In a nutshell: LSE undergraduates typically achieve A-level AAA (some programmes A*AA), IB 38+ with 766 at Higher Level, or equivalent qualifications. Law applicants average LNAT ~28/42. For English proficiency, IELTS 7.0, TOEFL 100+, or Cambridge C1 191+ are required. Graduate applicants need 2:1 degrees minimum; Masters programmes targeting finance and economics recommend GMAT 700+. See our LSE admission guide for an overview and the application process guide for next steps.
Undergraduate academic entry requirements
LSE is highly selective, requiring strong academic qualifications from international candidates. While A-levels dominate UK applications, LSE accepts qualifications from systems worldwide. The school does not set rigid grade boundaries but evaluates applications holistically. Strong predicted grades combined with excellent personal statements, references, and (where required) admissions test scores support competitive applications.
A-level grades for LSE
Most LSE undergraduate programmes expect A-level grades of AAA, with some demanding A*AA (typically Law, Mathematics, and Economics). No specific subjects are compulsory, but LSE strongly recommends Mathematics for quantitative programmes and languages for international relations. Students must achieve their predicted grades in their final exams to meet conditional offers. Retakes are possible but may weaken your profile.
| Qualification | Typical Requirement | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| A-levels | AAA (some A*AA) | Strong performance across all subjects required |
| International Baccalaureate (IB) | 38+ with 766 at HL | 38 points minimum, including 7,6,6 at Higher Level |
| French Baccalauréat | 16/20 overall | Very competitive; LSE is highly selective |
| European Baccalaureate | 85%+ overall | Strong performance across all subjects |
| AP (US) | 5,5,5 in relevant | Score of 5 in three AP exams minimum |
International Baccalaureate (IB) scores
IB applicants must achieve 38 points out of 45, with scores of at least 7, 6, 6 at Higher Level. This translates to approximately 88% overall. LSE values breadth and depth demonstrated by the IB curriculum. Strong performance in both Higher and Standard Level subjects is important. Extended Essay and Theory of Knowledge grades contribute to the overall points.
Other international qualifications
French Baccalauréat candidates need 16/20 overall (approximately 80% or higher), making LSE highly competitive for this qualification. European Baccalaureate requires 85% or above. US AP candidates must achieve a score of 5 in three relevant AP exams. Other national qualifications (such as Abitur, Swiss Maturité, etc.) are evaluated case-by-case against LSE’s standards, typically requiring the equivalent of AAA at A-level.
English language proficiency
All applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency unless they have studied in English in the previous two years. LSE accepts IELTS, TOEFL iBT, Cambridge English (C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency), and PTE Academic.
| Test | Minimum Score | Recommended Score | Component Minima |
|---|---|---|---|
| IELTS | 7.0 | 7.5+ | 6.5 in each component |
| TOEFL iBT | 100 | 110+ | R:25, L:22, W:24, S:22 |
| Cambridge C1 Advanced | 191 | 200+ | 176 in each component |
| Cambridge C2 Proficiency | 200 | 215+ | 185 in each component |
| PTE Academic | 69 | 75+ | 62 in each component |
Admissions test scores (LNAT, TMUA)
LSE requires or recommends admissions tests for specific programmes. These are designed to assess reasoning, problem-solving, and subject-specific knowledge beyond standard qualifications.
LNAT (National Admissions Test for Law)
All Law applicants to LSE must sit the LNAT. The test comprises two sections: Section A (reading comprehension and logical reasoning, 5 questions in 35 minutes) and Section B (essay, 35 minutes). Scores range from 1 to 50. Successful LSE applicants average approximately 28/50, though the exact cutoff varies annually. The LNAT tests legal aptitude rather than legal knowledge. Begin preparation 2–3 months before the January deadline.
TMUA (Test of Mathematics for University Admission)
The TMUA is encouraged for Mathematics and Economics applicants, though not formally required. It assesses advanced mathematical reasoning. The test comprises two 75-minute papers, each scored out of 100. Competitive TMUA scores for LSE are typically 140+ out of 200. Performance on this test can significantly strengthen a Mathematics or Economics application.
Graduate and Masters entry requirements
Graduate applicants must hold a Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) with a minimum grade of 2:1 (upper second-class honours). Some prestigious programmes, especially those specialising in economics or finance, prefer or require first-class degrees. Transcripts must be official and in English or officially translated.
Undergraduate degree classification
A 2:1 (65-74% or GPA 3.5/4.0 equivalent) is the absolute minimum for LSE Masters applications. Many competitive programmes prefer or require a 1st (75%+ or GPA 3.8+). Non-UK degree classifications are converted to the UK system for evaluation. Relevant subject matter and strong references also support your candidacy.
GMAT and GRE for specialist Masters
The Master in Management (MiM), MSc Finance, MSc Economics, and several other quantitative Masters programmes require or strongly recommend GMAT or GRE. No official minimum is published, but competitive scores are GMAT 700+ or GRE equivalent (approximately 165+ Quantitative, 160+ Verbal). For finance programmes especially, a score below 680 GMAT may weaken a candidacy.
| Score Level | GMAT | Competitiveness for LSE |
|---|---|---|
| Competitive minimum | 650 | Possible with strong profile |
| Recommended | 700+ | Good for finance/economics MSc |
| Highly competitive | 730+ | Significant advantage |
Graduate English language requirements
All graduate applicants must provide proof of English language proficiency unless their undergraduate degree was taught in English. LSE requires IELTS 7.0 (minimum 6.5 per component), TOEFL 100+ (minimum Reading 25, Listening 22, Writing 24, Speaking 22), or equivalent on Cambridge or PTE tests.
Tips to strengthen your profile
For undergraduates, consistently strong grades across all subjects matter more than a single exceptional score. If taking A-levels, aim for A* or A in subjects relevant to your chosen programme. For LNAT preparation, work through official past papers and practice logic problems daily for at least 8 weeks. For Masters applicants, strong references from university lecturers (rather than workplace supervisors) carry significant weight. Early GMAT/GRE preparation (starting 4–5 months before application) maximises your score. See our LSE application guide for the complete process steps.
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