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UNITED KINGDOM · LONDON

London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, University of London

public · Founded 1899 · Languages: English

In short

The London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) is a world-leading postgraduate institution in public and global health, located in central London. It offers a wide range of specialist programmes with a diverse international student body.

Key facts

Type: Public
Founded: 1899
Students: 4,500
International students: 3,200
Acceptance rate: 35%
Tuition (intl): €16–28k/yr
Languages: ENGLISH
Location: London, United Kingdom

The London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) is a world-leading postgraduate institution specialising in public health, epidemiology, and tropical medicine, founded in 1899 in Bloomsbury, London. As a member of the University of London, LSHTM enrolls around 4,500 students from over 140 countries and is ranked among the top public health schools globally. Its research has directly shaped WHO policy, malaria vaccine development, COVID-19 pandemic response, and control programmes for HIV, tuberculosis, and neglected tropical diseases.

Why study here

Join a world top-100 university exclusively focused on public and global health — unmatched depth of expertise and reputation in the sector.
Choose from 30+ MSc programmes taught on campus in London or fully online, covering epidemiology, global health, infectious disease, health economics, and more.
Gain access to a research community that has produced Nobel laureates, WHO advisors, and leading figures in international health policy.
Benefit from a uniquely international cohort: over 70% of students come from outside the UK, making LSHTM a true global health network.
Graduate into high-demand roles at WHO, UNICEF, MSF, CDC, national health ministries, and academic research institutions worldwide.

Student life

LSHTM's Bloomsbury campus places students in the heart of London's academic quarter, steps from the British Museum and University College London. The relatively small, specialist student body creates a tight-knit, collaborative atmosphere. The Students Union organises social events, journal clubs, and global health symposia. Distance learning students join a vibrant online community with live tutorials and virtual networking. London's cultural richness, diverse food scene, and global connections complement the intensive academic programme.

Fees

InternationalApproximately EUR 16,000-28,000 per year for international (non-UK) students depending on programme (online programmes are typically lower).

HomeApproximately EUR 13,000-20,000 per year for UK students.

LivingApproximately EUR 1,500-2,200 per month in London including rent, food, and transport; student accommodation available from GBP 1,000/month.

Distance learning MSc programmes are charged per module and typically cost 30-40% less than on-campus equivalents. Numerous scholarships are available. EU students are charged at international rates post-Brexit.

Admissions

AcademicGood undergraduate degree (minimum 2:1 UK equivalent or international equivalent) in a relevant subject; some programmes require medical or public health professional experience.

Professional experienceMost MSc programmes prefer applicants with at least 1-2 years of relevant work experience in health, research, or related fields.

ReferencesTwo academic or professional references required.

Personal statementStatement of purpose outlining career goals and relevance of the chosen programme.

IELTS Academic7.0 overall, minimum 6.5 in each component

TOEFL iBT100

PTE Academic68

Rankings

QS World University Rankings 202498

THE World University Rankings 2024 – Clinical, Pre-clinical and HealthTop 50

QS Subject Rankings – MedicineTop 50 globally

University scholarships

LSHTM Master's ScholarshipsFull or partial tuition fee waiver; competitive, merit-based

Wellcome Trust StudentshipsFull funding for PhD and some MSc research students

Commonwealth ScholarshipsFull tuition + stipend for students from Commonwealth developing countries

Gates Cambridge ScholarshipsFull cost of study and living for exceptional students nominated by LSHTM

Accreditation

LSHTM holds Royal Charter (1924) and is a member institution of the University of London. Its degrees are awarded by the University of London or by LSHTM directly. The institution is registered with the UK Office for Students (OfS) and all programmes are quality-assured through standard UK higher education mechanisms.

For international students

United Kingdom

Student visa & funds

International students apply for the UK Student visa, which replaced the former Tier 4 (General) route. You need an unconditional offer from a licensed student sponsor and must show maintenance funds held for at least 28 consecutive days. As of November 2025 the requirement is £1,529 per month (for up to nine months) for courses in London and £1,171 per month for courses elsewhere, on top of tuition. Students who have already held a UK visa for 12 months, and nationals of certain low-risk countries, are exempt from evidencing the funds.

Working while you study

On a degree-level course at a licensed higher-education provider, you may work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during official vacation periods; sub-degree courses are capped at 10 hours per week. There is no distinction between on-campus and off-campus work, but self-employment and working as a professional sportsperson or coach are not permitted. Once you have completed all course requirements you may work full-time until your visa expires.

