The best universities worldwide are known to have a low acceptance rate, and LSE is no exception. The London School of Economics and Political Sciences is a renowned institution of excellence. One of the top institutions located in Central London that offers undergraduate and graduate programs.
LSE came into existence in the late 19th century. The institution is a constituent college of the University of London. Since its inception, LSE has become a top leading research university in the world.
LSE offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate courses in different areas of study. The university receives thousands of applications annually, only to offer admission to a few successful students. But how selective is LSE, and what is the acceptance rate at this university? To find out the answer to that question, kindly read this guide to the end.
About London School of Economics and Political Sciences (LSE)
The London School of Economics and Political Sciences, commonly referred to as LSE, is a public research university in London, United Kingdom.
LSE was initially established in 1895 as a college of the University of London. The institution held its first classes in 1895 in a small compartment in John Adam Street in Central London.
During the first year of LSE’s existence, 300 students enrolled at the institution. They were the first students at the London School of Economics and Political Sciences to study economics, statistics, and political sciences.
Today, the overall student enrolment at LSE is over 12,000 undergraduates and graduates.
LSE’s main campus is at the London Borough of Camden and Westminster, Central London.
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Department and Institutes at LSE
The London School of Economics and Political Sciences houses several institutes and departments.
LSE departments include the Department of Accounting, Department of Anthropology, Department of Economics, Department of Economics History, Department of Finance, Department of International Relations, Department of Mathematics, Department of Management, etc.
Institutes at LSE include Data Sciences Institute, European Institute, International Inequalities Institute, Language Centre, Marshall Institute, etc.
LSE Rankings
The London School of Economics and Political Science is ranked among the top universities in the United Kingdom.
According to recent rankings by U.S. News and World Report, LSE is ranked 25th as the best global university in the United Kingdom, 96th in Europe, and 236th worldwide.
Times Higher Education ranks LSE 37th among the top universities in the world.
LSE is currently ranked #57 on the list of the world’s top 100 universities according to QS World University Rankings.
The Most Competitive Courses at the London School of Economics and Political Science
Admission into LSE courses is highly competitive. The most selective undergraduate programs at LSE are Economics with Economic History, Government and History, Social Policy and Economics, Political and International Relations, and Government and Economics.
The acceptance rate for these undergraduate programs at LSE is below 10%.
Why Study at the London School of Economics and Political Science
LSE is a globally renowned research institution, and there are several reasons to earn a degree at this university.
LSE offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate courses in different fields of study. At the undergraduate level, it offers more than 40 academic courses as well as over 160 graduate programs.
LSE also offers online courses and study abroad opportunities. Students take advantage of the online courses offered at LSE to acquire experience and at the same time earned an online certificate.
Through the university’s study abroad program, students have the opportunity to travel to different countries, where they interact with other students to expatiate their knowledge.
At this London-based university, you will study in a world-class learning environment with qualified faculty members and the best professors in the United Kingdom.
Graduating from LSE sets you on the right path to employment. The institution has one of the highest graduate employment in the United Kingdom, and within a few months of graduation, LSE graduates are employed in different sectors.
LSE Admissions
Admission to the London School of Economics and Political Science is very competitive due to space availability. LSE receives thousands of applications annually for a few places at the undergraduate and graduate levels.
The admission process at this university involves a holistic review of applications. The admission officers at LSE will review every application thoroughly to determine worthy candidates.
First, the admission offers will look at your academic performance, personal statement, work experience, subject combination, and application references.
These are the factors considered before an applicant is offered admission at the London School of Economics and Political Science. For your information, meeting the admission requirement at LSE does not guarantee entry into the university.
Admission to LSE is highly competitive, and only worthy candidates will receive an admission offer in the process. To be competitive for LSE admission, you must present a convincing application, something more than just numbers that describe your academic performance in high school.
The Acceptance Rate at LSE
Getting into the London School of Economics and Political Science is very competitive and challenging.
According to admission statistics, LSE had an acceptance rate of 10.2% about two years ago. This was after the university admitted 2,245 students out of 22,115 applications received.
In the last admission cycle, the London School of Economics and Political Science received about 26,000 applications for an available slot of 1,700.
The seats available at LSE cannot accommodate the number of students applying to the university. Because of this, LSE rejects thousands of applications each year.
Currently, the acceptance rate at LSE for undergraduates is 12.2%, which is highly competitive.
Admission Requirement for Undergraduate
LSE requires standard academic qualifications for undergraduate admission. The university accepts A-Levels, International Baccalaureate, Advanced Placement and other academic qualifications.
A Levels
- Applicants to LSE must present A Levels with a standard grade range from A*AA-AAB.
International Baccalaureate
- Those with International Baccalaureate must provide an average of 37 points with three higher-level subjects at grades 666.
