To ensure you are able to attend the programme please read the below advice on visa requirements, obtaining a visa letter and getting your visa queries answered.
Please note, as visa regulations change frequently students are strongly advised to browse LSE's International Student Visa Advice Team (ISVAT) pages for information and advice. For those requiring a visa, we recommend applying for this as early as possible, as the visa process can often be very lengthy.
Do I need a visa to study at the Tools for Macroeconomists Programme?
Whether you need a visa will depend on a number of personal factors including your nationality. To check whether or not you need a visa to study on the Tools for Macroeconomists programme, please visit the UKBA website.
UK/EU/EEA nationals
You do not normally need to apply for a visa in order to study at the Tools for Macroeconomists programme.
Nationals of Australia, Brazil, Canada, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Singapore, Hong Kong, South Korea and USA
You do not normally need to apply for a visa in order to study at the Tools for Macroeconomists programme, though you must request immigration permission as a student visitor when you enter the UK. In order to do so you must inform immigration when you arrive that you are in the UK to study on a short course (less than 6 months).
You will need a printout of your offer email so that you have the details to hand as well as documents showing that you meet the rules for Student Visitors. To check the rules, go to the International Student Visa Advice Team (ISVAT) page
All other countries (incl. India, Pakistan, Turkey, China and Russia)
Students from all other countries will normally need to apply for a Short-term Study visa in order to study at the Tools for Macroeconomists programme and will therefore require a visa letter. Other requirements and timescales differ depending on the country so it is advisable to check with ISVAT or contact your local British embassy, as the Programme Office cannot provide further information on visa requirements. As the process of obtaining a visa can take up to 6 weeks you are advised to apply for your visa as early as possible.
You will not be allowed to study at the Programme if you have an incorrect visa (e.g. tourist visa).
How can I receive a visa letter?
We will provide students with a Tools for Macroeconomists visa letter that can be used for their visa application. Please note, the letter has been designed following instructions from the visa authorities and cannot be amended to suit individual requests.
Visa letter requirements
Before requesting a Tools for Macroeconomists programme visa letter pleas ensure you have:
- Paid your tuition fees
- Paid your accommodation fees (If you will be staying in LSE Halls)
If you are arranging your own accommodation we will state this on the letter.
Delivery options
There are two delivery options, we can either post visa letters out via regular mail or, at an additional charge, we can instruct a DHL courier.
- Click Here to order a Visa Letter by Regular Post (Free)
Please note, regular post can take up to 4-6 weeks for delivery to some parts of the world.
- Click Here to order a Visa Letter by DHL Courier(£50 charge)
Trackable delivery, usually within 2-5 days
Can you answer my visa query?
Unfortunately the Tools for Macroeconomists Team are not qualified to answer visa questions. However, the LSE has its own team, the International Student Visa Advice Team, dedicated to providing visa advised to programme participants.
Contact ISVAT
Information and advice can be found on their Webpages.
If you cannot find the required information, questions can be asked by completing their Web Query Form.