ICL vs LSE: Which London University is Right for You?

Table of Contents

This page is dedicated to two of the most prestigious universities in the world; Imperial College London (ICL) and the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE). These two universities are known for their quality education, unique programs and teaching style, higher employability rate, and supportive student community. This page will discuss all the major differences between ICL and LSE for students planning to study at these great institutions. Also, we will be discussing some of the best scholarship opportunities and nearby student accommodation in London. Let’s get started.

Highlights Table

Particulars	Imperial College of London	London School of Economics and Political Science
QS Rank 2025	#2	#50
Acceptance Rate	14.7%	8.9%
Intakes	January	January/ April/ September
Established In	1907	1900
Campuses	South Kensington White City	LSE Building
Popular Courses	Computing and Data Science Mechanical Engineering Materials and Science Engineering Biotechnology Legal Studies	Accounting and Finance Actuarial Science International Social and Public Policy Econometrics and Mathematical Economics Economic History and Geography
Annual Tuition Fees	£9,250 to £44,100	£9,250 to £35,750
Official Website	https://www.imperial.ac.uk/	https://www.lse.ac.uk/

About Universities

ICL and LSE are both top-ranked universities. Global and regional ranking organizations like QS, Times Higher Education (THE), Shanghai Ranking Consultancy, and others have ranked these two universities at the top of the chart.

Imperial College of London

Imperial College London has jumped to #2 in the QS World University Rankings List 2025 and is ranked #1 in the UK. This century-old university was once home to great minds like Brian May, Rajiv Gandhi, David Irving, and many others. ICL has two campuses; South Kensington and White City and these campuses are home to top research facilities and some of the most innovative businesses in the entire world. On top of this, ICL has an acceptance rate of 14.7% only, making the admission process somewhat challenging.

London School of Economics and Political Science

The London School of Economics and Political Science is ranked #50 in the QS World University Rankings list 2025 and is globally recognized for excellent research quality and impact. LSE has a leading world-class faculty in fields like social sciences, economics, and international relations. It has an acceptance rate of only 8.9%, making the application process very selective. Today, LSE alumni are among the most successful people in the world, with some listed as the richest people in Forbes Magazine.

Popular Courses and Tuition Fees

Popular courses at ICL are BSc in Chemistry, Medicine, and Biotechnology, etc. At LSE, popular courses are BSc in Economic History and Geography, BSc in Finance, Economics and more. Both these universities have specialized courses in fields like engineering, accounting and finance, law, medicine and science, arts, humanities, and social sciences.

Imperial College London Courses

Here are some of the most popular courses at ICL and their annual tuition fees for domestic and international students.

Courses	Annual Tuition Fees (Domestic)	Annual Tuition Fees (International)
BSc Biochemistry	£9,250	£41,650
BSc Biological Sciences	£9,250	£41,650
BSc Economics, Finance, and Data Science	£9,250	£39,100
BEng Computing	£9,250	£40,940
MEng Aeronautical Engineering	£9,250	£40,940

London School of Economics and Political Science Courses

Here are some of the most popular courses at LSE and their annual tuition fees for domestic and international students.

Courses	Annual Tuition Fees (Domestic)	Annual Tuition Fees (International)
BSc in Political Science and International Relations	£9,250	£29,200
BSc Psychological and Behavioral Sciences	£9,250	£29,200
LLB	£9,250	£34,000
BSc Politics	£9,250	£27,500
BSc Mathematics and Economics	£9,250	£34,000
MSc Statistics	£17,424	£27,480
MPhil/ PhD Media and Communications	£4,786	£22,632

Affordable Student Accommodation

ICL and LSE have their on-campus university halls where undergraduate and postgraduate students are offered housing facilities for the entire course. ICl’s on-campus university halls are:

Beit Hall
Eastside Hall
Kemp Porter Buildings
Southside Halls
Wilson House
Woodword Buildings

Just like ICL, LSE too offers on-site university halls to over 4000 students every year. Here are all the London School of Economics and Political Science’s on-campus accommodations:

Sidney Webb House
Bankside House
Butler’s Wharf Residence
Carr-Saunders Hall
High Holborn Residence
Passfield Hall
Rosebery Hall

Apart from the university halls, there are private student accommodation and rentals too. The table below highlights the nearest student accommodation to ICL and LSE.

Imperial College London	London School of Economics and Political Science
Chapter Portobello	Chapter Spitalfields
Chapter Westminster	Chapter Aldgate
Chapter South Bank	Islington II Residence
Dashwood Studios Residence	Scape Mile End Canalside
Chapter Kings Cross	Chapter Portobello
Chapter White City	Chapter Lewisham
Chapter Old Street	IQ Paris Gardens
Chapter Islington	Chapter White City
Chapter Ealing	Bloomsbury Residence
Chapter Highbury II	Scape Bloomsbury

Top Scholarships

There are exciting scholarship opportunities for students with exceptional academic records at ICL and LSE. Scholarships at ICL and LSE offer financial assistance to eligible students, which covers either full or partial tuition fees, and living expenses.

Imperial College London Scholarships

Here are some of the best scholarships offered by Imperial College London.

A&BK Scholarships
African Regional Scholarships
Alan Howard Scholarships
Anas M Tannir Scholarships
Aziz Foundation Masters Scholarships
Ceres Scholarships
Cowrie Foundation Scholarships
Deans Impact Scholarships (MBA)

London School of Economics and Social Science Scholarships

Here are some of the best scholarships offered by the London School of Economics and Social Sciences.

LSE Stelios Scholarships.
LSE Undergraduate Support Scheme
Rajeeb Mukherjee Memorial Scholarship
The Beacon Scholarship at LSE
Goldman Sachs – Kyri Loupis Scholarship
Kadas Scholarship
Pestalozzi International Foundation Scholarships

Conclusion

Imperial College London and the London School of Economics are two of the greatest universities in the world. Both these institutes are globally recognized for their quality education, academic excellence, career prospects, and supportive student environment. On one side, ICL is the 2^nd best university in the world, and on the other, LSE has world-class leading experts in multiple fields. It is surely a tough call to make between ICL and LSE, but these are great institutions with a selective application process, where only the best are admitted.