University of Essex

Overview

Home to the curious, brave, and bold. We’re a university where curiosity prevails, and where exploring new ways of thinking and pushing boundaries, isn’t just encouraged, it’s expected. We’re about people who love to learn how but want to challenge why.

With over 17,000 students from more than 140 different countries, making us one of the most internationally diverse universities on the planet – you’ll find the world in one place here at Essex.

At Essex, you’re taught by world-leading academics in a support and research-intensive environment. Our trailblazing research continues to change the world for the better. We’re proud to have provided excellence in research and excellence in education for over 50 years.

Whether you study in the beautiful historic parkland of our Colchester Campus, the bustling lively city centre of Southend-on-Sea, or in our stately home at Loughton, this is your chance to become a member of one of the happiest groups of students around. The flexibility of our courses gives you the power to pursue the things that matter to you. Now’s your chance to join Nobel Prize-winners, award-winning directors, presidents, well-loved actors, astronauts and over 100,000 other alumni who have gone on to shape the world and share their Essex spirit.

Services for International Students

Essex student support can provide assistance on a wide range of issues, such as visas, accommodation and employment while at the University of Essex. A welcome week is run before the beginning of the term, including pre-arrival information and orientation and events at the University itself. An airport service is also run from selected London airports to the Colchester campus at the beginning of each academic year.

The University website also provides information on a range of subjects from immigration to finances and study skills to travel, all tailored towards helping international students settle into the University of Essex more easily. A free programme of academic English is run in the autumn and spring and classes range from grammar to academic speaking. Essex also offers other languages for free under “Languages for all”, whilst students can also study a free data science course under “Data Science for all”.

Ranking

Essex University is ranked high across multiple league tables. Notably, the QS World University Rankings by Subject across multiple years show Essex University’s prominence in Sociology and Politics and International Relations. It’s also considered one of the most diverse universities in the world, having placed 15th for international outlook in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024.

• 46th in the Times University Guide 2025
• 23rd in the Guardian University Guide 2025
• 472nd in the QS World University Rankings 2025
• 30th out of 130 UK universities in the Complete University Guide 2025
• Top university in the east of England for ‘overall positivity’ according to the National Student Survey 2024

Research Excellence Framework

• 3rd in the UK for modern languages and linguistics research quality (Grade Point Average, Research Excellence Framework 2021)
• 6th in the UK for politics and international studies research quality (Grade Point Average, Research Excellence Framework 2021)
• 7th in the UK for sociology research quality (Grade Point Average, Research Excellence Framework 2021)
• 8th in the UK for economics and econometrics research quality (Grade Point Average, Research Excellence Framework 2021)

Accommodation

University of Essex-owned accommodation is guaranteed for all international students for the duration of study and consists of flats of up to 16 students with a shared kitchen, with a little over half the rooms available as en suite. University of Essex is one of the few universities in the UK to be awarded the International Accommodation Quality Mark, with 90 per cent satisfaction amongst international students living in University of Essex-based accommodation. In the National Student Housing Survey, it finished runner-up in 2010 and 2011 and won the award in 2009.

Location

The University of Essex’s largest campus is based in beautiful parkland at Colchester, the UK’s oldest recorded city. The University of Essex has a further city-centre campus at Southend. The Loughton campus is a five-minute walk from the nearest London Underground station, Debden, at the east end of the Central Line, 35 minutes from Liverpool Street station. All three campuses are less than one hour from London, and the port of Harwich is also nearby.

Alumni

• Óscar Arias (President of Costa Rica, Nobel Peace Prize Laureate)
• Daniel Libeskind (Architect)
• John Bercow (Speaker of the House of Commons)
• Christopher A. Pissarides (Nobel Prize-winning economist)
• David Yates (Director, works including Harry Potter movies)

FAQs

What is the University of Essex known for?

The University of Essex is known for its research excellence in sociology, economics and econometrics, politics and international studies, modern languages and linguistics, and computer science. Its research quality and power has gained it recognition with the Research Excellence Framework. 

What is the acceptance rate for Essex University for international students?

Essex University has a moderately high acceptance rate – about 70%. While for some courses applicants need to compete with each other, for others, they need only to meet the entry requirements of the course. In this way, the acceptance rate depends on the course you’re applying for as well. 

Does the University of Essex require IELTS?

Yes, the University of Essex requires applicants to have an IELTS score to assess their English proficiency. The overall IELTS score for each course differs, but generally, an overall score of 6.0 is required. Essex University also accepts alternative tests such as TOEFL or PTE. If you don’t meet the IELTS requirement, you may be able to take a pre-sessional English language course.

How can I apply for the University of Essex admissions?

If you’re applying to the University of Essex as an undergraduate student, you can do so via UCAS or directly to the university. If you’re applying for a master’s programme, you can do so via the myEssex student portal. Along with your application, you’ll need to provide details of your previous education qualifications, your personal statement, references, and evidence that you meet the English language requirements.