LSE PhD Studentships

LSE PhD Studentships are tenable for four years and cover full fees and an annual stipend, which for 2025 entry was £22,780. They are available for UK and international students undertaking research in any LSE discipline, with annual renewal subject to satisfactory academic performance.

These awards will be made solely on the basis of outstanding academic merit and research potential. This relates both to your past academic record and to an assessment of your likely aptitude to complete a PhD in your chosen topic in the time allocated.

Academic departments nominate students for consideration by a School panel for all PhD funding opportunities they may be eligible for. There is no separate application for any of these studentships.

To be considered for this funding, you must submit your complete application for admission to LSE by a specific date. This date differs by academic department. Refer to the individual programme page for the relevant deadline information. Find your graduate programme.

• early deadline for the research programme in the Department of Government for 2026 entry: 10 December 2025
• deadline for research programmes in the Department of Economics, Department of Sociology, Department of Gender Studies, Department of International Development and The Law School for 2026 entry (including all eligible funding opportunities): 10 December 2025
• funding deadline for first round of PhD Studentships and for ESRC funding for 2026 entry: 14 January 2026
• funding deadline for second round of PhD Studentships deadline for 2026 entry (some departments only): 27 May 2026

Find out about ESRC Studentships.

More information on how to apply for a place on a PhD programme.