The University of Essex is a public research university located in Colchester, with its main campus at Wivenhoe Park and additional campuses in Southend and Loughton. The university offers over 300 undergraduate and postgraduate programmes across a wide range of disciplines. Admissions are primarily offered through the October intake for most undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, while a limited January intake is available for selected postgraduate taught programmes.
The university attracts students from over 140 countries, reflecting a diverse international student community. According to student reviews and ratings, the University of Essex has an overall rating of 8.1/10, with strong ratings for academics (9.1/10) and faculty (9.3/10). It is known for its strong teaching quality and supportive academic environment.
Key Highlights
- Year of establishment: 1965
- Popular disciplines: Business, Computer Science, Management, Psychology, Health
- Average UG tuition fees: £21,500 – £31,750 per year (₹23 – ₹34 lakh)
- Average PG tuition fees: £20,000 – £26,000 per year (₹21 – ₹28 lakh)
- Estimated cost of living: £800 – £1,350 per month (₹1 – ₹2 lakh per month)
- Scholarships: International Undergraduate Scholarship (£5,000 \ ₹6 lakh), GREAT Scholarship (£10,000 \ ₹12 lakh)
- Rankings & Recognition:
- QS World University Rankings 2026: #456 globally
- Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026: #301–350 globally
Currency conversion used: 1 GBP = ₹127 as of April 15, 2026.
- University of Essex Popular Courses
- University of Essex Admission Deadlines
2.1 University of Essex Admission Requirements
2.2 University of Essex Additional Requirements
- University of Essex Campus
3.1 University of Essex Wivenhoe Park, Colchester Campus
3.2 University of Essex Loughton Campus
- University of Essex Accommodation
4.1 University of Essex On- Campus Housing
4.2 University of Essex Off- Campus Housing
- University of Essex Cost of Living
- University of Essex Ranking & Recognitions 2026
- University of Essex Scholarships for Indian Students
- FAQs
University of Essex Popular Courses
Some of the popular programmes offered by the University of Essex are listed below.
| Course Name | Duration | Annual Tuition Fees (GBP/ INR) |
|---|---|---|
| BBA | 3 years | £22,600 (₹28 lakh) |
| MSc Artificial Intelligence | 1 year | £24,675 (₹30 lakh) |
| MSc Global Public Health | 1 year | £23,875 (₹29 lakh) |
| MSc Psychology | 1 year | £23,875 (₹29 lakh) |
| MBA | 1 year | £28,000 (₹34 lakh) |
| MSc Advanced Computer Science | 1 year | £24,675 (₹30 lakh) |
| MSc Business Analytics | 1 year | £24,675 (₹30 lakh) |
| MSc Data Science | 1 year | £23,875 (₹29 lakh) |
| MSc Finance | 1 year | £24,675 (₹30 lakh) |
| MSc International Management | 1 year | £24,675 (₹30 lakh) |
University of Essex Admission Deadlines
The University of Essex offers admissions through two main intakes: October and January. The October intake is the primary intake for most undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. The January intake is limited and available only for selected postgraduate taught programmes such as MSc Management and MSc Data Science.
October 2026 (Primary Intake)
Undergraduate Admissions:
- Equal consideration deadline: 14 January 2026 (Closed)
- Final deadline: 15 July 2026 (applications may continue if seats are still available)
Postgraduate Admissions:
- No fixed deadline (rolling admissions)
- Applications for October 2026 entry are currently open
January 2027 (Limited Intake)
- Limited to selected postgraduate taught programmes only
- No fixed deadline (rolling admissions)
- Applications are expected to open later in 2026 (tentatively around September- October, based on previous admission timelines)
*Note: International students are advised to apply early for the October intake considering visa processing time.
Also Read: Application Deadlines for UK Universities
University of Essex Admission Requirements
Admission requirements for programmes at the University of Essex vary by course and level.
| Particulars | Undergraduate Requirement | Postgraduate Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Academic Qualification | - Class 12 - 60% in best 4 subjects |
- Bachelor’s degree - 55–60%+ - 50%+ from select recognised universities |
| English Language Proficiency | - TOEFL iBT 76+ - PTE 50–62+ - IELTS 6.0- 6.5 overall (5.5+ in each section) |
- TOEFL iBT 76–100 - PTE 60–62+ - IELTS 6.0- 7.0 overall (5.5- 6.0+ in each section) |
*Note: Academic requirements may be higher for competitive courses at both undergraduate (e.g. BSc Computer Science) and postgraduate levels (e.g. MSc Economics).