After you graduate

Graduates of an eligible UK degree can apply for the Graduate visa (the Graduate Route) without needing an employer sponsor. As of 2026, bachelor’s and master’s graduates receive two years of open work permission and PhD graduates receive three years. Under the 2025 immigration reforms, applications made on or after 1 January 2027 will grant 18 months instead of two years for non-doctoral qualifications, while PhD holders keep three years.

English tests

IELTSUG 6.0–6.5; PG 6.5–7.0; competitive/Russell Group courses up to 7.0–7.5
TOEFL iBTUG 80–90; PG 90–100; top research universities 100+
PTE AcademicUG 51–65; PG 59–75

Main intakes

SeptemberJanuary

Typical living cost

€1,400/month

Approximate all-in student budget; major cities run higher.

SourcesGOV.UK — Student visa: money you need · GOV.UK — Student visa: working · GOV.UK — Graduate visa · UKCISA — Changes to the Student and Graduate rules · Fateh Education — IELTS requirements for UK universities (2026) · Fateh Education — UK living expenses for students (2026)

Scholarships

for United Kingdom

Browse all scholarships →

full funding

Wellcome Trust

Wellcome Discovery Awards

Open to established researchers and research teams with a proven record of research delivery who are based at, or will be hosted by, an eligible not-for-profit organisation in the UK, the Republic of Ireland, or an eligible low- or middle-income country (excluding India and mainland China). Projects must propose bold, transformative research aligned with Wellcome's mission to improve health. The award does not cover the lead applicant's own salary, and a researcher may lead only one active Discovery Award submission.

The Alan Turing Institute

Open Source AI Fellowship (UK)

Open to AI professionals and researchers who are legally eligible to work in the UK without sponsorship, have resided in the UK for at least 5 years (a security check is required), are employed by a UK-based organisation willing to support a 12-month secondment, and hold a PhD or equivalent professional experience in AI or a related discipline.

Skoll Foundation / University of Oxford Saïd Business School

Skoll Scholarship for the Oxford MBA

Open to applicants of any nationality admitted to the full-time one-year Oxford MBA at Saïd Business School who can demonstrate a track record of entrepreneurial action creating positive social or environmental impact, and for whom the cost of the programme is a significant financial burden.

Rhodes Scholarship

For talented young people from around the world to undertake postgraduate study at the University of Oxford. Around 100 scholars are selected each year from more than 60 countries and constituencies; applications are made in your home country or constituency, each with its own age and eligibility rules.

Gates Cambridge Trust

Gates Cambridge Scholarships

Open to citizens of any country outside the United Kingdom applying for a full-time postgraduate degree (PhD, MSc/MLitt, or one-year master's) at the University of Cambridge. Selection weighs academic excellence, a strong fit with the chosen Cambridge course, a clear commitment to improving the lives of others, and leadership potential.

Africa Initiative for Governance (AIG), tenable at the Blavatnik School of Government, University of Oxford

Africa Initiative for Governance (AIG) Scholarships at the University of Oxford

Open to West African nationals (for example from Nigeria and Ghana) seeking to study the Master of Public Policy at the Blavatnik School of Government, University of Oxford. Applicants are generally aged between 25 and 45, hold a strong undergraduate degree (typically second-class upper or above), demonstrate leadership potential and a commitment to Africa's public sector, and intend to apply their learning in their home country's public service.

Frequently asked questions

What is the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM)?

LSHTM is a world-leading postgraduate institution specializing in public health, epidemiology, and tropical medicine. Founded in 1899, it is a member of the University of London and enrolls approximately 4,500 students from over 140 countries.

What are the tuition fees for international students at LSHTM?

International student fees typically range from approximately EUR 16,000 to EUR 28,000 per year, depending on the programme. Online programmes are generally lower in cost.

What are the English language requirements for international applicants?

Applicants typically need an IELTS Academic score of 7.0 overall with a minimum of 6.5 in each component, or a TOEFL iBT score of 100, or a PTE Academic score of 68.

What academic qualifications are needed for LSHTM programmes?

A good undergraduate degree, equivalent to a UK 2:1 or higher, in a relevant subject is usually required. Some programmes may also prefer or require relevant professional experience.

What is the student life like at LSHTM?

LSHTM is located in Bloomsbury, central London, offering a vibrant academic and cultural environment. The university fosters a close-knit community with a diverse international cohort and numerous student activities.

Last updated 3 July 2026