The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), a prestigious public research university in the heart of London and a member of the Federal University of London, is renowned for its academic excellence and global reputation. With a highly competitive acceptance rate of just 9%, LSE attracts top talent worldwide, offering exceptional opportunities for undergraduate and postgraduate studies. Particularly celebrated for Political Science, LSE ranks 2nd globally in the QS World University Rankings for the subject.In this blog, we will get into LSE’s acceptance rate and what it means for prospective students.
What is Acceptance Rate?
Acceptance rate is the percentage of applicants who are offered admission to a particular school, college, or university. It is calculated by dividing the number of accepted students by the total number of applicants and multiplying by 100.
For example:
If a university receives 10,000 applications and accepts 1,000 students, the acceptance rate is:
(1,000/10,000)×100=10%(1,000 / 10,000) \times 100 = 10\%(1,000/10,000)×100=10%
Key Points About Acceptance Rates:
- Indicator of Selectivity: A lower acceptance rate often indicates a highly selective institution.
- Varies by Institution: Rates differ based on factors like programme demand, institution reputation, and available seats.
- Not the Full Picture: Acceptance rate is just one metric and doesn’t reflect the overall quality of education or the applicant’s chances of success.
Why Study in the UK?
The United Kingdom is home to some of the world’s most prestigious institutions, offering unparalleled opportunities for international students. Among them, the London School of Economics (LSE) stands out as a beacon of excellence, particularly for those looking to pursue social sciences and research-driven programmes. If you plan to study in the UK, LSE should be at the top of your list for its academic rigour, career prospects, and global reputation.
Facts about the London School of Economics Acceptance Rate
LSE is the only university in the United Kingdom that is solely dedicated to the study and research of social sciences. LSE awards a range of academic degrees spanning Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhDs. Before we understand why the acceptance rate of LSE is so low, let us explore why LSE admission is so highly sought after.
LSE continues to shine as a top institution, ranked 4th in the UK by the Guardian University Guide 2025 and named the best university in London for five consecutive years. Renowned for its stellar LSE ranking, the university’s graduates enjoy outstanding career prospects, with an impressive 93% securing employment or pursuing further studies within three months of graduation. The median salary for LSE graduates has soared to £36,000, a testament to the university’s exceptional reputation and strong connections with employers worldwide.
The top ten fields of employment for LSE students are:
- Education
- Financial services
- Banking
- Law and legal services
- Consultancy
- Media and arts
- Central government
- Local government, public, social and welfare services
- Charities, voluntary sector and Trusts
- Health
Overview of Postgraduate Admissions at LSE
The postgraduate LSE’s admissions process is designed to offer flexibility and accommodate a wide range of applicants. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, allowing candidates to apply throughout the year rather than adhering to fixed deadlines. This approach provides applicants the time to carefully prepare and submit strong applications.
A Highly Competitive Landscape
LSE receives an overwhelming number of applications each year, with over 42,000 submissions for taught postgraduate programmes in recent cycles. This reflects the institution’s prestige and the global demand for its programmes.
London School of Economics Acceptance Rate For Undergraduates
The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) is a globally renowned institution known for its rigorous academics and competitive admissions. For the 2025 academic year, the undergraduate acceptance rate is just 8.9%, highlighting its selectivity as thousands of applicants compete for limited spots.
| Programme | Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|
| BSc Economics | 17 % |
LSE Acceptance Rate For Post Graduates
The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) is well-known for its high academic standards and competitive admissions process, especially for postgraduate programmes. The postgraduate LSE acceptance rate for international students is around 25%, reflecting the institution’s selectivity and commitment to excellence.
| Programme | Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|
| MSc Economics | 32% |
| MRes Economics | 20% |
| MBA | 76% |
| Did You Know? Courses at LSE are split across more than thirty research centres and nineteen departments, including a Language Centre. LSE Courses also include unique programmes like the TRIUM Executive MBA offered in collaboration with NYU Stern and HEC Paris. This was globally ranked third among executive MBAs by the Financial Times in 2016. |
Eligibility Criteria And Entry Requirements
Applying to the London School of Economics (LSE) requires meeting rigorous academic and English language standards tailored to each programme. Whether you are pursuing an undergraduate or postgraduate degree, LSE evaluates applicants on their academic achievements, language proficiency, and additional components like personal statements, references, and relevant experience. Understanding the specific entry requirements is crucial to prepare a strong application and enhance your chances of acceptance at this prestigious institution.