University of Essex Additional Requirements
Students applying to the University of Essex are required to submit additional documents. Requirements vary by course, department, and level of study.
- Personal Statement
- Academic or Professional Reference
- CV
- Portfolio (For programmes in visual media, film studies)
- Research Proposal (for programmes such as MPhil or PhD)
- Interview (may be required for selected programmes such as MSc Economics or other competitive courses)
University of Essex Campus
University of Essex’s main campus is located at Wivenhoe Park, Colchester, with additional campuses in Southend-on-Sea and Loughton.
University of Essex Wivenhoe Park, Colchester Campus
- 200-acre parkland campus with modern academic facilities
- Located near historic Colchester city centre; under 1 hour from London
- Well-connected by public transport, including access to Stansted Airport
- Access to shops, restaurants, sports, and leisure facilities
University of Essex Loughton Campus
- Green suburban campus near Epping Forest, within easy reach of central London
- State-of-the-art performance facilities, including studios and on-site theatre
- 5-minute walk to Loughton tube station (Central Line)
- Easy access to London airports and transport links
- Modern student facilities, including dining, library access, and support services
What Indian Students Say About the Campus
Indian students describe the University of Essex (Colchester campus) as:
- A large, green campus with a scenic lake and open surroundings.
- A safe, self-contained environment with facilities such as a gym, sports centre, shops, restaurants, and a multi-faith centre.
- A spacious campus where navigation can feel difficult initially due to its size.
- Suitable for students who prefer a nature focused setting for study and campus life.
University of Essex Accommodation
The University of Essex offers a wide range of on-campus accommodation options for both undergraduate and postgraduate students. New students are typically guaranteed accommodation for the duration of their course. The university also supports students who wish to find private off-campus housing.
University of Essex On- Campus Housing
The table below outlines the on-campus housing options available to students. Most options are located within walking distance of academic buildings and key campus facilities.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Application | Online through the myEssex Applicant Portal |
| Student Capacity | - Wide range of accommodation options - Exact number not specified |
| Accommodation Types | - Single rooms in self-catering flats - Standard single ensuite - Enhanced single ensuite - Premium single ensuite - Shared twin ensuite - Accessible rooms - Apartments - Townhouses - Flats |
| Average Fees (per year) | £7,000 – £9,500+ (₹9 – ₹12 lakh) depending on room type |
| Housing Priority | - First year full time undergraduate students - Postgraduate students - Early applicants |
*Note: On-campus rent typically includes Wi-Fi, electricity, water, heating, and some shared facility services.
University of Essex Off- Campus Housing
Shared off-campus accommodation is commonly preferred after the first year, as reflected in discussions across platforms such as Reddit and other student communities. Many students choose to live in nearby areas around Colchester due to relatively lower costs, greater independence, and convenient access to the university
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Popular residential areas | - Wivenhoe - Hythe (including Hythe Mills) - Greenstead - Colchester town centre |
| Common accommodation types | - Private room in shared houses/flats - Shared rooms (2–4 roommates) - Studio or 1-bedroom apartments - Purpose built student residences (The Maltings, Enso) |
| Average monthly rent (per person) | - £450 – £750 (₹55,000 – ₹95,000) shared/private room - £800 – £1,200+ (₹1 – ₹2 lakh) studio/1-bedroom |
Off-campus accommodation options are commonly found through the Students’ Union’s SU Homes service, SpareRoom, Rightmove, local Facebook groups, and estate agents.
University of Essex Cost of Living
The monthly cost of living for international students at the University of Essex (Colchester Campus) varies depending on accommodation type and lifestyle. These estimates are based on official university data and recent student experiences shared on platforms such as Reddit.
| Type of Housing | Rent (per month) | Other Expenses (per month) | Monthly Estimated Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| On-Campus | £650 – £850 (₹82,000 – ₹1 lakh) |
£250 – £450 (₹31,000 – ₹57,000) |
£900 – £1,300 (₹1 – ₹2 lakh) |
| Off-Campus / Private | £450 – £750 (₹57,000 – ₹95,000) |
£400 – £600 (₹50,000 – ₹76,000) |
£850 – £1,350 (₹1 – ₹2 lakh) |
*Note: Other expenses include food/groceries, local transport (bus), phone, laundry, personal items, and basic social or entertainment costs.
