Global Experience Award

At LSE, we want our students to be able to have an international experience during their studies. For some students, this means participating in an exchange programme, but we know that a full year overseas will not be suitable for everyone. We also know that not everyone can afford the additional costs that come with taking part in international activities, so the Global Experience Award aims to make a meaningful contribution to help you make it happen. 

By participating in an international experience we hope that you will:

• Have the opportunity to gain a new perspective on your studies or try out something you would not be able to study at LSE
• Experience life in another country and engage with communities from around the world
• Examine your own learning through a new cultural lens
• Develop your independence, resilience, intercultural awareness and other skills that will contribute to your employability
• Have an amazing experience you will remember forever!

You can expect to receive a minimum award of £100 and a maximum award of either £500 or £850 depending on your financial circumstances. We will consider many different factors when calculating your award, including:

• Destination and cost of living
• The proposed duration of your placement
• Flight and associated travel costs
• Mandatory programme fees
• Whether you are in receipt of a needs-based, income assessed bursary or scholarship. Examples include the LSE Bursary, the Care Experienced and Estranged Student Bursary or a needs-based scholarship for international students awarded by LSE

The award aims to make a meaningful contribution to your total costs and you will be responsible for covering any shortfall.

The award can contribute to:

• Travel (flights, eurostar, any mandatory internal travel)

• Visa/immigration fees (if applicable)

• Accommodation

• Programme fees (for core activities such as tuition, application fees, mandatory field trips, conference tickets, museum entry etc).

Ineligible costs include:

• Meals (unless core to the programme, for example a formal conference dinner)

• Discretionary spending (such as leisure activities or travel for optional sightseeing)

LSE undergraduate and master's level students are eligible for the programme. PhD students seeking funding related to their research should apply to other sources such as the Postgraduate Travel Fund or through their studentship or academic unit.  

If you are in your final year of study, your experience must have concluded whilst you are still a registered student at LSE. For example, final year students will not be eligible to apply for funding for an experience that takes place over the summer following their exams.

This is a funding initiative for independently organised experiences. This means that you must source your own placement and make all arrangements yourself. The School is not involved in selecting, approving, arranging, or monitoring your trip or host organisation.

You will complete a short application form indicating your choice of experience and explaining why you want to take part. You will also be asked to submit an estimated budget, outlining the eligible costs you expect to incur. 

If your application for funding is successful and you agree to the full conditions of funding, we will transfer the money to your bank account. You will then be responsible for making all arrangements relating to your participation including travel, accommodation, insurance, visa application (if applicable) and meeting payment deadlines.

If you withdraw from your programme, decide not to participate or do not complete your placement, we will ask you to return the payment. 

Complete a short application form here

The form will stay live until all funds have been allocated. You are advised to apply early - as soon as you have identified a suitable experience and started the application process. 

Please note that applications for experiences that have already taken place will not usually be considered. 

This scheme is administered by the International Strategy and Academic Partnerships team. You can contact us at global@lse.ac.uk.