If you are currently a student pursuing research at another institution, then you may be interested in applying to be a Visiting Research Student (VRS) in the Department, which would enable you to attend courses and benefit from the expertise of the LSE faculty, Library and academic support services for a duration of one term up to one academic year. Please note that a tuition fee is applicable for this period of study (see the programme page link below for more information). You must also demonstrate that you meet the same entrance requirements as those stated for the full MRes/PhD programme (this includes the English language requirement).
We welcome applications that complement the academic interests of members of staff in the Department, and so we recommend that you take a look at our People page before applying. Once you have found an academic whose research interests are similar to your own you should contact them directly, outlining your proposed area of research, to see if they will agree, in principle, to supervise you during your time at LSE.
Please state how long you would like to visit for in your application. LSE term dates can be found here.
More information about the scheme, entrance requirements and how to apply can be found on the VRS Government programme page.
VRS applications can be considered year-round, but ideally they should be submitted by the summer of the preceding academic year (e.g. by 1 July 2025 for a visit in the 2025/6 academic year). If this is not possible, then please submit your VRS application by the corresponding deadline:
- 1 July for AT visits (in the following academic year – WT and ST visits ideally to be applied for by this time, as well)
- 1 October for WT visits in the same academic year
- 1 February for ST & summer visits in the same academic year