Pakistani students can apply for LSE’s fully funded PhDs

The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) is accepting applications for fully funded research scholarships for the 2027-28 academic year, offering international students, including Pakistanis, an opportunity to pursue postgraduate research in the United Kingdom.

The funding is available through Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) Doctoral Training Partnership studentships and LSE PhD Studentships. Eligible candidates applying for the MPhil/PhD in Demography (Social/Formal) can receive financial support for tuition fees and living expenses.

The ESRC studentship currently offers an annual living stipend of £23,805. However, the amount may change before the 2027-28 academic year begins. International students awarded ESRC funding will also receive support from LSE to cover the difference between domestic and overseas tuition fees.

The deadline for submitting a complete application for funding consideration is January 13, 2027.

Programme details

The MPhil/PhD in Demography is offered by LSE’s Department of Methodology. The programme examines population trends and changes related to birth rates, mortality, migration, ageing and family structures.

Students explore demographic issues through quantitative and qualitative research methods, drawing on disciplines such as sociology, economics, geography, social policy and public policy.

The full-time programme normally takes three to four years. Students initially register for an MPhil and undertake research training before progressing to PhD status after meeting the required academic standards. Depending on their qualifications and previous research experience, selected candidates may receive additional research training as part of their funded pathway.

Eligibility criteria

Applicants from different countries, including Pakistan, can apply, although the number of ESRC awards available to international students is limited.

Candidates must meet LSE’s admission requirements for the MPhil/PhD in Demography programme. They are generally expected to hold an upper second-class honours bachelor’s degree or an equivalent qualification, along with a relevant master’s degree with high merit, normally at least 65 per cent or its equivalent.

The master’s dissertation must also meet the university’s high-merit requirements. Relevant academic backgrounds include demography, sociology, economics, social policy, methodology, geography, gender studies and public policy.

Applicants must demonstrate strong academic performance, research potential and an interest in a proposed research topic that aligns with the department’s academic expertise.

English language requirement

Candidates must meet LSE’s research-level English language requirements.

For IELTS Academic, the minimum overall score is 7.0, with at least 7.0 in reading and writing and 6.5 in listening and speaking. The university also accepts PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT and Cambridge English qualifications, subject to its required scores and conditions. Some applicants may qualify for an exemption under LSE’s published criteria.

How to apply

Interested candidates must apply through LSE’s official graduate admissions system and select the MPhil/PhD Demography (Social/Formal) programme for the 2027-28 academic year.

Applicants are required to complete the online form and provide their academic and personal details. Supporting documents include academic transcripts, a CV, a statement of academic purpose, a research proposal and a writing sample.

Candidates must also nominate two referees to submit recommendations directly to the university. Any applicable application assessment fee must be paid as part of the submission process.

Applicants seeking funding should ensure their applications are complete by January 13, 2027. They can consult LSE’s official website at www.lse.ac.uk for programme details, application instructions and the latest scholarship conditions.