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London, United Kingdom

London School of Economics (LSE)

#45 QS World RankingPublicEurope

QS World Ranking

#45

Acceptance Rate

18%

Annual Tuition (USD)

$28,000

On-Campus Housing

Available

QS Best Student City

#1

London

Application Deadline

January 31

via UCAS

Student Body

Total Enrollment

13,000

students

International Students

71%

US Students

9%

of total enrollment

Figures are approximate based on institutional reports and QS data.

Why This School

The world's leading social sciences university with alumni including 18 world leaders and 37 Nobel laureates.

QS Subject Rankings 2025

Rankings by academic subject — source: QS World University Rankings by Subject

#2Economics & Econometrics#3Social Policy & Administration#4Geography#5Accounting & Finance#6Politics & International Studies#13Law

Notes for US Students

Apply via UCAS. World's top social science university. Alumni include 18 heads of state and 37 Nobel laureates.

Admission Criteria

Key requirements for US students applying to London School of Economics (LSE)

Acceptance Rate

18%

Highly selective

Application System

UCAS

Deadline

January 31

Instruction Language

English

School Type

Public

Annual Tuition

$28,000

Requirements Checklist for US Applicants

  • Apply via UCAS by January 31
  • SAT 1500+ or ACT 34+ recommended (71% international student body)
  • IELTS 7.0 or TOEFL 107+
  • Very high academic bar — equivalent to A-Level AAA
  • UCAS personal statement with clear intellectual focus
  • No interview for most undergraduate programs

Class Size

Avg. Lecture80 students
Avg. Seminar15 students
Student : Faculty12:1

Academic Calendar

SystemTerm (3/yr)
Fall TermLate SeptemberMid-December
Spring TermMid-JanuaryLate March
BreaksDec–Jan, Mar–Apr, Jun–Sep

Michaelmas, Lent, and Summer terms.

Requirements may vary by program. Always verify with the university's official admissions page.

Admission Details

Language of Instruction
English
Estimated Annual Tuition
~$28,000 / year
Application Deadline
January 31
Application System
UCAS
School Type
Public
Acceptance Rate
18%
QS Best Student City (London)
#1 globally

Programs Offered

EconomicsLawPolitical ScienceSocial SciencesBusinessInternational Relations

Scholarships to Explore

  • LSE Scholarships
  • LSE-Turing Studentship

Cost of Living — London, UK

High Cost
Rent (1BR near campus)$1,700/mo
Groceries & dining$360/mo
Transportation$130/mo
Misc (phone, entertainment)$300/mo

Estimated monthly total

$2,490

vs. avg US college student

31% more expensive

US avg ~$1,900/mo

London is one of Europe's most expensive cities. LSE's central Holborn location puts you in the heart of the city.

Estimates based on 2025–26 student budgets. Actual costs vary by lifestyle and housing choice.

About Studying at London School of Economics (LSE) as a US Student

London School of Economics (LSE) is located in London, United Kingdom and is ranked #45in the QS World University Rankings. The school offers programs in Economics, Law, Political Science, Social Sciences, Business, and more. Instruction is offered in English. The estimated annual tuition for international students is ~$28,000 / year, with an acceptance rate of approximately 18%. Applications are submitted through UCAS with a deadline of January 31. Scholarships available include the LSE Scholarships.