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Do I need a visa to study at the Summer School?
LSE has a specialist Student Advice and Engagement Team, which can assist Summer School students in applying for visas. If you have questions about visas please complete their online query form.
If you do need a visa to travel to Summer School, you should make sure that you apply for your Summer School place as soon as possible to ensure there is enough time for the visa process.
What if my visa is refused?
If your visa is refused we will refund you the following amounts:
| Date of Withdrawal | Tuition Fee Refund (%) |
|---|---|
|
At least 30 calendar days before Commencement Date |
100 |
|
14-29 calendar days before Commencement Date |
50 |
|
Fewer than 14 calendar days before Commencement Date |
No refund |
If you receive a visa refusal you may wish to contact LSE's Student Advice and Engagement Team who can give you advice on how to proceed. Only questions relating to the refund of Summer School tuition fees should be directed to the Summer School office.
If my visa is refused can I get a refund on my accommodation fees?
The accommodation refunds are separate from tuition fee refunds. 100% refunds are available for accommodation cancellations made at least 21 days in advance. Please contact the Accommodation office directly for more information; residences.summerschool@lse.ac.uk.
Can I leave the country at weekends during Summer School?
Check with LSE's Student Advice and Engagement Team to see whether travel outside of the UK during the programme is allowed on your visa type. If you have a standard visitor visa and are a visa national, the visa vignette in your passport is likely to be multiple entry and therefore you can leave and re-enter the UK during your course while your visa is valid.
If you are a non-visa national and request to enter the UK as a standard visitor, the stamp you get on your passport is only for single-entry (as is entering via the e-Gates if you’re an e-Gate national). Therefore, if you leave and re-enter the UK during your time at Summer School, you will need to request to enter the UK as a standard visitor again at the border or come in via the e-Gates again to ensure you have the correct immigration permission to continue at Summer School. You should carry documents confirming your place at Summer School in your hand luggage to show at the border if asked and evidence of finances to show that you can support yourself while in the UK.
When should I apply for a Visa Letter?
You will need a visa letter from the Summer School office to apply for your visa (if you are a visa national) or to show at the UK border (if you are a non-visa national). You should request this from the LSE eShop ('Visa Letter PDF Copy') as soon as possible once you have paid your tuition fees (and accommodation fees if staying in LSE accommodation).
It is advisable to make tuition and accommodation (if staying in LSE halls) fee payments as early as possible not only to secure your place, but also to ensure that you can apply for and receive your visa in time for the start of the programme. It is now possible to apply for your visa using a PDF copy of your visa letter.
Who provides me with a Summer School Visa Letter?
The Summer School office will provide you with a visa letter. Please note the Student Advice and Engagement Team do not issue visa letters.
How do I request a Summer School visa letter?
You can request a Summer School visa letter on LSE online store eShop once you have received an offer of a place, paid your tuition fees in full and accommodation fees if staying in LSE accommodation.
There are two options for receiving your Summer School visa letter: a PDF copy via email, or a hard copy via courier. Letters sent via courier are subject to an additional fee. You can also request a visa letter to be collected from the LSE Summer School Office by a friend or relative. If you would like to do this you will need to contact us directly to make arrangements.