One year of LSE Global Programmes at Insper, Brazil

Insper marks the first anniversary of offering LSE Global Programmes

Over the past year, students at Insper in São Paulo, Brazil, have combined their local undergraduate studies with an LSE-directed University of London (UoL) degree through the institution's Parallel Degree pathway.

As the first and only institution in Brazil to offer LSE-directed UoL degrees, Insper provides five programmes through this unique pathway, enabling eligible Business Administration and Economics students to earn a second undergraduate degree alongside their Insper qualification.

Just one year after its launch, 19 students are enrolled on the Parallel Degree programme. In 2026/27, two students from the programme will join LSE's General Course, spending a full academic year in London studying alongside LSE students and taking courses from across the School.

Insper is a non-profit higher education and research institution based in São Paulo, with a strong focus on academic excellence, applied research and developing innovative leaders. Its international outlook is supported by more than 130 international agreements, creating opportunities for students to engage with academic perspectives from around the world.

A parallel degree pathway in São Paulo

The Parallel Degree allows eligible Insper students to continue their Business Administration or Economics degree while simultaneously studying towards a UoL BSc with academic direction from LSE, working towards two qualifications while remaining based in São Paulo.

LSE faculty oversee the academic content of the UoL programmes, including curriculum design, core study materials and assessment, while Insper provides the local academic environment and student support.

Our partnership with LSE is an important part of Insper’s commitment to offering students a truly international academic experience. The parallel degree programme brings together the complementary strengths of Insper and LSE, giving students a multidisciplinary and globally connected education while expanding Insper’s international opportunities and partnerships.

Students can currently choose from five programmes:

• BSc Business and Management
• BSc Finance
• BSc Economics and Finance
• BSc Economics
• BSc Economics and Management

Together, the programmes span economics, finance, business and management, offering students the opportunity to broaden their subject knowledge across complementary disciplines and benefit from the distinct academic perspectives of both institutions.

Bringing together different academic perspectives

It is fascinating to see how similar topics are approached from different perspectives. Rather than being repetitive, the learning experiences complement one another, broadening our critical thinking and analytical skills.

Alongside this academic breadth, Maria highlighted how studying in English and balancing the demands of two programmes has strengthened her independence, discipline and confidence.

Studying in English, learning complex subjects in a highly independent way, and balancing different responsibilities without someone guiding every step requires a great deal of discipline, organisation, and commitment.

She also highlighted the support provided by Insper, which has helped make the demands of the Parallel Degree more manageable alongside her existing studies.

Looking ahead

Following a successful first year, LSE Global Programmes and Insper look forward to expanding the opportunities available to students in Brazil through the programme.

As the partnership continues to grow, we look forward to welcoming more students to the programme and building on the strong foundations established during its first year.