Sciences Po, formally the Paris Institute of Political Studies.It encompasses approximately 15,000 students, with almost 50% from around the world. It receives highly competitive admissions, which have an estimated acceptance rate of approximately 10%. The graduation rate is excellent at more than 85%, and graduates, particularly from its Master's degrees, receive average starting salaries of EUR €40,000–45,000 (INR 36–40 lakhs) per year, with higher salaries for international jobs.
The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), London. It has approximately 12,000 students, more than 70% of whom are international. Admissions are highly competitive with an acceptance rate of approximately 9%. LSE has a graduation rate well over 90%, and its alumni command average starting salaries of GBP £35,000–40,000 (INR 36–41 lakhs) per annum, frequently higher in the finance, consulting, and policy domains.
| Sciences Po | London School of Economics and Political Science | |
|---|---|---|
| ranking (overall) | # 367 QS World University 2026 # 601 Times Higher Education 2026 # 350 QS World University 2025 | # 4 The Guardian 2026 # 52 Times Higher Education 2026 # 56 QS World University 2026 |
| Subject Strength | # 76 for Law by QS World University 2025 | # 51 for Data Science and Analytics by QS World University 2025 # 201 for Medicine by QS World University 2025 # 1 for Law by The Guardian 2026 |
| Programs | UG Programs -1 PG Programs -12 Doctorate Programs -1 | UG Programs -33 PG Programs -60 |
| Acceptance Rate | 10.0 % | 9.0 % |
| Exam Score | GRE-310 IELTS-7 TOEFL-100 | GMAT-681 GRE-319 IELTS-7 PTE-65 TOEFL-100 |
| Cost to Study | Average Tuition Fees 15776 [For UG Program] Average Tuition Fees 21839 [For PG Program] Hostel + Meal - 560 Per Year | Average Tuition Fees 27489 [For UG Program] Average Tuition Fees 32457 [For PG Program] Hostel + Meal - 43577 Per Year |
| placement (average package) | Some programs and the average salary are: MBA: $125,000 Executive MBA: $96,000 Masters in Finance: $70,000 Other Degree: $69,000 Masters in Science: $67,000 LLM: $61,000 | Graduate Employability Ranking 2020: 45; Top paying degrees with annual salary are MBA: 159,000 USD, Executive MBA: 151,000 USD, PhD: 144,000 USD, LLM: 120,000 USD |
| application requirements | Submit official transcripts Submit personal statement Submit recommendations Submit language proficiency scores | 87% in previous degree for most programs; Personal Statement; at least 2 recommendation letters; CV |
Top Courses Comparison
| ranking | # 76 for Law by QS World University 2025 # 501 for Law by Times Higher Education 2023 | # 1 for Law by The Guardian 2026 # 6 for Law by QS World University 2025 # 13 for Law by Times Higher Education 2025 |
| exam scores | GRE - 310/340IELTS - 7/9TOEFL - 100/120 | IELTS - 7.0/9PTE - 70/90TOEFL - 100/120 |
| cost to study | Total Cost (Tuition + Living) -21839 | Total Cost (Tuition + Living) -54900 |
| documents required | #Letter of Recommendation + Statement of Purpose | #Letter of Recommendation + Statement of Purpose |
| application dates | Feb 23, 2025 (Application Deadline For 2025 Intake) | Jan 14, 2026 (Equal Consideration Deadline 2026 Intake) |
Other Popular Comparisons
| General Facts | Sciences Po | London School of Economics and Political Science |
|---|---|---|
| Type of University | University | School |
| Established | 1872 | 1895 |
| Student:Faculty Ratio | :1 | 12:1 |
| Male:Female | 0% Male, 0% Female | 48% Male, 52% Female |
| Location Facts | Sciences Po has seven campuses in France, with each specialising in different regions of the globe. Paris campus | Has one campus in central London close to River Thames, Covent Garden and Theatreland and the Royal Court of Justice; Houses of Parliament is are also easily accessible from the campus |
| Library | With a catalogue of nearly 1 million documents and a wide range of digital resources, THE SCIENCES PO library is recognized as a reference library for the SOCIAL SCIENCES IN EUROPE. | 3 libraries: British Library of Political and Economic Science (main), Shaw Library, Women’s Library; Main library has 4 million print volumes, 60,000 online journals, 29,000 electronic books |
| Campus Life | The Department of Campus Life & Student Engagement (DVCE) and the student life teams across all the campuses are dedicated to student success, notably by encouraging students to develop a sense of self-fulfilment, engagement and wellbeing in their daily lives. This guide opens the doors to all the possibilities that student activities, culture and sport offer you at Sciences Po. Depending on your campus, some 45 different sports are on offer: from basketball, boxing, dance, football and martial arts, through to rowing, rugby, sailing, squash, stretching, swimming or zumba, there’s bound to be an activity to suit you. Film Week, Writers’ Day, Arts Week, festivals and public speaking competitions: The student associations on each campus invite you to participate in the numerous cultural events they organise. Every year, some 300 student associations and initiatives of all kinds contribute to the dynamism of student life at Sciences Po, and around 1 500 events are organised across all the Sciences Po campuses. | Over 200 societies including Student Union’s clubs, societies, media and representation; volunteering and charity; public lectures; arts and music; faith and reflection; Saw Swee Hock Student Centre has main office of Student’s Union, cafes, pubs, nighclub, study spaces, gym and Residential Service Office. |
