London give a direct route into finance and policy careers.
Fun things to do
Life outside the lecture hall.
Walk along the Thames South Bank, five minutes from Houghton Street.
Sit in on a free public lecture — LSE hosts world leaders and Nobel laureates most weeks of term.
Explore Covent Garden's street performers and markets, right next to campus.
Opportunities for international students
What's on offer if you're coming from abroad.
Application guidance
From application to visa-ready file.
- 1
Apply through UCAS (undergraduate) or directly to the university (postgraduate)
- 2
Submit certified transcripts and English test results
- 3
Receive an offer, followed by a CAS once academic and financial conditions are met
- 4
Begin your CAS shield and Student visa documentation
Once you have an offer, the documentation process covers exactly what identification, academic and financial evidence your visa file will need next.
Related guides
Documentation, explained.
Student Visa Document Checklist for Sri Lankan Students
The short version. For the full explanation of each item, see our complete documentation process guide.
Student Visa Proof of Funds Explained
The single most common reason a student visa file stalls, explained in plain English.
Common Student Visa Documentation Mistakes
Most refused or delayed files aren't refused for one big reason. They're delayed by three or four small, avoidable ones.
Also in United Kingdom
Other top United Kingdom universities.
References & sources
Where this page comes from.
- London School of Economics (LSE) · official websiteVisit ↗
- International admissions pageVisit ↗
- Hero photograph · Wikimedia CommonsSource ↗
- The library's Norman Foster-designed stairway · Wikimedia CommonsSource ↗
- The Old Building entrance on Houghton Street · Wikimedia CommonsSource ↗
- Crest / coat of arms · Wikimedia CommonsSource ↗
Course lists, scholarships and admissions details summarised here are illustrative. Always confirm the current, exact terms on the university's own official website before applying. Photography is freely licensed via Wikimedia Commons, not sourced from the university's own site.
Aiming for London School of Economics (LSE)? Let's make the money story match.
Campus photography & crest via Wikimedia Commons contributors. Course, admissions and scholarship details change. Always confirm current terms on the official site above before applying.