Study at one of the world's leading social-science universities. LSE's MSc Finance is a flagship, quantitatively rigorous programme based steps from the City of London — a direct pipeline into investment banking, asset management and consulting.
10 months
Full-time duration
£51,000
Tuition (international)
September 2026
Next intake
IELTS 7.0
English requirement
Overview
✓ Study at a university ranked top-5 in the world for economics & finance(QS by subject 2025)(QS 2026)
✓ Join LSE's Department of Finance — one of the most targeted schools by global banks and funds (High Fliers 2026)
✓ Qualify for the UK's 2-year Graduate Route post-study work visa
This MSc gives you a rigorous, quantitative foundation in modern finance — from corporate finance and asset pricing to derivatives, financial econometrics and portfolio management. You'll learn from leading academics and practitioners with deep City connections.
Graduates move into investment banking, asset management, private equity and consulting — and qualify for the UK's 2-year Graduate Route post-study work visa.
Compare options
Same field, different universities
See how this programme compares with computer science master’s at other universities we work with.
Your counsellor helps you compare and apply to multiple programmes simultaneously — at no cost.
Entry requirements
What you'll need
Academic
Bachelor's (first-class / 2:1) in a quantitative discipline — finance, economics, maths, engineering (GPA 3.3+); GMAT/GRE required
English
IELTS 7.0 (no band below 6.5) or TOEFL 100
Documents
Transcripts, SOP, two references, passport
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Not sure you meet these? We offer foundation and pre-master's pathways — your counsellor will find the right route.
What you'll study
Core modules
01 Corporate Finance
02 Asset Pricing
03 Financial Econometrics
04 Derivatives & Risk
05 Portfolio Management
06 Applied Finance Project
After you graduate
Career outcomes
£65,000
Median starting salary for LSE finance graduates
2-year visa
UK Graduate Route post-study work visa
95%
Employed or in further study within 6 months
Top employers
Goldman Sachs, J.P. Morgan, Morgan Stanley, BlackRock, McKinsey
How to apply
Application timeline
October – December 2025
Prepare your application
Gather transcripts, IELTS score, personal statement, and two references. Your counsellor reviews everything free of charge.
January – March 2026
Submit via LSE portal
Apply through LSE's online admissions system. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis — LSE Finance is highly competitive, so early application is strongly recommended.
March – May 2026
Receive your offer
LSE typically responds within 4–8 weeks. Your counsellor follows up on your behalf and helps you accept your offer.
May – August 2026
Visa & accommodation
Pay your deposit, receive your CAS, apply for your Student Route visa, and arrange accommodation in London.
September 2026
Welcome week & start
Arrive in London for orientation and begin your MSc Finance programme.
Fees & funding
Tuition fees & deposit
Tuition (international)
Per annum
£51,000
Deposit
15% of tuition — secures your place
£7,650
IHS (Immigration Health Surcharge)
Per year
£776
Scholarships
Funding you may be eligible for
LSE and the UK government offer strong scholarship options for international students. Your counsellor matches you with every award you qualify for.
LSE Graduate Support Scheme
London School of Economics · Need-based
£5,000–£15,000
Coverage: Partial tuition fee reduction
Eligibility: Enrolled master's students with demonstrated financial need
Duration: Full programme length
Deadline: Varies — typically March for September entry
Source: lse.ac.uk financial support pages, 2026
Chevening Scholarship
UK Government · Fully funded
Full award
Coverage: Tuition + living allowance + flights + visa
Eligibility: 2+ years work experience, return to home country
Duration: 1-year master's programmes
Deadline: November (for September start next year)
Source: chevening.org, 2026
Great Scholarships
British Council · Country-specific
£10,000
Coverage: £10,000 tuition fee reduction
Eligibility: Citizens of 15 eligible countries incl. Egypt, Saudi Arabia
Duration: 1-year postgraduate programmes
Deadline: Varies by university — typically March–May
Source: study-uk.britishcouncil.org, 2026
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Not sure which scholarships you qualify for? Your counsellor reviews every option and handles the applications — at no cost.
Loans & financing
Alternative funding options
Prodigy Finance
International student loan · No collateral
Varies
Covers tuition and living expenses for postgraduate students at top-ranked universities. No cosigner required; rates based on future earning potential.
Part-time work
Earn while you study in London
Up to 20 hrs/week
Student Route visa holders may work up to 20 hours per week during term and full-time during holidays. London is the UK's tech capital — big tech, fintech, and hundreds of startups offer internships and part-time roles for students.
Living costs
Monthly budget in London
London has higher living costs than the rest of the UK, but puts you at the centre of the tech and finance industries — with unmatched access to employers, internships and networks.
Rent (student housing)£800–£1,400
Food & groceries£200–£320
Transport (Oyster)£90–£160
Mobile & internet£20–£35
Books & supplies£20–£40
Personal & leisure£130–£260
Estimated total£1,265–£2,220/month
UKVI maintenance requirement: £1,483/month (in London) for 9 months — you must show this in your bank statements for the visa.
Student visa
Visa requirements for the UK
Visa type
Student Route visa (formerly Tier 4)
CAS required
Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies from LSE
Financial proof
£1,483/month × 9 months = £13,347 (in London)
Health surcharge (IHS)
£776/year — covers NHS access
Visa fee
£490 (standard processing)
Post-graduation
2-year Graduate Route visa — work in any role
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Your counsellor guides you through the full visa process — from CAS letter to biometrics appointment.
Student stories
Hear from our students
"LSE's Finance MSc is demanding but opened every door — I interned at a bulge-bracket bank in London and had a full-time offer before graduating. My counsellor guided the whole application and visa."
AH
Ahmed H.
MSc Finance, LSE — Class of 2025 · 🇪🇬 Egypt
"Studying at LSE in the heart of London opened doors I never imagined — internships, meetups, employers all within reach. It's competitive, but my counsellor made the application and visa completely stress-free."
SF
Sara F.
MSc Finance, LSE — Class of 2026 · 🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What background do I need for the LSE Finance MSc?
You need a strong undergraduate degree (first-class or high 2:1, GPA 3.3+) in a quantitative discipline — finance, economics, mathematics or engineering — plus a competitive GMAT or GRE score. LSE Finance is highly selective.
Can I stay and work in the UK after graduating?
Yes. The 2-year Graduate Route visa lets you stay and work in any role — no job offer needed to apply. After that, your employer can sponsor you for a Skilled Worker visa. London is Europe's largest financial centre, with strong demand for finance graduates.
How much does it cost to live in London as a student?
Budget roughly £1,265–£2,220/month depending on accommodation and lifestyle. Rent is the biggest cost in London. The UKVI maintenance requirement for a London university is £1,483/month for up to 9 months, which you must show in your bank statements for the visa.
Does the programme include a project or placement?
The MSc includes a substantial individual project supervised by LSE researchers, often in collaboration with industry. Ask your counsellor how to position your application towards research or industry-focused projects.
What is the IHS and do I have to pay it?
The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) is £776/year and gives you access to the NHS (UK's public healthcare). It's paid as part of your visa application — not optional for Student Route visa holders.