University of Essex Ranking & Recognitions 2026
As of 2026, the University of Essex is ranked #456 globally by QS and #301–350 globally by Times Higher Education (THE).
- QS World University Rankings 2026: #456 globally
- Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2026: #301–350 globally
University of Essex Scholarships for Indian Students
The University of Essex offers a range of scholarships for international students, including those from India. The table below highlights some of the key scholarships available to Indian students.
| Scholarship | Duration | Award / Amount | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| International Undergraduate Scholarship | 1 year (first year only) |
£5,000 (₹6 lakh) |
- UG students - Merit based - Self funded |
| Global Talent Masters Scholarship | 1 year (first year) |
£5,000 (₹6 lakh) |
- PG students - Self funded |
| Academic Excellence International Masters Scholarship | 1 year (first year) |
Up to £4,000 (₹5 lakh) |
- PG students - Merit based |
| GREAT Scholarship | 1 year | £10,000 (₹12.6 lakh) |
- PG students |
| International Student Accommodation Scholarship | 1 year | 50% discount on weekly rent (selected rooms) | UG & PG students from India |
Apart from the internal scholarships offered by the University of Essex, Indian students can also explore external funding options such as Chevening Scholarships, Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation scholarships, and other merit-based funding schemes.
*Note:
- An admission offer is usually required to be considered for most scholarships.
- Most awards are granted automatically based on academic merit. However, the International Student Accommodation Scholarship may require a short application form.
Self funded students are those who pay their tuition fees through personal or family funds. Students using education loans are generally still considered self-funded as long as the fees are not fully sponsored by governments, employers, or external organisations.
Also Read: Scholarships for Indian students studying in the UK
What Students Say About Scholarships
Based on discussions on platforms such as Reddit and Quora:
- Most scholarships do not cover full tuition costs.
- Viewed as partial fee reductions that improve affordability.
- Funding levels are often considered modest compared to some Russell Group universities.
- Several awards are automatically considered based on academic merit.
- The £10,000 GREAT Scholarship is noted as a higher-value option when available.
- Considered beneficial alongside Colchester’s relatively lower living costs.
Based on student ratings from unofficial sources, the University of Essex has an overall rating of 8.1/10. With strong ratings for academics (9.1/10) and faculty (9.3/10), the University of Essex offers a supportive learning environment. Its wide range of programmes (500+), scholarships for Indian students, and relatively lower living costs compared to London make it an affordable option. The university is a practical choice for students seeking quality education and academic support in the UK.
FAQs
Ques. Does the University of Essex accept 3-year Indian bachelor’s degrees for master’s programmes?
Ans. Yes, the University of Essex generally accepts 3-year Indian bachelor’s degrees for most postgraduate taught programmes, provided the required academic percentage or CGPA is met.
Ques. Are there good scholarships available for Indian students?
Ans. Yes, the University of Essex offers merit-based scholarships such as the £5,000 International Undergraduate Scholarship and the Global Talent Masters Scholarship. The £10,000 GREAT Scholarship may also be available for postgraduate students in selected years.
Ques. Is the campus safe and suitable for Indian/international students?
Ans. Yes, the Colchester campus is considered safe, green, and self-contained, with a diverse international student community. Many Indian students find it welcoming and easy to adjust to.
Ques. Is the cost of living affordable compared to London?
Ans. Yes, the cost of living in Colchester is generally lower than in London. Monthly expenses typically range from £800–£1,350 for most students.
Ques. How is the accommodation? Is it guaranteed for first-year students?
Ans. On-campus accommodation is guaranteed for most new full-time students who apply by the deadline. It is typically self-catering, includes utility bills, and is located within the campus.
