5 min read
LSE Summer School isn’t just looking for the leaders of tomorrow – we’re looking for the leaders of today. In 1895, LSE was founded with the mission to improve society through a deeper understanding of social and economic issues and continues that legacy by supporting students who don’t just excel academically, but who actively shape the world around them.
That’s why we’re awarding 15 merit-based Academic Director’s Scholarships to exceptional students enrolled in select LSE Summer School courses, each aligned to one of the five most pressing global challenges:
- Democracy and popular government
- Political economy
- Sustainability
- Inequality
- New technologies
Successful recipients will be recognised not just for academic strength, but leadership, commitment to societal good, and impact beyond the classroom. If you’re awarded the scholarship, your fees for one course will be fully refunded.
Interested? Read on for eligibility, how the process works, and tips on how to make your application stand out.
Are you eligible?
To be considered for the Academic Director’s Scholarship, you must:
- Be a current full-time university student, or have accepted an offer for full-time study in 2026/27
- Have received an offer for one of the eligible LSE Summer School courses
How does the application process work?
- Enrol in one of the eligible courses
- Receive a scholarship application email from the LSE Summer School team (sent only to enrolled students)
- Submit a short application, including:
- Your personal details
- A 2-minute video explaining why you’re applying and how the scholarship supports your wider goals
What the selection panel really wants to see
- Commitment
Why this course? Why now?
Tell us about your motivation to learn and how the Summer School programme will help you develop as a leader.
- Achievements
Share your biggest academic and personal achievements. These don’t need to be flashy – we care about growth, effort and impact.
- Community orientation
How have your achievements positively impacted others? Leadership is rarely solo – show us how you’ve contributed to your community.
- Aims
What are you working towards? Tell us your future goals and how this Summer School course fits into the bigger picture.
We’re looking for well-rounded applicants, not necessarily perfection in every category. Strength in one area can absolutely balance another.
Video tips from the panel
- It doesn’t need to be polished or professional – your phone is more than enough
- Stick to the 2-minute limit
- Be clear, structured and intentional with what you say
- You can upload the video as a file or submit a link (just make sure access is enabled)
As a recipient of the Academic Scholarship, you will:
- Receive a refund equivalent to the cost of one full LSE Summer School course
- Join LSE Summer School’s Student Ambassador programme
- Take part in exclusive scholar events
- Become part of a cohort of 15 high-performing, like-minded students
- Receive a prestigious award that can enhance your CV
The scholarship is more than just a financial reward – it’s recognition of the work you’ve already done and an investment in what you’ll go on to do next.
So, what now?
-
Explore the eligible courses, and see which ones align with the change you want to make in the world.
- Apply for that course, and if you are offered a place, keep an eye out for the scholarship application email heading your way.
Remember, this scholarship is about potential, purpose and impact – we want to hear how your Summer School course can help you reach these, and we welcome your application!
Not ready to apply just yet?
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