| Hostel | #Residence Room - $560 | #Single Studio Room - $13416 #Single Room - $14833 #Single En-suite Room - $15328 |
| Famous Alumni | Boutros Boutros-Ghali (1922–2016), United Nations Secretary-General (1992–1996) | Susan Rasky (journalist); Ursula von der Leyen (first female President of European Commission); Vanessa Kerry (physician); Daniel Akerson (former CEO of General Motors); Amartya Sen (Nobel laureate, economist); Leonid Hurwicz (Nober laureate, economist) |
| City Life | France is a country beloved by many, but Paris is the glittering jewel in France’s crown. For millions of people, the City of Light embodies the ultimate in romance, elegance, culture, and all things beautiful and refined. Almost every passion can be indulged here. Whether you’re a history or art buff, a wine fanatic or a fashionista, an impassioned foodie or someone who simply enjoys watching life unfold from a café terrace, you can find your home in Paris. With an average of 18 million visitors every year, Paris is one of the most visited cities in the world–and one of the most cosmopolitan. Thousands of foreigners resettle in Paris every year, each seeking to drink in the city’s charms and discover what it truly means to live as a Parisian. | London ranks 1st in QS News Best Student Cities for 2019; With some amazing bars, buzzing night clubs, and restaurants at its doorstep, London is among the top cities to live in UK. Even though the city is comparatively expensive locations, you can find student discounts while shopping, eating, as well as traveling in London. It is a global capital of culture with hundreds of museums, festivals, live performances, etc and thousands of open spaces, and green parks. The unemployment rate was around 4.4% in 2019. It is one of the highest paying cities in UK |
| Weather | - |
Sciences Po vs London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)
Subject Strength & Global Rankings (2025/2026)
The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) is among the global top-tier institutions in the social sciences. It places in around 56 internationally in QS 2026. Paris-based Sciences Po is 367 worldwide in QS 2026,in Politics and International Studies and top ranked in Sociology, Development Studies, and Law. Both institutions are preeminent in political and social sciences.
General Information
LSE, established in 1895 in London, UK, is a specialist public research university with ~12,000 students from more than 150 countries, famous for its cosmopolitan student body and research-informed teaching. Sciences Po, established in 1872, is a French selective grande école, with ~14,000 students on its Paris campus and regional campuses, famous for its policy, politics, and international studies emphasis and close connections to French and European governance.
Acceptance Rate & Admissions
Both schools are very competitive. LSE accepts 9% of applicants, focusing on academic achievement, analytical skill, and leadership potential. Sciences Po accepts 10%, using a holistic strategy that considers academics, interviews, and extracurricular activity.
Research Impact & Facilities
LSE leads the world in social sciences research, having advanced centers in economics, law, governance, and international relations, and publishing some of the most widely cited material in these fields. Sciences Po is a leading platform for policy-focused research, especially in political science, public administration, and European studies, and has strong connections with governments, NGOs, and international organizations
Cost & Financial Aid
LSE costs £25,000–28,000 annually for international students, with limited need-based aid and scholarships. Sciences Po offers more variable tuition (€0–19,000 a year), depending on parental income, and gives significant financial aid, particularly to EU and international students. Sciences Po could be the better value for most students.
Career Outcomes & Alumni Success
LSE has internationally renowned graduates in economics, law, politics, finance, and academia with high placement in international organizations, government, consultants, and world universities. Sciences Po alumni are very influential in French politics, European Union institutions, international organizations, journalism, and diplomacy, with both schools having world leaders, policymakers, and Nobel laureates as their alums, LSE having wider global influence while Sciences Po has unparalleled influence in Europe and global policy-making.
