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UNITED KINGDOM · COLCHESTER

University of Essex

public · Founded 1964 · Languages: en

In short

The University of Essex is a public research university established in 1964, known for its social sciences and diverse international community. It offers a wide range of programs with a research-led teaching approach and strong career preparation.

Key facts

Type: Public
Founded: 1964
Students: 18,000
International students: 6,000
Acceptance rate: 75%
Tuition (intl): €21–27k/yr
Languages: EN
Location: Colchester, United Kingdom

The University of Essex is a public research university located in Essex, England. Established in 1964, it is known for its social science research and its diverse international community. With a strong commitment to both teaching excellence and impactful research, the University aims to foster curiosity and critical thinking among its students. Essex emphasizes a research-led teaching approach, encouraging students to engage directly with research and develop essential analytical and transferable skills. The University offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across three faculties: Humanities, Science and Health, and Social Sciences. It has multiple campuses, including Colchester and Loughton, and also provides online study options. Essex focuses on preparing students for future careers by offering extensive personal development opportunities, connecting students with employers, and supporting entrepreneurial ambitions.

Why study here

Experience a research-led education with opportunities to engage in original research.
Benefit from a highly diverse and international community with students from over 140 nationalities.
Access exceptional facilities like the Virtual Trading Floor, powered by Bloomberg Financial Market Labs for finance students.
Develop strong employability skills through careers support, work experience opportunities, and entrepreneurial programs.
Study in an environment committed to academic freedom and challenging conventional thinking.

Student life

The University of Essex fosters a vibrant student community with a strong Students' Union. Campuses offer 24-hour study facilities, extensive spaces for individual and collaborative work, and a range of student support services. There are opportunities to participate in sports, various student communities, and events that celebrate the university's diverse population. The university also prioritizes initiatives related to equality, diversity, and inclusion, ensuring a welcoming environment for all students.

Fees

InternationalInternational undergraduate and taught postgraduate tuition is typically around GBP 18,000-23,000 (roughly EUR 21,000-27,000) per year depending on the course; clinical and lab-based programmes can be higher.

HomeHome (UK) undergraduate tuition is set at the national regulated maximum of GBP 9,250 per year.

LivingStudents should budget approximately GBP 1,000-1,300 (about EUR 1,150-1,500) per month for accommodation, food and personal expenses in the Colchester and Southend areas.

The University offers a variety of scholarships and bursaries for undergraduate, postgraduate taught, and postgraduate research students. Eligibility criteria often include country of residence and specific departments. Detailed information and a scholarship search tool are available on the university's website.

Admissions

UndergraduateApply via UCAS (institution code E70) with qualifications meeting the course entry profile; applications reviewed holistically.

PostgraduateA relevant bachelor's degree (typically 2:2 or 2:1 depending on the course) applied for directly through the university.

English languageIELTS or equivalent meeting the course-specific requirement; pre-sessional English courses are available.

IELTS6.0 overall (varies by course)

TOEFL iBT79+

Rankings

Guardian University Guide 202612th in UK

Complete University Guide 202629th in UK

Times Higher Education World University Rankings 202415th for international outlook

Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2025Top 200 globally

QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025 (Sociology)Top 100

QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025 (Accounting and Finance)Top 200

QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024 (Linguistics)Top 25 in UK

University scholarships

Academic Excellence International ScholarshipPartial tuition reduction

Chevening Scholarships (UK Government)Full funding for eligible master's students

Essex Sport ScholarshipFinancial and training support

Accreditation

Many courses, especially within Essex Business School, hold professional accreditations (e.g., Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) and the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA)), which can provide exam exemptions for professional qualifications.

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)

Programs

a selection

View top programs →

University of Essex · United Kingdom

LLB Law

The LLB Law is a three-year qualifying law degree that provides a comprehensive understanding of English and international law. It is designed to equip students with essential legal knowledge, critical thinking, legal research, and professional reasoning skills. This degree serves as the academic foundation for aspiring solicitors or barristers and also develops transferable skills highly valued in business, government, and the public sector. Students will explore core legal areas such as contract, criminal, tort, public, and EU and international law, gaining insights from academics whose research influences legal reform and international justice. The program emphasizes practical legal skills from the first year, including research, drafting, advocacy, and analysis, preparing students for real-world application and professional practice. Students have the option to extend the degree to four years by including an optional placement year for professional experience or a study abroad year for international legal perspectives.

University of Essex · United Kingdom

MSc Advanced Computer Science

The MSc Advanced Computer Science is a one-year postgraduate degree designed to deepen your expertise in contemporary computer science principles and practices. This program equips you with both the theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary to understand and create impactful computing technologies. You will explore a comprehensive curriculum, informed by industry partners, ensuring you gain the most current understanding of the field. This allows you to specialize in areas like network design, security, intelligent systems, robotics, game AI, or mobile and social applications, preparing you for a variety of career paths.

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 are the tuition fees for international students at the University of Essex?

International undergraduate and taught postgraduate tuition fees at the University of Essex are typically between GBP 18,000-23,000 per year, with clinical and lab-based programs potentially costing more. Specific fees vary by course.

What are the living costs for students in Colchester and Southend?

Students should budget approximately GBP 1,000-1,300 per month for accommodation, food, and personal expenses in Colchester and Southend. This covers essential living costs.

How can I apply to the University of Essex as an undergraduate student?

Prospective undergraduate students typically apply through UCAS, using the institution code E70. Applications are reviewed holistically, considering academic achievements and other experiences.

Does the University of Essex offer scholarships for international students?

Yes, the University of Essex offers various scholarships and bursaries for international students, including the Academic Excellence International Scholarship. Eligibility criteria often depend on country of residence and specific departments.

What are the English language requirements for international students?

For IELTS, an overall score of 6.0 is generally required, though this can vary by course. For TOEFL iBT, a score of 79+ is typically needed. Pre-sessional English courses are also available.

Last updated 3 July 2026