LBS MiF vs LSE MSc Finance — which program has stronger placements in Europe for non-EU students?

Question

I graduated in 2022 with a 7.9 CGPA in economics and currently work in a boutique consulting firm. I’m debating between applying to LBS MiF and LSE MSc Finance. Both seem strong, but I’m concerned about visa support and whether recruiters prefer one over the other. For long-term goals in Europe (IB/PE roles), which degree is actually more valued by employers?

Divakshi Arora · Accepted Answer

Between LBS MiF and LSE MSc Finance, placements in Europe are generally stronger for LBS, especially for non-EU students. Location plays a big role &mdash; being in London with a finance-focused program, LBS has direct pipelines into IB, PE, and AM firms. Recruiters visit campus often, and the alumni base is concentrated in London&rsquo;s top banks, which helps with visa-backed hiring.
The program length also matters. LBS MiF runs 12&ndash;16 months, giving students time for off-cycle internships and networking. LSE MSc Finance is 9&ndash;12 months, so recruiting overlaps with coursework, which can be tougher for internationals who need that extra internship.
Outcomes reflect this difference: LBS MiF grads moving into IB or PE usually report &pound;90,000&ndash;&pound;100,000 packages including bonus. LSE MSc Finance outcomes are still solid, but tend to be slightly lower at &pound;70,000&ndash;&pound;85,000, often in analyst roles. For someone targeting Europe, especially IB/PE in London, LBS MiF is usually the safer, more recruiter-friendly choice.

Hema A · Answer

The two programs get compared a lot, but the experience on the ground is different. LSE MSc Finance has unmatched academic prestige and is known for its rigorous coursework. Employers in Europe recognize it, but recruiting tends to be less centralized &mdash; students usually need to push harder through online applications and personal networking.
&bull; LBS MiF is more practical, with structured recruiting support and direct employer events in London. &bull; For non-EU students, LBS also has slightly better visa navigation since many firms already expect to hire internationals from there. &bull; LSE grads still land in IB and PE, but the placements skew more toward London IB analyst roles and less toward the buy-side compared to LBS. &bull; In terms of alumni influence, LSE is wider globally, but LBS is deeper in London and European finance circles.
So, for someone focused on breaking into IB/PE in Europe, LBS MiF usually provides a clearer and more reliable path than LSE MSc Finance.
For more details you can read this blog on "LBS MFin" and "LSE MFin"

T Mehta · Answer

Between LBS MiF and LSE MSc Finance, employers in Europe tend to value the London Business School MiF slightly more for placements, especially in investment banking and private equity. Recruiters often see LBS as a direct feeder into London banks because of its strong career services, alumni in top firms, and regular on-campus recruitment. Non-EU students also benefit from the UK&rsquo;s post-study work visa, but LBS has a track record of helping graduates secure sponsorship faster, which matters in finance hiring.
LSE carries enormous academic prestige and is well respected by banks, but it functions more as a university program than a career-focused business school. Placement stats also highlight the difference: around 90% of LBS MiF graduates land finance roles within three months, compared with about 75&ndash;80% at LSE. For IB or PE in Europe, that difference is noticeable.

Jayant M · Answer

The choice isn&rsquo;t just about prestige, it comes down to how each program connects students to employers.

LBS MiF is built around networking. Banks, PE firms, and asset managers regularly recruit on campus. Non-EU students mention that the alumni network plays a huge role in getting interviews, since many recruiters know the degree well. Average starting salaries hover around &pound;70,000&ndash;75,000, with bonuses pushing the total higher.
LSE MSc Finance is very strong academically and carries weight worldwide. Employers recognize it, but placement support is less structured, and students often need to hustle more through career fairs and independent applications.
For long-term Europe plans, a practical factor is class profile. LBS MiF admits candidates with more work experience, so classmates are often already working in finance, making peer connections very valuable.
One overlooked point: the LBS brand is particularly strong in continental Europe (Germany, France, Spain), where banks sometimes treat it on par with top MBA brands.

If the main goal is IB or PE in Europe, LBS generally offers an easier path.

Mohit C · Answer

When considering LBS MiF vs LSE MSc Finance for placements in Europe, it comes down to a few key factors. LBS has a powerful brand globally, especially for investment banking and private equity roles. While LSE is also highly respected, LBS MiF tends to have a more direct connection to top recruiters, especially for those aiming at London-based roles. As a non-EU student, visa support is something to consider, but both schools offer solid post-graduation visa pathways. LBS&rsquo;s alumni network and location in the heart of London give it a slight edge in terms of access to recruiters from major banks and private equity firms. If you&rsquo;re set on long-term growth in Europe, especially in IB/PE, LBS might be the better choice due to its extensive network and strong recruiter presence.