The Graduate Support Scheme (GSS) at the London School of Economics and Political Science is one of the university’s principal need-based funding programmes, designed to help talented master’s students who would otherwise struggle to finance their studies at one of the world’s leading social science institutions. Given LSE’s reputation and the high cost of living in London, the Graduate Support Scheme plays an important role in ensuring that outstanding students are not excluded from LSE purely due to financial circumstances.
What Is the Graduate Support Scheme?
The Graduate Support Scheme provides financial assistance to taught master’s students at LSE who can demonstrate genuine financial need alongside strong academic merit. Awards are typically offered as a combination of a tuition fee reduction and, in many cases, a maintenance grant to help with living costs in London, one of the world’s more expensive student cities. The scheme is need-based rather than purely merit-based, meaning that financial circumstances are assessed carefully alongside academic qualifications.
Who Funds It?
The Graduate Support Scheme is funded by the London School of Economics itself, drawing on a combination of the university’s own resources and philanthropic donations from alumni and supporters committed to widening access to LSE’s postgraduate programmes. This internal funding model allows LSE to tailor the scheme closely to its own student population’s needs each year.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the Graduate Support Scheme, applicants generally need to meet the following criteria:
- You must be applying for, or have already accepted, an offer for a full-time taught master’s programme at LSE for the relevant academic year.
- You must demonstrate genuine financial need, typically by providing detailed information about your household income, savings, and other funding sources as part of the application.
- You must also meet a minimum standard of academic merit, as the scheme balances financial need with academic quality in its selection process.
- Both UK and international students are generally eligible to apply, although specific award amounts and the balance of applicants can vary between categories.
- You are usually required to have applied for other relevant sources of funding, such as government loans or external scholarships, before being considered for GSS support, as the scheme is intended to bridge remaining funding gaps.
What the Scheme Covers
Award levels under the Graduate Support Scheme vary depending on individual financial need and the funds available in a given year, but typically include:
- A partial or, in some cases, more substantial reduction in tuition fees for the master’s programme
- A contribution toward living costs in London, often provided as a maintenance grant alongside the fee reduction
- Assessment on a sliding scale, meaning award amounts are tailored to the specific financial circumstances of each successful applicant rather than being a fixed sum for all recipients
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Apply for and receive an offer for an LSE master’s programme: The Graduate Support Scheme is only open to applicants who have applied for, or hold, an offer for an eligible taught master’s course at LSE.
- Complete the GSS application form: Once you have an application or offer in place, complete the dedicated Graduate Support Scheme application, which typically requires detailed financial information.
- Provide supporting financial documentation: Applicants are usually asked to submit evidence of household income, existing savings, and any other funding already secured, so gather these documents in advance.
- Submit before the scheme’s deadline: Because the Graduate Support Scheme often has its own specific deadline separate from general admissions, ensure your complete application is submitted in good time.
- Assessment by the Financial Support Office: LSE’s financial support team reviews applications, balancing demonstrated need against the funds available that year and each candidate’s academic standing.
- Notification of outcome: Successful applicants are informed of their award amount, which is then applied toward their tuition fees and, where applicable, paid as a maintenance grant.
Practical Tips for a Strong Application
- Be thorough and honest about your financial situation: Since the scheme is need-based, providing complete and accurate financial documentation is essential to a fair assessment of your application.
- Apply as early as possible: Because GSS funding is limited and demand is high, submitting your application well before the deadline can improve your chances, particularly if funds are allocated on a rolling basis.
- Research all other funding options first: Demonstrating that you have explored loans, external scholarships, and other funding sources can strengthen your case for GSS support as a genuine funding gap.
- Keep your personal statement focused and specific: Where a statement is required, clearly explain your financial circumstances and how the scholarship would enable you to complete your studies at LSE.
- Stay in touch with LSE’s Financial Support Office: If your circumstances change or you have questions about the process, LSE’s dedicated financial support team can offer guidance throughout the application.
For full details on eligibility, required documentation, and how to apply, visit the official LSE Graduate Fees and Funding page. Since deadlines and award levels are reviewed each year, always check the official page for the current year’s application deadline. The British Council’s Study UK resource also provides useful general guidance for international students.