University of Essex Program Fees & Deadlines
| Program | Important Dates | Fees | Application Fees | Eligibility | Financial Aid |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| INR 28.4 L/Yr GBP 22,600 /Yr | 29 | Grade- 60%, IELTS- 6, TOEFL- 76, PTE- 60 | |||
| INR 29.5 L/Yr GBP 23,500 /Yr | - | IELTS:- 6.0, 55 % in Bachelor | |||
| INR 30 L/Yr GBP 23,875 /Yr | - | 50%-60% in bachelors, IELTS: 6.5 | |||
M.Sc Psychology 1 year | INR 30 L/Yr GBP 23,875 /Yr | - | 50%-55% in bachelors, IELTS: 7 |
Do you think the Dates are wrong ? Report Here
Find A Program
Top Recommended Courses
Master of Science [MSc] Data Science
Do you think the fees are wrong ? Report Here
Do you think the fees are wrong ? Report Here
Course Finder - Search from 50K+ courses
Popular Streams:
Overall 383 out of 824 in Global Ranking
Overall 456 out of 1401 in Global Ranking
View More >>
Do you think the Rankings are wrong ? Report Here
University of Essex Reviews
8 Reviews Found
Likes
- The campus is mammoth
Dislikes
- I could not mention much about the placement as it was Covid when I left university and everything was closed.
Campus Life
- There are a lot of clubs that you can be part of. Be it sports or cultural
Fees
- 19283 pounds. I believe the cost has gone up now.
Likes
- Everything was great, we had a good support, it would have been great if we had extra placements support.
Campus Life
- The campus has an amazing library with access to 1000's of journals and books.
Fees
- £20000 is the fee
Likes
- Excellent teaching infrastructure with teaching faculties.
- Excellent research infrastructure.
- Excellent student engagement and support facities
Campus Life
- Campus life is good. Its library was a good place to sit and read and gave us access to all those resources, which are not available at IIT. Sport facilities are top-notch, where sport staff and equipment are up to date.
Fees
- Around 12 lakhs
Likes
- The guides and mentors were extremely helpful. They quickly responded to our queries via mail. Some guides also shared their what's app number making the interaction extremely easy.
- Enough time was given for assignments.
- One can ask unlimited doubts from start of semester till end. The teachers acknowledge your doubts and discuss them in detail.
Dislikes
- If incase you are not able to attend a semester or fail,the decision for continuation of course or repeating it or giving extra time takes 6 months. This leads to wasting 6 months of your study time.
- The dissertation tutor needs to selected with caution as that can be the game changer. I did not find mine very helpful. They are the ones with whom you interact the most...over calls, messages etc. You can learn a lot from them. I did a systematic review but I feel I was not able to learn a lot from her
Campus Life
- I have joined the course via online mode. I will not be able to comment on it.
- The campus was shown in a video during induction class. It was huge and beautiful
- Students of various nationalities have been studying since decades and a lot of importance is given to Indian students, as scholarships are provided.
- In online curriculum itself there two from UK, one from Japan, etc.
Fees
- After the scholarship, the total fees I had to pay was around 7 to 8 lakhs
- I opted for the monthly payment option. I paid around 28,000 every month for 2 years.
- It was around 26,000 but currency conversion now ol takes little more
- Also, one-time payment options are available. Another important point to be noted is that if you do not pay the fees timely, they will not let you sit for the next semester.
Likes
- Online Library is one of the most valuable resources we have at our University because of its massive collection of academic knowledge.
- Seamless online student services for uploading assignments and dissertation, reading the modules, listen again Incase students missed their class.
- Very co-operative, smiling, helpful, staff and faculty member. Although few faculty members were a bit odd, maximum still were the best.
Dislikes
- High fees, as for a 1 year course, I still feel fees could have been a bit less.
Overview
I decided to go for this university because of its ranking, flexibility and duration of the course. The admission process was very smooth and seamless, the admission team was very cooperative and responsive. 10/10 for EBS staff. Every email was responded to in detail which further helped me to take the next step in a much better and easy way. I had prepared for IELTS to get admission as part of the process and did all the study for it by myself. I was a working professional at that time in India, YouTube helped me prepare for this exam, and I did it all by myself. Within a month I took the exam and scored a band of 7 overall. With regard to choosing the college and other paperwork, I took help from Blue Sky Education, based in Kolkata. They handheld me throughout the process and made my worries less. Now I have successfully graduated from the University of Essex and working here in London, UK. It's an amazing place for students who want to learn and have a good time on campus.
