Overview
This study abroad program, in partnership with IFSA, allows you to enroll at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), which is known worldwide for its focus on teaching and research across the full range of the social, political, and economic sciences. Located in central London, the university boasts a highly diverse and international student body. This program is only offered for the Academic Year.
Academics
The London School of Economics is world-renowned for its departments of economics, statistics, political science, and social sciences. You will take courses alongside full-degree local students. You will most likely take four year-long courses to make up a full-time course load, worth the equivalent of 32 Columbia points.
Please note that the Academic Calendar at LSE differs from that of Columbia University, starting in late September and ending in mid-June. LSE has two terms of classes, and the students sit exams during the Lent Term Exams and the Summer Term. You will be expected to stay at LSE until you have completed coursework and exams for all your courses.
Program Features
The LSE campus is situated just off Aldwych in central London, adjacent to London's financial center and the hub of government and law. You will live in university accommodations throughout the city. LSE maintains its own set of activities for General Course students. They also actively work to integrate students into life at LSE and the vibrant city of London.
Eligibility
Review eligibility to ensure that you meet all Columbia requirements to study abroad.
Review the external program webpage to understand any additional program prerequisites. Note the program language requirements.
Application Instructions
To apply, you must complete the two steps below. Deadlines vary and some applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Therefore, you should complete the steps below simultaneously:
- To apply for Columbia clearance (approval) to study abroad, click on "Start Your Application" on this webpage. Clearance applications are approved on a rolling basis until the application deadline listed on this webpage.
- To apply for program admission, complete an external application directly on the program webpage. Note that this deadline may be in advance of the Columbia clearance deadline.
- This program is highly selective.
- You should have a 3.5 GPA if applying to study quantitative subjects such as Economics, Mathematics, and Statistics.
- You should have a 3.3 GPA if applying to study qualitative subjects, such as Geography, Government, or Sociology.
- Students applying to the Economics department should already have completed three to four economics courses, including microeconomics and macroeconomics. Students should have also completed two to three math and/or statistics courses.