London School of Economics and Political Science - LSE Discretionary Bursaries

LSE Discretionary Bursaries

You will receive a one-off, non-repayable cash grant of up to about 4,900 EUR (£4,250) per year to cover your living costs whilst studying at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE). The LSE will determine the exact amount based on your individual circumstances. This is additional financial support, separate from the standard LSE scholarship, and is intended for students whose actual financial burden is greater than their household income would suggest. The LSE reviews this annually, so you can receive support for the entire duration of your studies, provided your circumstances do not change.

Who can apply

• Level: You are an undergraduate student at the LSE and are either about to start your degree or are already enrolled.
• Fee status: You are considered a UK student (fee status: ‘Home’). Students from abroad cannot apply.
• Field of study: Any subject.
• Special financial need: You have exceptional expenses that are not reflected in your household income, for example, the cost of caring for a family member, additional costs due to a disability, or because you receive little or no money from home.
• Government support first: You have already applied for all the government grants to which you are entitled, such as the Student Finance scheme.
• Not already at the maximum: You are not yet receiving the full standard LSE scholarship, as you cannot receive this additional funding alongside it.

How to apply

You will need an offer of admission from the LSE. You should then complete the application form for an LSE scholarship for undergraduate students. Please attach a statement of up to 250 words explaining your circumstances, as well as evidence of your income and expenses. The application deadline for the coming academic year is 1 June; late applications will not be considered. Selection is based on your application documents; there will be no interview. You will be notified of the result around October, following your enrolment.

How realistic are your chances?

This scholarship is aimed at a small target group: British undergraduate students at the LSE with truly exceptional financial circumstances; awards are made on a case-by-case basis rather than according to a fixed quota. If you can provide clear evidence of costs such as care responsibilities or disability-related expenses that are not covered by your household income, and you apply by the deadline, your chances are good. A vague claim of low income alone is not sufficient, as this is already covered by the standard scholarship.