- With 38 points overall (with three higher level subjects at grade 766)
Advanced Placement
- LSE require five Advanced Placement test at grade 5. The AP test must be taken over a maximum of three years and applicants must also present a high school diploma.
- High school diploma with an average GPA of 3.7
How to Apply to LSE
Just like other universities in the United Kingdom, the London School of Economics and Political Science uses the UCAS application.
Before you apply to LSE, make sure you satisfy the admission requirement for your program of choice. Apply early to the London School of Economics and Political Science.
Normally, the UCAS application opens in September. Gather your application materials and apply to LSE before the January application deadline.
On the UCAS application, fill in the required details and your educational background. Select the undergraduate course you want to study at the London School of Economics and Political Science.
Write a unique personal statement and add your work experiences if you had any. Get a good letter of reference from a teacher and submit your application with a fee of not more than £27.
Admission Requirement for International Students
The admission requirement for international students at the London School of Economics and Political Sciences varies based on a country’s educational system.
Click here to find out the admission requirement at LSE for your home county.
English Proficiency Requirement
International students from countries where English is not an official language must demonstrate proficiency in English to be considered for admission at LSE.
The London School of Economics and Political Science will accept any of these English proficiency test scores.
- TOEFL Internet-Based (including Home and Paper Editions): minimum score of 100
- IELTS Academic: minimum band score of 7.0
- Pearson Test of English (Academic): minimum score of 69
- European Baccalaureate (English at L1 or L2): 8.0 for all programmes
- Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE): 185 points overall
- Cambridge C2 Proficiency: 185 points overall
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What Is the Acceptance Rate for International Students at LSE?
The seats available at the London School of Economics and Political Science make it very challenging for many applicants to gain entry into the university. LSE shares a diverse community with over 150 countries represented on campus.
LSE has a large international student body. Regarding the acceptance rate for international students at LSE, it is below 30%.
The Acceptance Rate for Graduates at LSE
The London School of Economics and Political Science offers more than 160 graduate courses. Post-graduate students seek admission to LSE during its annual admission cycle. The best-qualified candidates are offered admission to their desired program.
The acceptance rate at LSE for graduate students is less competitive when compared to the overall admit rate for undergraduates. The acceptance for graduate students at LSE is 25%, which is considerably competitive.
Entry Requirement for Graduates
To be considered for post-graduate admission to the London School of Economics and Political Science, you must have;
- An undergraduate degree with a minimum CGPA of 3.5 (second class upper) from an accredited institution.
- Applicant must possess a minimum of four years of professional experience
- Applicants whose first language is not English must provide English language qualifications like;
- TOEFL: minimum score of 107
- IELTS: minimum band score of 7.0
Application Documents for Graduate
To apply to the London School of Economics and Political Science as a graduate, you will need to provide;
- University degree certificate and transcripts
- A curriculum vitae (CV) with four or more years of work experience
- Two reference letters from a professor or academic
- Personal statement
London School of Economics Scholarships
The London School of Economics and Political Sciences offers scholarships to international students. Through this LSE scholarship, international students can study at this university, with less financial concerns.
So what are the scholarships offered at the London School of Economics?
Scholarships offered at LSE include London School of Economics Scholarships from external organizations, London School of Economics Scholarship for undergraduate programs, London School of Economics Scholarship for master’s and diploma programs, and London School of Economics Scholarship for research programs.
London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) Tuition and Fees
The tuition for domestic undergraduate students at the London School of Economics and Political Science is 9,250.
International undergraduate students at LSE pay £23,330 as tuition for an academic year.
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LSE Contact Address
- School Address: Houghton Street London WC2A 2AE UK
- Phone: +44 (0)20 7405 7686
Visit LSE’s official website to get more information on academics and admissions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are the frequently asked questions regarding the acceptance rate at LSE.
Is it difficult to get into LSE?
LSE has a very competitive acceptance rate of 8.9%. Getting into this university is highly competitive due to the seats available and the applicants applying for them.
Is it more difficult to get into LSE than Oxbridge?
LSE is more selective than Oxford and Cambridge University, based on the recent acceptance rate. The admission rate at LSE is below 10%, while Oxford and Cambridge have an acceptance rate above 18%.
Is LSE a prestigious school?
LSE is ranked in the top 25 best global universities in the United Kingdom. U.S. News and World Report rank LSE as the 25th best global university in the UK.
Conclusion
LSE is a renowned leading research institution in Central London, one of the best in the United Kingdom. LSE offers undergraduate and graduate courses, as well as online courses.
Although thousands of students wish to study at LSE, the university only has a few seats for worthy candidates.
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References
- U.S. News & World Report: London School Economics & Political Science
- Top Universities: The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)
- LSE: Our History
- Times Higher Education: London School of Economics and Political Science