Campus Life
Essex Students Union organized many fun events, get-togethers, and welcome parties for newcomers, and honestly, it used to be really fun and diverse. With so many students from different countries, everyone brought in their input and spice to make the events more wonderful. I met so many students from India and also made friends with fellows from other countries. Students across the globe behave the same, I have realized :) When it comes to university infrastructure, it's massive and huge. In the middle of the nature and greenery, is our beautiful campus with an overlooking lake. We have a campus cat named Pebbles who is recently being honoured with a statue of its own. Library, and computer labs, all are huge and amazing spots to learn and even chill with friends. The most beautiful thing about our campus is the Faith Center where people from different religions can focus on praying, and meditating, along with a dedicated medical room, sports arena and big theatre.
Likes
- I chose the University of Essex as my academic haven due to its unwavering commitment to extensive research. The institution's robust emphasis on scholarly inquiry aligns seamlessly with my fervor for delving deep into my chosen field. The prospect of contributing to and benefiting from a rich research environment, fostered by the university's renowned faculty and cutting-edge facilities, solidified my decision. This commitment to pushing the boundaries of knowledge not only promises a trans-formative educational journey but also resonates with my aspirations for intellectual growth and innovation. The University of Essex stands as a beacon for those who seek to immerse themselves in a dynamic, research-driven academic landscape, and I am eager to embark on this journey of exploration and discovery.
- At the University of Essex, I revel in its vibrant tapestry of students. The diverse backgrounds and perspectives create an enriching academic environment, fostering a unique sense of unity in our collective pursuit of knowledge.
Dislikes
- "The campus at the University of Essex doesn't resonate with me. Its layout and atmosphere leave much to be desired, making my experience less enjoyable. Navigating the University of Essex campus feels cumbersome, and its architecture doesn't align with my preferences, impacting my overall satisfaction."
Overview
My experience at the University of Essex has been transformative. The diverse environment, rigorous academics, and enriching extracurriculars have shaped me holistically. The supportive faculty, modern facilities, and vibrant campus life create an environment where learning extends beyond the classrooms, making my journey truly exceptional.
Campus Life
Campus life at Essex is dynamic. Diverse clubs, engaging events, and ample extracurriculars enhance the student experience. The well-equipped research facilities, extensive libraries, robust WiFi, and top-notch sports facilities contribute to a holistic and enriching academic environment.
Overview
As Essex University is in the top 5 for ECONOMICs research in the UK.
Fees
(13000-18000) pounds is the program fee.
Overview
Ranked in the top 50 law schools globally and in the top 10 specifically in human rights. The Essex brand works wonders for those who want to pursue a career in the field of human rights.
Fees
£18000 without scholarship cut.
University of Essex Scholarships
| Name | Scholarship Per Student | Level of Study | Type | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| VueVille Future Technology Scholarship | Scholarship per student₹ 92,880/Yr$1,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Saltire Scholarships | Scholarship per student₹ 7.4 L/Yr$8,000 | Level Of StudyMaster | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Bharat Petroleum Scholarship | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyMaster | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Commonwealth Rutherford Fellowship | Scholarship per student₹ 2.9 L/Yr$3,105 | Level Of StudyDoctorate | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Forktip Women’s- Innovation Scholarship | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeCollege-Specific | |
| India Postgraduate Taught Master’s Scholarship | Scholarship per student₹ 3.3 L/Yr$3,555 | Level Of StudyMaster | TypeCollege-Specific |
Do you think the Scholarship is wrong ? Report Here
University of Essex Admissions
UCAS equal-consideration deadline 2026 Intake Deadlines
Important Date: January14 (Application deadline)Final Application Deadline for 2026 Intake Deadlines
Important Date: June30 (Application deadline)
Attendance Cost
The table shows average yearly cost of attendance for international students. Amount may vary with the course opted, nature of accommodation, and personal spending habits of a candidate.Check Program wise Fees
Faculty
| Total Faculty | Full Time | Part Time | Graduate Assistants |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1540 | 1025 | 515 | - |
interested in this College ?
Follow & Share this college to get information about admission.
Comments
Found 16 Comments