LSE AKO Master's Scholarships 2026 — Fully Funded for African Students in Psychology and Behavioural Science - GVolt

The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) is offering 10 prestigious AKO Master's Scholarships for students from Africa, South Asia, and Latin America to pursue master's degrees in Psychology and Behavioural Science.

This incredible opportunity includes 2 fully funded scholarships (tuition fees + living stipend) and 8 tuition-only scholarships, all generously funded by the AKO Foundation. If you're passionate about understanding human behavior and creating societal impact, this scholarship could be your pathway to studying at one of the world's top universities.

What is the AKO Master's Scholarship?

The AKO Master's Scholarships are merit-based awards offered by LSE's Department of Psychological and Behavioural Science (PBS). The department is a leading community of researchers, intellectuals, and students investigating the human mind and behavior in a societal context.

The scholarship is specifically designed for students who demonstrate:

Financial need — students who would not otherwise be able to attend LSE
Commitment to societal impact — students who plan to contribute to their home regions after completing their degree

What Does the Scholarship Cover?

Two Fully Funded Scholarships

These scholarships cover:

Full tuition fees (international student rate)
Maintenance stipend for living expenses in London

This is a complete financial package that allows you to study at LSE without worrying about tuition or living costs.

Eight Tuition-Only Scholarships

These scholarships cover:

Full tuition fees (international student rate)

You will need to arrange your own funding for living expenses, but having tuition fully covered significantly reduces the overall cost of studying at LSE.

Who is Eligible?

To qualify for the AKO Master's Scholarship, you must meet specific criteria related to your location, financial situation, and academic interests.

Eligibility Requirements:

Geographic Requirement: Must reside in or be a citizen of:

Africa (all African countries, including Nigeria)

South Asia

Latin America

Financial Need: Must demonstrate financial need and show that you would not otherwise be able to attend LSE without scholarship support.

Programme Requirement: Must be applying for or accepted to one of the following one-year taught master's programmes at LSE:

Eligible Master's Programmes:

MSc in Behavioural Science
- Study how psychological and social factors influence behavior
- Learn to design interventions that change behavior for social good
MSc in Organisational and Social Psychology
- Understand psychology in workplace and organizational settings
- Explore leadership, teamwork, and organizational behavior
MSc in Societal and Environmental Psychology
- Focus on psychology's role in addressing environmental and societal challenges
- Study sustainable behavior and economic decision-making
MSc in Social and Cultural Psychology
- Examine how culture shapes human psychology
- Explore identity, communication, and cross-cultural understanding
MSc in Social and Public Communication
- Study the psychology of communication and persuasion
- Learn how to design effective public communication campaigns

Impact Commitment: Applicants must demonstrate how studying at LSE will enable them to contribute to societal impact activities in their home region after completing their degree.

Key Facts at a Glance

Detail	Information
University	London School of Economics (LSE), UK
Number of Scholarships	10 Total (2 Fully Funded + 8 Tuition Only)
Fully Funded Scholarships	2 (Tuition + Living Stipend)
Tuition-Only Scholarships	8 (Tuition Fees Covered)
Eligible Regions	Africa, South Asia, Latin America
Degree Level	Master's (One-Year Taught Programme)
Department	Psychological and Behavioural Science
Number of Programmes	5 Eligible Master's Programmes
Duration	1 Year
Funded By	AKO Foundation

Why Study at LSE's Department of Psychological and Behavioural Science?

World-Class Institution

LSE is consistently ranked among the top universities in the world for social sciences. The Department of Psychological and Behavioural Science is a leading center for research that bridges theory and real world application.

Cutting-Edge Research

The department conducts research that is:

Based in real-world contexts

Applied to solve societal problems

Internationally recognized for impact

Comprehensive Training

LSE's programmes enable students to:

Learn core theories of social psychology and behavioural science

Specialize in specific areas of interest

Conduct independent research

Develop practical skills for career success

Location Advantage

Studying in London gives you access to:

One of the world's most diverse and vibrant cities

Networking opportunities with global organizations

Exposure to international perspectives

Career opportunities in the UK and beyond

About the Five Master's Programmes

1. MSc in Behavioural Science

This programme teaches you how to apply psychological insights to influence behavior for social good. You'll learn:

Behavioral economics
Decision-making theories
Intervention design
Experimental methods

Career paths: Behavioral insights teams, policy organizations, consulting, research

2. MSc in Organisational and Social Psychology

Focus on understanding psychology in workplace settings. Topics include:

Leadership and teamwork
Organizational culture
Employee motivation and well-being
Group dynamics

Career paths: HR consulting, organizational development, management, research

3. MSc in Societal and Environmental Psychology

Address global challenges like climate change and sustainability through psychology. Study:

Environmental behavior change
Psychology of economic life
Sustainable consumption
Social justice

Career paths: Environmental NGOs, policy research, international development, sustainability consulting

4. MSc in Social and Cultural Psychology

Explore how culture shapes identity, behavior, and communication. Topics include:

Cross-cultural psychology
Identity formation
Migration and diversity
Cultural communication

Career paths: International organizations, cultural research, diversity consulting, education

5. MSc in Social and Public Communication

Learn the psychology behind effective communication and persuasion. Study:

Media psychology
Public opinion formation
Communication campaigns
Digital communication

Career paths: Public relations, advocacy organizations, media, government communications

How to Apply for the AKO Master's Scholarship

The application process involves two main steps: applying to LSE and applying for the scholarship.