Undergraduate Programmes
| Criteria | Requirements |
| Academic Qualifications | – High School Certificate: Higher secondary school completion required. |
| – GPA: Minimum 90-95% overall or 80-85% in each subject (varies by programme). | |
| English Proficiency | – IELTS: Minimum 7.0. |
| – TOEFL iBT: Minimum 100. | |
| – PTE Academic: Minimum 70. | |
| Application Components | – Submitted through UCAS. |
| – Academic transcripts, personal statement, and two academic references. | |
| Additional Requirements | – Specific prerequisites (e.g., Mathematics for BSc Mathematics and Economics). |
Post Graduate Programmes
| Criteria | Requirements |
| Academic Qualifications | – Bachelor’s degree equivalent to a UK degree with a minimum GPA of 3.3-3.5. |
| – Percentage equivalent: Approximately 88-90%. | |
| English Proficiency | – IELTS: Minimum 7.0 (no band lower than 6.5). |
| – TOEFL iBT: Minimum 100. | |
| – PTE Academic and Cambridge English qualifications are also accepted. | |
| Application Components | – Submitted through the LSE Online Application System. |
| – Academic transcripts, statement of purpose (1000-1500 words), and two references. | |
| – CV or resume. | |
| Standardised Tests | – GMAT/GRE: Required for specific programmes, especially without a quantitative background. |
| Work Experience | – Relevant experience is beneficial for MBA and management programmes. |
Student Life at LSE, London
Studying at the London School of Economics (LSE) offers more than just world-class academics—it’s an experience that blends learning with a lively and diverse campus life. From cultural events and artistic showcases to opportunities for networking and personal growth, LSE provides the perfect environment for students to thrive in one of the world’s most dynamic cities.
Academics
- Challenging Programmes: LSE’s demanding courses push students to think critically and develop strong analytical skills through lectures, seminars, and independent study.
- Support Services: LSE LIFE offers workshops and personalised sessions to help students excel academically while exploring personal interests.
Social Life
- Weekly Concerts: Students can enjoy free weekly musical performances at the stunning Shaw Library, adding a touch of culture to campus life.
- Art on Campus: LSE showcases various artworks across the campus, with notable exhibits at the Atrium Gallery for students to explore and enjoy
- Inter-University Events: Collaborations with other London universities allow students to expand their networks and engage in broader social activities.
- Campus Events: Regular social, cultural, and networking events help students build friendships and feel part of the LSE community.
LSE Alumni
The LSE Alumni’s impressive achievements include nearly 18 Nobel prizes and approximately 53 individuals becoming heads of state. This remarkable track record showcases the university’s ability to produce influential leaders and intellectuals. Among the notable names associated with LSE are Friedrich Hayek and Paul Krugman, renowned economists; George Bernard Shaw, a celebrated playwright and critic; and Bertrand Russell, a Nobel laureate. LSE also has renowned scholars like economist Amartya Sen.
The university offers a wide range of educational opportunities, including over 40 undergraduate programmes and more than 140 postgraduate programmes focused on research and teaching. Additionally, LSE caters to a global audience by providing various online and short-term courses. Recognised for its excellence in social sciences, LSE offers highly regarded degrees in fields such as Economics, Political Science, Law, and Geography, setting its students apart in their respective fields.
FAQs
Is it hard to get into the LSE?
Getting into LSE is highly competitive. Meeting or even exceeding the standard offer grades doesn’t guarantee admission, as many factors are considered in the selection process.
What are the hardest courses to get into LSE?
All courses at LSE are highly competitive, but the most competitive ones include Economics with Economic History, Government and History, Government and Economics, Social Policy and Economics, and Politics and International Relations.
What is the acceptance rate for postgraduate courses?
The acceptance rate for postgraduate courses at LSE for international students is approximately 25%, reflecting the institution’s selectivity and commitment to academic excellence.
What is the trend of the LSE acceptance rate?
The LSE acceptance rate has shown slight fluctuations in recent years, with a low of 6.7% in 2023/24 and an increase of 9% in 2024/25. Despite growing application numbers, the acceptance rate has remained highly competitive, reflecting LSE’s rigorous admission standards.
What is the lse masters’ acceptance rate?
The acceptance rate at LSE for its masters programmes is approximately around 25%.
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