Finding the right scholarship programme or funding opportunity to support you financially whilst at LSE is a unique journey that can be daunting for some. Conducting thorough research into the most appropriate scholarship or funding opportunity is crucial, as is applying well in advance. We strongly advise prospective students to have a plan mapped out for this before applying to LSE.
To help prospective students understand how best to prepare, we have asked our ID Student Ambassadors to share their experiences and provide advice on the process.
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Rachelle Angela Ramos, MSc Economic Policy for International Development
Scholarship: Philippine Government Staff Development Program for Competition Law and Policy
What was the process from application to arrival for your funding/scholarship?
The process largely depends on the scholarship. But it usually involves the submission of an essay and recommendation letters. For the essay, some scholarships, like Chevening, require applicants to answer a set of essays designed to screen applicants that match Chevening’s mission and goals. Some scholarships only require applicants to send a general essay detailing their statement of purpose and why they are fit for the scholarship. Then, applicants must also submit two to three recommendation letters from their referees. The type of referee depends on the scholarship provider; some require professional recommendations, while some require academic recommendations.
Some scholarships have an additional screening process in addition to an essay and recommendation letters. This may include interviews for applicants who pass the initial screening or a requirement to submit a capstone project as part of the application process.
What advice do you have for someone looking for funding/scholarships?
Know more about the scholarship you are applying for, such as its mission, goals, funding organisation, past scholars, etc. This will enable you to tailor your application/essay based on the type of scholars the organisation seeks. If available, search for a scholarship that matches your experience and academic background because funding organisations usually look for scholars that match their mission.
Referees and their recommendation letters are an important part of any scholarship applications and decisions. As such, find referees who know your capabilities and potential well enough to write a precise recommendation letter that signals this. Check the referee requirement of the scholarship you are applying for (i.e. professional or academic) to ensure you provide the correct referees and recommendation letters.
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Farzana Abdikadir Ibrahim, MSc Development Management (Applied Development Economics)
Scholarship: Chevening Scholarship
What was the process from application to arrival for your funding/scholarship?
From the start, I decided that I wanted to study at LSE only, so I put all my efforts into applying to both internal and external scholarship opportunities.
Secure your place at LSE: Some scholarships require you to be an offer holder at the time of the application, so make sure you have secured your place early.
Application cycles: Know the opening periods for the different scholarships to apply for in advance.
Required documents and Referees: Read through the website and prepare all the required documents. Inform your referees in advance, as they will be crucial in determining whether you meet the deadlines.
What advice do you have for someone looking for funding/scholarships?
The program is short and intense, and you may not be able to cover your costs through part-time work while keeping up with your studies. If you know you require funding to study in the UK, please ensure you have secured enough funding to sustain yourself and enjoy the student experience without pressure.
LSE’s internal GSS funding is the best if you know you only need partial funding. The full scholarship at LSE is competitive, so be sure to submit a stellar application. Results come out in late July.
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Edgar Buberwa, MSc Development Management (Applied Development Economics)
Scholarship: Chevening Scholarship
What was the process from application to arrival for your funding/scholarship?
I was fortunate to be awarded both Chevening and Commonwealth Shared Scholarships to study at LSE, eventually choosing Chevening. Here is the process for both:
Chevening Scholarship: This is a full scholarship by the UK government supporting Master’s study at any UK university for a year, typically for candidates from developing countries. This was my second attempt, so I was familiar with the process and questions asked. Applications open around August each year and close in late October for consideration for the next academic year. I reviewed the Chevening website and other materials to understand where I went wrong the first time and re-applied. A few months after submission, I was shortlisted for an interview. I prepared extensively using online materials and experiences from other scholars. I passed the interview and received my final confirmation in July before the academic year began.
Commonwealth Shared Scholarship: This scholarship is jointly funded by LSE and the Commonwealth, hence “shared.” It is different from other Commonwealth Master’s scholarships, which have a slightly different application process. This scholarship is for candidates from the least developed and lower-middle-income Commonwealth countries. For the ID department, the following programs are currently eligible:
– MSc Development Management
– MSc International Development and Humanitarian Emergencies
– MSc Health and International Development
The application process involves three steps:
1. Apply for admission to one of the eligible programs at LSE.
2. Submit a separate application via the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship web page by the deadline.
3. Submit the LSE Graduate Financial Support Application via the LSE Graduate Applicant Portal by the deadline.
If successful, you will be asked to provide references and wait for final confirmation from both institutions, typically around June/July before the academic year begins.
What advice do you have for someone looking for funding/scholarships?
When searching for funding/scholarships, it’s crucial to cast a wide net and explore both internal and external scholarships. There is likely something out there for you.
Don’t forget to submit the LSE Graduate Financial Support Application via the LSE Graduate Applicant Portal as soon as possible, ideally before the deadline, to be considered for any other LSE Scholarships you may be eligible for. For instance, there is an external scholarship called Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program that candidates in Development Management and Development Studies from developing countries are eligible. LSE prompted me to apply for it because of my eligibility, I am sure if there were more of these scholarships, I would still be prompted because I submitted the LSE Graduate Financial Support Application on time.
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Ika Kartika Sari, MSc Development Studies
Scholarship: Ministerial Scholarship from Indonesia’s Ministry of Finance
What was the process from application to arrival for your funding/scholarship?
In 2022, I was awarded a fully funded scholarship from Indonesia’s Ministry of Finance. The selection process took approximately three months and involved several stages: initial screening, academic substantive test, psychological test, essay, interview, and finally, award notification. There was generally a 2–3 weeks interval between each stage. This timeline can vary slightly depending on the specific scholarship or funding program. My scholarship targets the ministry’s employees, but other options exist, such as the Endowment Fund for Education Agency (LPDP), the largest of Indonesia’s scholarship programs. The LPDP’s selection process typically takes 5-6 months, including initial screening, scholastic and substantive tests, and an interview.
What advice do you have for someone looking for funding/scholarships?
Pursuing a scholarship can be a challenging journey, and I have two key pieces of advice:
Research Extensively: Thoroughly research various scholarship options to make informed decisions. This helps you find scholarships that align with your profile, preferred benefits, and timeline. Effective decision-making is crucial in scholarship hunting, and having a backup plan is also a wise strategy.
Seek Feedback and Mentorship: Find a mentor or friends who can provide constructive feedback on your application materials, such as essays and personal statements. Additionally, practising mock interviews can be incredibly beneficial.
The views expressed in this post are those of the author and do not reflect those of the International Development LSE blog or the London School of Economics and Political Science.
Featured image credit: LSE Campus. LSE.
