The Visiting Research Student (VRS) scheme at the London School of Economics (LSE) offers doctoral researchers from other universities the opportunity to spend one term up to one academic year at LSE. Participants are integrated into research activities within the Department of International Development and the wider School, allowing them to interact with other research students, leverage the expertise of LSE faculty, utilize training resources from the PhD Academy, and access the extensive LSE Library facilities. This scheme is distinct from full LSE doctoral programs as it does not include access to LSE taught courses or comprehensive supervision. The Department of International Development, founded in 1990, is a leading center for postgraduate teaching and research on social, political, and economic development, addressing issues such as poverty, social exclusion, and humanitarian crises across Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East. Faculty members actively engage in policy-relevant research and consultancy with international development agencies. The VRS scheme is designed for students in advanced stages of their doctoral training who are capable of independent research. Prospective applicants are advised to align their research proposals with the academic interests of the department's faculty and establish an advisory relationship with a faculty member prior to application. Students undertaking this program are expected to be self-funded.
Program
Organizer: London School of Economics and Political Science
Host: London School of Economics and Political Science
Timeframe: Academic year 2026/27, starting over the academic year
Duration: 70 days - 210 days
Locations: Europe, United Kingdom, London
Study Area: Social Sciences
Specific Fields: Economics & Demography, Political & International Studies
Application
Criteria: Must hold a taught master’s degree with an overall mark of 65 or above (or equivalent performance in an international qualification) and specifically 65 or above in the dissertation element. Must satisfy LSE's "Higher" level English language requirement. GRE/GMAT scores are highly recommended but not compulsory. Applicants are expected to be self-funded and must secure an agreement-in-principle from an LSE academic to act as an advisor.
Required Degree: Master
Target Degree: PhD
Required Documents:- CV
- Official Transcripts (for each qualification)
- Letter of Recommendation (2)
- Statement of Academic Purpose (1000-1500 words)
- Research Proposal (approx. 1500 words)
- Sample of Written Work (max 3000 words)
- Proof of English Language Proficiency (if applicable)
- Application Assessment Fee (
£95)
- GRE or GMAT scores (if required by program)
Costs & Contact
Stipend: Unpaid.
Cost:
A registration fee of
£104
is required for
2026/27
.
Contact: Online Inquiry Form (via Knowledge Base)
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