The Aleksander Foundation is proud to announce once again one of its hallmark initiatives—awarding two full scholarships for the London School of Economics (LSE) Summer School 2026. As one of the world's leading institutions for social science research, LSE offers an unparalleled academic experience.

Each year, this initiative provides two Bulgarian university students with the chance to immerse themselves in LSE’s dynamic learning environment, engage with top-tier faculty, and connect with a global network of peers.

Curious about what the LSE Summer School has to offer? Explore firsthand experiences from past scholarship recipients—read about Valeri’s 2025 journey and Vlado’s 2025 experience at LSE Summer School!

Scholarships details

This summer, two selected students will get a chance to attend one of the following two courses:

1) FM200: Fundraising for Startups

Overview: This course explores venture valuation, fundraising, and exit strategies for tech start-ups from both the entrepreneur's and investor's perspectives.

Session dates: 22 Jun - 10 Jul 2026

Course mode: on-ground

Learn more about the course here.

2) ME319: Machine Learning and Stochastic Simulation: Applications for Finance, Risk Management and Insurance

Overview: This course teaches you how to use Python and machine learning to solve complex pricing, risk, and simulation problems in finance and insurance.

Session dates: 3 - 21 Aug 2026

Course mode: on-ground

Learn more about the course here.

Each of the two scholarships will cover: Tuition fees at LSE, accommodation at a residence hall, roundtrip plane tickets to London and daily expenses.

Application process

Eligibility: Any 3rd, 4th, or 5th-year student at a recognized Bulgarian university pursuing a bachelor’s or master’s degree.

Application stages:
First round: Send a CV (max 1 page) and an Essay (1000 words) on one of the following topics:

1) The Unit Economics of a Startup: Why Growth Isn’t Always Enough for the Fundraising for Startups course

2) Beyond Traditional Methods: The Challenges of Calibrating Machine Learning for Risk Management for the Machine Learning course
Submit via email to lse@aleksanderfoundation.org by 5th April, 2026, 23:59.

Second round: Zoom interviews with shortlisted candidates only will happen in April.

For more information or inquiries, reach out to the Aleksander Foundation at +359 897 828 435 or +44 7 848482083, lse@aleksanderfoundation.org, or connect with them on Facebook at "The Aleksander Foundation" and on Instagram at "@aleksander_foundation".