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SIPA/LSE MPA Dual Degree Program

Program Overview: Master of Public Administration
Study in London and New York: Earn Master's Degrees from the London School of Economics and Columbia University's School of International and Public Affairs

This dual degree offers a unique opportunity to study both in London and New York City, enabling students to earn Master of Public Administration (MPA) degrees from both institutions in the same timeframe it typically takes to complete a single degree.  

This is a fixed track program where students will complete the first year at LSE and the second year at SIPA. obtaining an education from a world class center of excellence based in Europe and an Ivy League institution.

In addition to the professional advantages of studying public policy in both cities, students will experience diverse pedagogical from across North American and the British/European context. Dual degree candidates will have access to extensive resources in New York City, as well as the global network of alumni from both programs.

The LSE MPA is characterized by its small intimate setting, with approximately 90 students in each entering class, providing a distinct and complementary experience compared to SIPA's larger cohort of roughly 500 students. 

  • Students are required to complete the curriculum at LSE in the first year.  For detailed information about the first-year curriculum please refer to the LSE site . Note that some LSE courses can be used to meet specific SIPA core requirements. Please reference the SIPA Course Equivalency table for this information (temporarily unavailable).  

    During the second year at SIPA students must fulfill any unmet core degree requirements along with the requirements of their concentration and *specialization.  

    *International dual degree students entering SIPA for their second year in Fall 2025 will have the option to pursue the new curriculum which does not require the completion of a specialization.

    Year One - LSE
    Curricular Requirements

    Year Two - SIPA
    Current Curriculum & Current Concentrations and Specializations
    OR
    New Curriculum (Effective Fall 2025)

  • Students pay tuition at the institution where they are in residence. Dual Degree students pay tuition to LSE  in their first year, and to SIPA in their second year.  Additionally students must be enrolled in Columbia University health insurance plan or have comparable insurance coverage while attending Columbia in their second year.  Students planning to apply for U.S. federal financial aid, should contact the SIPA Office of Financial Aid to initiate the process.  

    You can view complete information on tuition and fees using the links below: 

    SIPA Tuition & Fees 
    Note: a one-time Document Fee and semesterly Health and Related Services Fee is charged to students by Columbia University during their first year at LSE.

    LSE Tuition & Fees

    Financial Aid

    Scholarship funding is very limited, and the likelihood of receiving financial assistance is very low, as typically less than 10% of international dual degree students are awarded scholarships each year. 

    The scholarship application will be available in late spring  prior to your second year with notifications sent out during the summer. Given the limited availability of funding we strongly advise students to secure alternative financing for their second year.  Additional information about other funding sources is available on SIPA’s Office of Financial Aid website.

    Students planning to apply for U.S. federal financial aid, should contact the SIPA Office of Financial Aid to initiate the process.

  • If you are interested in applying to the LSE/SIPA dual degree program please click here for application and admission information. The application process is managed by LSE. Please address admissions related questions to the LSE Office of Admission.