LSE Discretionary Bursaries

LSE Discretionary Bursaries are available to UK students with exceptional financial needs. They are intended as a top up to the standard LSE Bursary, or can be awarded if a student’s household income falls outside of the sliding scales.

You must have applied for all statutory support available to you to be considered for an LSE Discretionary Bursary. If you are already entitled to the maximum value LSE Bursary of £4000 we are unable to award an LSE Discretionary Bursary.

Discretionary Bursaries are made in exceptional circumstances. This might include for example, caring responsibilities, financial need related to disability or an unavoidable requirement to live at home.

The value of the award may vary according to need but is not expected to exceed a total of £4,000 combined with the LSE Bursary. The LSE Bursary scales will be used to calculate your entitlement, however you can request for a Discretionary Bursary to be topped up if your family’s income does not reflect their ability to support you.

These bursaries do not have to be repaid. 

Once you've received an offer of admission (conditional or unconditional), you can apply for this bursary. Please complete the Undergraduate Scholarship application form. By completing this form, you will ensure that you receive consideration for this and any other LSE scholarship(s) which you meet the eligibility criteria for.

2021 entry

The deadline for the receipt of applications for discretionary bursaries is: 31 August 2021, for entry in September 2021.

Please note, the regular funding deadline for UK students is 1 June 2021, so if you would like to be considered for other funding as well, you should submit the completed application form by 1 June 2021.

An updated version of the application form you need to complete will be added to this webpage at the end of January 2021, with guidance on how to complete and submit your application for consideration. You will also need to submit an academic reference. 

You will be notified of the outcome of your application for a Discretionary Bursary once we have had confirmation of your LSE Bursary entitlement. You can be awarded a maximum of £4,000 from both sources combined.

Discretionary bursaries will be paid at the start of each term. Students offered a Discretionary bursary will be given more information on how to receive their termly payments. 

You will be assessed whether you are eligible for a renewal of the discretionary bursary depending on your academic progression and your financial situation.