University of Essex
Colchester, England
- TEF Silver
- #438 QS World
- #34 UK
#438QS World Ranking
#34UK Ranking
SilverTEF Rating
85%Satisfaction
79.7%Employment
£28,500Avg. Salary
About University of Essex
University of Essex is a university located in Colchester, East of England. It holds a Silver TEF rating, recognising teaching that exceeds national expectations.
In the latest rankings, University of Essex is positioned #456 in the QS World Rankings 2026; in the 301-350 band in the THE World Rankings 2026; #44 in the Guardian University Guide (UK).
The university has approximately 14,015 students, with a diverse international community representing 97 nationalities — 34% of the student body. The largest international cohorts come from India, China, and Pakistan.
University of Essex currently lists 247 courses on CourseOptions, spanning 135 undergraduate and 112 postgraduate programmes. There are 17 scholarships available for international students.
Graduate outcomes are strong: 88% of graduates go into employment or further study within 15 months, and the median graduate salary is £28,500, rising to £31,800 after five years.
Student satisfaction is good, with 85% teaching satisfaction in the National Student Survey.
Founded1964
Total Students14,015+
Campus TypeSuburban
What is University of Essex's Ranking in 2026?
University of Essex is ranked #438 in the world by QS World University Rankings 2026 and #34 in the UK by the Complete University Guide.
| Ranking System | Position |
|---|---|
| QS World University Rankings 2026 | #438 |
| Times Higher Education 2026 | #301 |
| Guardian University Guide (UK) | #44 |
| The Complete University Guide (UK) | #34 |
Source: QS, THE, CUG, Guardian — Updated January 2026
What Percentage of Graduates Get Jobs?
79.7% of graduates are in employment or further study within 15 months of graduation.
79.7%Employed
6.7%Further Study
14.7%Studying & Working
7.1%Unemployed
Salary Progression
| Time After Graduation | Median Salary | UK Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 months | £28,500 | £26,220 | +9% |
| 3 years | £27,700 | £25,484 | +9% |
| 5 years | £31,800 | £29,256 | +9% |
Source: HESA Longitudinal Education Outcomes (LEO) 2025
Official Data
These figures represent institution-wide averages across all subject areas and study modes. Actual graduate outcomes vary by course and cohort. For course-specific data, visit Discover Uni at Discover Uni.
How Satisfied Are Students?
Has an 85% overall satisfaction rate according to the National Student Survey (NSS) 2025.
85%Overall
Teaching Quality87.2%
Learning Resources91%
Academic Support89.7%
Assessment83.6%
Organisation82.7%
Student Voice77.9%
85%Overall
Teaching Quality
87.2%Learning Resources
91%Academic Support
89.7%Assessment
83.6%Organisation
82.7%Student Voice
77.9%Source: National Student Survey (NSS) 2025.
Official Data
These figures represent institution-wide averages across all courses and may not reflect satisfaction for a specific course. For course-level data, visit Discover Uni at Discover Uni.
How Many International Students Study Here?
33.7% of students are international, representing 97+ countries. Total international students: 4,725.
4,725International Students
33.7%of Student Body
97+Countries
| Countries | Students | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| India | 1,000 | 21.2% |
| China | 555 | 11.7% |
| Pakistan | 290 | 6.1% |
| France | 270 | 5.7% |
| Nigeria | 210 | 4.4% |
| Malaysia | 140 | 3% |
| Saudi Arabia | 130 | 2.8% |
| United States | 125 | 2.6% |
| Hong Kong | 120 | 2.5% |
| Turkey | 115 | 2.4% |
Source: HESA official data.
Courses at University of Essex
Undergraduate
Accounting
3 years
ViewPostgraduate
Accounting
12 months
ViewPostgraduate
Accounting and Finance
12 months
ViewUndergraduate
Accounting and Finance
3 years
ViewScholarships for International Students
We found 30 scholarships you may be eligible for based on your location.
Access Essex ScholarshipGuaranteed
100% tuition fee waiver for UK undergraduates
For students from: 🇬🇧 United Kingdom
Full Feesfee discount
Sustainable Transitions - Governance, Ecological Management and Society - Leverhulme Doctoral Training ProgrammeCompetitive
Full PhD scholarship for sustainable transitions research
Open to all international students
Full Feesfee discount
Sustainable Transitions - Governance, Ecological Management and Society - Leverhulme Doctoral Training Programme 2026-27 (Masters plus PhD)Need-based
Full Masters plus PhD scholarship for underrepresented UK students
For students from: 🇬🇧 United Kingdom
Full Feesfee discount
The Essex MBA Dean's AwardMerit
Tuition fee discounts for MBA students at Essex Business School
Open to all international students
Full Feesfee discount
Postgraduate Research EU ScholarshipGuaranteed
£8,000 annual tuition fee discount for EU postgraduate research students
For selected nationalities (see university)
£8,000tuition reduction
Showing 5 of 30 scholarships
View all 30 scholarships at University of Essex →Frequently Asked Questions
Quick Facts
TypeUniversity
Founded1964
Total Students14,015+
International Students33.7%
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