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University of Essex

Colchester, United Kingdom · Public · Est. 1964

Updated 28 Oct 2026

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Established

1964

Type

Public

Location

Colchester, United Kingdom

QS World University Rankings 2027

=438 in the world

About the university

The University of Essex welcomed its first 122 students in 1964. Its founding idea was a university where students could live and learn and where research really mattered. Graduates include the Nobel Prize-winning economist Professor Chris Pissarides.

Essex is known for social sciences, economics, computer science and AI. Nearly half of its students come from outside the UK, so the campus is very international, and there is an active Indian Society.

For Indian students, Essex has a regional office in New Delhi, an automatic £5,000 Global Talent Masters Scholarship for self-funded international master's students, and a £5,000 first-year scholarship for undergraduates from India. Bachelor's applicants with 70% in Class 12 English from CBSE or CISCE do not normally need a separate English test.

The main campus sits in 200 acres of parkland at Wivenhoe Park, two miles from the centre of Colchester, England's oldest recorded town. London and Stansted Airport are under an hour away.

First students
1964 (122 students in the first academic year)
Type
Public university with its main campus at Wivenhoe Park, Colchester, and a campus in Loughton (East 15 Acting School)
Total students
About 14,300 (14,345 in THE World University Rankings 2027 data)
International students
48% of students (THE World University Rankings 2027 data)
Student–staff ratio
12.5 to 1 (THE World University Rankings 2027 data)
Intakes
October for most courses; some master's, such as MSc Data Science and MSc Artificial Intelligence, also start in January

Rankings

  • QS World University Rankings 2027

    =438 in the world

  • THE World University Rankings 2027

    351–375 in the world

  • Complete University Guide (UK) 2027

    30th of 130 UK universities

Popular courses with Indian students

View all 15 courses with filters

Fees for international students

Course fees
CourseDurationFee / year (GBP)Approx. in rupees
MSc Data Science1 year (full time)£23,875≈ ₹29.1 lakh
MSc Artificial Intelligence1 year (full time)£24,675≈ ₹30.1 lakh
MSc Applied Data Science1 year (full time)£25,075≈ ₹30.6 lakh
MSc Data Science and its Applications1 year (full time)£25,075≈ ₹30.6 lakh
MSc Financial Technology (Computer Science)1 year (full time)£25,925≈ ₹31.6 lakh
MBA (The Essex MBA)1 year (full time)£28,000≈ ₹34.2 lakh
MSc Financial Technology (Finance)1 year (full time)£25,925≈ ₹31.6 lakh
MSc Financial Technology (Economics)1 year (full time)£25,925≈ ₹31.6 lakh

Fees are for international students for the entry year shown on each course page and can rise each year. Approximate exchange rates (based on ECB reference rates, March 2026). Actual rates on your payment date will differ.

Want a course shortlist with fees?Our counsellor will compare courses at University of Essex with similar universities in the UK.

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Scholarships

  • Taught master's, 2027-28 entry

    Global Talent Masters Scholarship

    Value: £5,000 off the tuition fee

    Eligibility: Self-funded international students, based on undergraduate (or master's) grades. Considered automatically; no application form.

    Official page (opens in a new tab)
  • Bachelor's, 2027-28 entry

    International Undergraduate Scholarship

    Value: £5,000 off the first year's tuition fee

    Eligibility: Students from listed countries, including India. Assessed automatically from your country of domicile and fee status.

    Official page (opens in a new tab)
  • MBA

    The Essex MBA Dean's Award

    Value: Discounts of 0% to 90% of the tuition fee

    Eligibility: Students funding their own MBA studies; see the MBA page for criteria.

    Official page (opens in a new tab)
  • All levels

    Loyalty discount

    Value: Up to 20% of tuition fees

    Eligibility: Graduates of Essex bachelor's, master's and graduate diploma courses.

    Official page (opens in a new tab)

Admission requirements

Undergraduate

  • Most bachelor's degrees consider an average of 60% in the best four subjects from Indian high school qualifications. Some courses ask for more.
  • Foundation programmes are available through the University of Essex International College.
  • Apply through UCAS.

Postgraduate

  • Many master's consider 50% (or 5.3/10) from Band 1 or Band 2 institutions, or 55% (or 5.8/10) from other institutions.
  • Some courses and departments set higher requirements; check the course page.
  • The Essex MBA needs at least three years of relevant professional experience after graduating.

