We know this is an anxious time for many applicants and offer holders, and we want to reassure you that our Admissions team is working as quickly as possible to process documents, confirm offers and issue CAS statements.

As this is our busiest period of the year, we receive a very high volume of documents and enquiries. Before contacting us, please check our current processing times page, which shows the date of submissions we are currently reviewing and is the best guide to when you can expect an update.

Sending additional emails or live chat enquiries about documents that are already within the published processing times can slow down processing for everyone. Rest assured that we are working through all submissions as quickly as possible, prioritising applications with earlier start dates where required, to ensure students can join us on time.

Thank you for your patience and understanding during this busy period

The Graduate Admissions team is working via a blended model.

All of our systems are online, so we prefer not to receive paper documents, unless that is your only option for supplying independently verifiable official copies, and you must seek permission to send your documents via post. The best way for you to meet any requirements set out in your offer letter is for you to either:

• Share your document with us via an online verification service, such as Digitary, CHESICC (for degrees studied in P.R. China) or eScrip-Safe.

• Send a secure, digitally signed PDF.

• Share your test scores with us by supplying your TRF number (IELTS) or appointment number (TOEFL, GMAT, GRE), or by sharing your Duolingo results with graduate.documents@lse.ac.uk

• Ask your institution/referee to email your documents to us directly at graduate.documents@lse.ac.uk

• Please do not send documents via multiple routes; duplication causes delay.

Other things to note

• If you have recently shared official test results via ETS or GMAC, please self report these using the Graduate Applicant Portal. We can then verify your results. For TOEFL results we require you to provide your name, appointment number and date of birth. For GRE results, we require you to provide your name, date of birth and registration number.

• We send all decisions out as emails only. All of the information you need is in your offer email, and the offer pack is available online (to everyone) at lse.ac.uk/study-at-lse/Graduate/Offer-holders. The email is official notification of your offer.

Please note, from Thursday 26 March 2026 the UK Government  is introducing an emergency brake on new Student visa applications from Afghan, Burmese, Cameroonian or Sudanese nationals. This does not affect current Student visa holders continuing to study at their current institution or visa applications submitted before this date. As LSE will not be able to sponsor new Student visas for nationals of these four countries during this period, we are unable to accept applications from affected students who require a Student visa at this time.

We understand that there may be additional barriers to providing documents or funding studies for those of you domiciled in Ukraine, Gaza or other conflict zones. 

We would like to make you aware of our Access to Education scholarships, for asylum seekers and refugees. Further details can be found here.

If you struggle to obtain documents while completing your application, we can accept screenshots of your grades (from an online portal).

We may also be able to make allowances for those struggling to obtain references or copies of their documentation to meet conditions - please complete the extenuating circumstances form on the Graduate Applicant Portal and we will respond to you as soon as possible.

• We know moving to a new city can be a big change, and with that can come concerns. Whatever the issue, we’re here to help you adjust and thrive in your time at LSE and beyond.  
• We know that you may have worries about getting around London, personal safety and fear for others, so we wanted to remind you of support available.  
• Although there may be some travel advisories in place, this should not impact your ability to join us for the start of term. You should be able to travel as normal in and around London, and all of LSE’s campus and services remain open.  
• However, if you have concerns about your visa or travelling to the UK, get in touch with the Student Advice and Engagement team who can offer guidance and advice on visa issues and concerns.  
• We also want you to know that we do not tolerate harassment, bullying, or discrimination of any kind at LSE. This is set out in our Ethics Code and we take this responsibility extremely seriously. If you encounter, witness, or experience any unacceptable behaviour, tell us, either in person or online – so we can investigate and provide support.  
• The international and cultural diversity of LSE is a source of great strength, and is something that we celebrate, sustain, and support.

How we support our students - what you should know:  

• There's a wealth of support available from the Student Wellbeing Service alongside 24/7 emergency wellbeing support.    
• We have a dedicated Faith Centre on campus which is home to LSE's diverse religious activities and provides a quiet, reflective space for all students and staff.  
• If you’re living in halls, you can reach out to our dedicated Residential teams.  
• Our Security team is available 24/7 on campus for support. 

In exceptional circumstances if you are unable to take one of our preferred tests, it may be possible for you to take an alternative test such as Duolingo or IELTS Indicator and supplement your score by taking the LSE Language Centre Assessment. To request this option, you should complete the extenuating circumstances form on the GAP, giving the reasons why you are unable to take one of the tests below.

Appointments for the LSE LCA are limited and we cannot accommodate people who simply prefer to take this route, or who have had difficulty achieving the required score. 

LSE does not allow deferrals from one academic year to the next unless in exceptional circumstances due to unexpected medical or global events. If you decide that you do not wish to take up your place, you should instead reinstate your application for consideration in the following year. As someone who was previously offered a place it is very likely that you will again be made an offer, but it is fairer to be considered alongside the cohort for entry in the year you actually intend to study. Please note that for technical reasons it is not possible to reinstate your application more than once. If you wish to be considered for a third cycle, you need then to apply from scratch in that year.

LSE stays top in London

LSE continues to be the top-rated university in London, according to the latest Complete University Guide. Find out more here.

If circumstances beyond your control are having an adverse effect on making your application or meeting your offer conditions, you can let us know using the extenuating circumstances form on the GAP.  We will offer what practical advice and help we can.