Step 1: Apply to an Eligible Master's Programme

Before you can apply for the scholarship, you must first apply for admission to one of the five eligible master's programmes at LSE.

Application Process:

Visit the LSE Graduate Admissions portal
Choose one of the five eligible programmes
Complete the online application form
Submit required documents:
- Academic transcripts
- Personal statement
- Two academic references
- CV/Resume
- Proof of English language proficiency (if applicable)

Application Timeline: LSE operates on a rolling admissions basis, but earlier applications are recommended. Check the specific programme page for exact deadlines.

Step 2: Apply for the AKO Scholarship

Once you have applied to an eligible programme (or after receiving an offer), you can apply for the scholarship.

Scholarship Application Requirements:

Demonstrate financial need clearly
Explain why you cannot attend LSE without scholarship support
Detail your plans for creating societal impact in your home region after graduation
Show strong academic merit
Provide evidence of your commitment to behavioral science or psychology

Visit LSE's scholarship application page for the complete application process.

Application Tips for Success

1. Start Early

LSE admissions and scholarship processes are competitive. Begin your applications well in advance of deadlines.

2. Craft a Compelling Personal Statement

Your personal statement should clearly explain:

Why you want to study behavioral science/psychology

How your background relates to your chosen programme

Why LSE is the right place for you

Your career goals and societal impact plans

3. Demonstrate Financial Need Convincingly

Be honest and detailed about your financial situation. Explain:

Your current financial circumstances

Why you cannot afford LSE fees without support

What other funding sources you've explored

4. Show Your Impact Vision

The scholarship prioritizes candidates who will create positive change. Explain:

Specific problems in your home region you want to address

How LSE training will equip you to create impact

Your concrete plans after graduation

5. Get Strong References

Choose referees who can speak to:

Your academic abilities

Your potential for societal impact

Your character and commitment

6. Proofread Everything

Ensure your applications are error-free, well-organized, and professional.

What Happens After You Apply?

Selection Process

LSE's scholarship committee will review applications based on:

Academic merit

Financial need

Potential for societal impact

Quality of application materials

Notification

Successful applicants will be notified via email. If you're awarded a scholarship, you'll receive:

Official scholarship offer letter

Instructions for accepting the scholarship

Information about next steps

Preparation

Once you accept the scholarship, you'll need to:

Apply for a UK student visa

Arrange accommodation in London

Prepare for your departure to the UK

Living in London as an LSE Student

Cost of Living

If you receive a fully funded scholarship with a stipend, your living expenses will be covered. If you receive tuition-only support, budget for:

Accommodation: £150-250 per week

Food: £40-60 per week

Transport: £35-50 per month

Other expenses: £50-100 per month

Student Life

LSE offers:

Over 200 student societies

Diverse international community

Central London location (near British Museum, Covent Garden, Theatreland)

Excellent library and study facilities

Career support and networking opportunities

About the AKO Foundation

The AKO Foundation is committed to breaking down barriers to education and supporting talented students from underrepresented regions. The foundation recognizes that financial constraints should not prevent exceptional students from accessing world class education.

Through this partnership with LSE, the AKO Foundation is creating pathways for students from Africa, South Asia, and Latin America to develop skills that will enable them to create positive change in their home regions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I apply for the scholarship before applying to LSE? A: No, you must first apply to one of the eligible master's programmes. You can apply for the scholarship concurrently or after receiving an offer.

Q: Are part-time students eligible? A: No, the scholarship is only for full-time, one-year taught master's programmes.

Q: Can I apply for multiple programmes? A: Yes, but you should focus on the programme that best aligns with your interests and career goals.

Q: Do I need work experience to apply? A: Work experience is not mandatory but can strengthen your application, especially if it relates to your chosen field.

Q: What are my chances of getting a fully funded vs tuition-only scholarship? A: There are only 2 fully funded scholarships compared to 8 tuition-only, so competition for fully funded awards is higher. Apply for both and let LSE decide based on your financial need.

Q: Can I work while studying? A: International students on student visas can typically work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during holidays.

Useful Links

Official Scholarship Page: LSE AKO Master's Scholarships

How to Apply: LSE Graduate Admissions

Eligible Programmes: Department of Psychological and Behavioural Science

Scholarship Application Guide: LSE Postgraduate Scholarship Overview

Looking for more UK scholarships? Check out our other posts on fully funded master's scholarships for African students.

LSE AKO Master's Scholarships 2026 — Fully Funded for African Students in Psychology and Behavioural Science