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University of Sussex

Brighton, England

  • TEF Silver
  • #273 QS World
  • #27 UK
#273QS World Ranking
#27UK Ranking
SilverTEF Rating
84%Satisfaction
81.7%Employment
£28,500Avg. Salary

About University of Sussex

Founded in 1961 with a mission to challenge conventional thinking — Sussex has attracted mavericks and innovators ever since. University of Sussex is a university based in Brighton, holding a Silver Teaching Excellence Framework rating. Sussex pioneered interdisciplinary study in the UK. Its development studies programme is ranked number one in the world, and its campus on the edge of the South Downs is strikingly designed.

In the latest rankings, University of Sussex is positioned #278 in the QS World Rankings 2026; in the 201-250 band in the THE World Rankings 2026; #31 in the Guardian University Guide (UK).

The university has approximately 17,290 students, with a diverse international community representing 115 nationalities. The largest international cohorts come from China, India, and Canada.

University of Sussex currently lists 152 courses on CourseOptions, spanning 50 undergraduate and 102 postgraduate programmes.

Graduate outcomes are strong: 89% of graduates go into employment or further study within 15 months, and the median graduate salary is £28,500, rising to £34,700 after five years.

Student satisfaction is strong, with an NSS teaching satisfaction score of 87% and a continuation rate of 91%.

Creative, alternative, internationally minded. Brighton — the UK's most bohemian city — is on the doorstep.

Founded1961
Total Students17,290+
Campus TypeSuburban

What is University of Sussex's Ranking in 2026?

University of Sussex is ranked #273 in the world by QS World University Rankings 2026 and #27 in the UK by the Complete University Guide.

Ranking SystemPosition
QS World University Rankings 2026#273
Times Higher Education 2026#201
Guardian University Guide (UK)#31
The Complete University Guide (UK)#27

Source: QS, THE, CUG, Guardian — Updated January 2026

What Percentage of Graduates Get Jobs?

81.7% of graduates are in employment or further study within 15 months of graduation.

81.7%Employed
6.2%Further Study
10%Studying & Working
6.4%Unemployed

Salary Progression

Time After GraduationMedian SalaryUK AverageDifference
15 months£28,500£26,220+9%
3 years£28,800£26,496+9%
5 years£34,700£31,924+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 84% overall satisfaction rate according to the National Student Survey (NSS) 2025.

84%Overall
Teaching Quality86.9%
Learning Resources88.4%
Academic Support88.4%
Assessment77.1%
Organisation85.7%
Student Voice75.4%

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?

25.3% of students are international, representing 115+ countries. Total international students: 4,380.

4,380International Students
25.3%of Student Body
115+Countries
CountriesStudentsPercentage
China94521.6%
India3457.9%
Canada2054.7%
Turkey2004.6%
Saudi Arabia1503.4%
Pakistan1353.1%
Egypt1202.7%
Japan1102.5%
United Arab Emirates1002.3%
Hong Kong851.9%

Source: HESA official data.

Courses at University of Sussex

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Scholarships for International Students

We found 2 scholarships you may be eligible for based on your location.

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick Facts

TypeUniversity
Founded1961
Total Students17,290+
International Students25.3%

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