Documents

  • Valid passport
  • Class 10 and Class 12 mark sheets
  • Degree certificate and transcripts (for master's)
  • English test score, or Class 12 English marks for the waiver
  • Personal statement
  • References and CV where the course asks for them

Check if you are eligibleShare your marks and test scores and our counsellor will tell you which courses you can apply for.

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English language requirements

English requirements
Test or routeTypical requirement
IELTS Academic6.0 overall with 5.5 in each component for most courses on this page; the MBA asks for 6.5 with 6.0 in each component.
Class 12 English waiver (bachelor's)70% in English from CBSE or CISCE: you will not normally need a separate English test.
Pre-sessional EnglishA pre-sessional English pathway lets you start your course without retaking IELTS if you fall short.

Accommodation and living costs

Essex has a wide range of halls on the Colchester campus, from rooms with shared facilities in the towers to en suite rooms and studios. Postgraduate contracts are normally 44 or 50 weeks and undergraduate contracts 39 weeks. Prices below are 2026-27 weekly rents.

Accommodation and living costs
ItemIn GBPApprox. in rupees
Single room with shared facilities (North Towers)£128per week≈ ₹15,603
Single room with shared facilities (Wolfson Court)£148–158per week≈ ₹18,045 – ₹19,266
Single en suite room (University Quays, 50-week contract)£172–178per week≈ ₹20,974 – ₹21,700
Single en suite room (South Courts)£190–198per week≈ ₹23,195 – ₹24,143
Self-contained studio or apartment£243–291per week≈ ₹29,634 – ₹35,475

Campus and location

The Colchester campus is set in 200 acres of parkland at Wivenhoe Park, two miles from Colchester city centre, with teaching buildings, halls, a lake, a theatre and sports facilities on one site.

  • Main campus at Wivenhoe Park, Colchester, with halls on site.
  • Essex Sport Arena and a gym on campus.
  • Loughton campus, on the edge of east London, is home to East 15 Acting School.
  • Indian Society runs cultural events and festivals for students.

Careers and graduate outcomes

Essex offers careers support through its Careers Team. Undergraduates who add an industrial placement year pay 20% of the standard fee for that year. See our UK guide for post-study work rules.

Graduate outcomes
WhatFigureSource
International students as a share of all students48%THE World University Rankings 2027

Studying in the UK

Visa rules, work rights and living costs apply to every university in the UK. Our country guide covers them in detail:

Other universities in the UK

Compare all universities in the UK

FAQs

How much is a master's at Essex?

Most master's on this page are about £25,000 to £26,000 for October 2027 entry. Self-funded international students are considered automatically for the £5,000 Global Talent Masters Scholarship.

Does Essex have a January intake?

Yes, for some master's, including MSc Data Science, MSc Artificial Intelligence and the hospitality and tourism master's. Most other courses start in October.

What percentage do I need in my bachelor's?

Many Essex master's consider 50% from Band 1 or Band 2 Indian institutions, or 55% from other institutions. Some courses ask for more.

Can I use my Class 12 English marks instead of IELTS?

For bachelor's degrees, 70% in English from CBSE or CISCE normally means you do not need a separate English test.

Is there an Essex office in India?

Yes. Essex has a regional office in New Delhi, which you can contact at india@essex.ac.uk.

Sources

  1. University of Essex: South Asia country information (India) (opens in a new tab)
  2. University of Essex: undergraduate fees for EU and international students (opens in a new tab)
  3. University of Essex: MSc Applied Data Science (opens in a new tab)
  4. University of Essex: MSc Data Science (opens in a new tab)
  5. University of Essex: BSc Computer Science (opens in a new tab)
  6. University of Essex: Global Talent Masters Scholarship (opens in a new tab)
  7. University of Essex: International Undergraduate Scholarship (opens in a new tab)
  8. University of Essex: international fees and funding (opens in a new tab)
  9. University of Essex: Colchester rent charges (opens in a new tab)
  10. University of Essex: our history (opens in a new tab)
  11. THE World University Rankings 2027: University of Essex (opens in a new tab)
  12. Complete University Guide 2027 league table (opens in a new tab)

Official website: www.essex.ac.uk (opens in a new tab)

Check the latest details

We researched this page on 28 Oct 2026. Fees, entry requirements and scholarships change every year, so confirm them on the university's website before you apply. Listing a university doesn't mean Admission Mantra represents it.

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