ICL vs LSE: Which is Better?

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 

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. 

Must Know:- Everything you need to know about Imperial College London

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. 

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. 

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. 

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.