Are you an Indian student considering the University of Essex for your higher education in the UK? Known for its world-class research, particularly in social sciences, and its vibrant, international community, Essex offers a fantastic return on investment. With a strong global ranking and a commitment to student success, it’s a top choice for those looking to build a successful global career.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the University of Essex's courses and fees specifically for Indian students, using verified data for the 2025-2026 academic year. We will cover popular programs, tuition fee structures in both GBP (£) and INR (₹), scholarships, and other essential financial information to help you plan your studies effectively.
Why Choose the University of Essex? A Snapshot for Indian Students
- Strong Rankings: The University of Essex consistently ranks among the top universities globally. It is ranked #456 in the QS World University Rankings 2026 and holds a strong reputation for subjects like Sociology, Politics, and Economics.
- High Student Satisfaction: Essex is known for its focus on student welfare and satisfaction, creating a supportive environment for international students to thrive.
- Excellent Research Output: As a research-led university, Essex provides students with access to cutting-edge facilities and faculty who are experts in their fields, ensuring a high-quality academic experience.
- Strategic Location: With campuses in Colchester, Southend-on-Sea, and Loughton, students are close to London, offering excellent networking and career opportunities.
Programs Offered at the University of Essex
The University of Essex offers a comprehensive range of programs across its three faculties, catering to a wide variety of academic and professional interests.
- Undergraduate (UG) Courses: Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Science (BSc), and Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) degrees spanning 3 to 4 years.
- Postgraduate (PG) Taught Courses: Master of Arts (MA), Master of Science (MSc), and Master of Business Administration (MBA) programs, typically lasting 1 year.
- Postgraduate (PG) Research Courses: PhD and MPhil programs for students wanting to delve deep into research, with durations from 3 to 5 years.
University of Essex Tuition Fees for Indian Students (2025-2026)
For the academic year 2025-2026, international students can expect the following tuition fee ranges. This provides a general overview before we break down costs by specific courses.
- Undergraduate (UG) Annual Tuition Fees: £19,500 - £22,750 (Approx. ₹20.7 Lakhs - ₹24.2 Lakhs)
- Postgraduate Taught (PG) Annual Tuition Fees: £21,700 - £26,250 (Approx. ₹23.1 Lakhs - ₹27.9 Lakhs)
- Postgraduate Research (PhD) Annual Tuition Fees: £17,050 - £19,740 (Approx. ₹18.1 Lakhs - ₹21 Lakhs)
Note: The INR conversion is based on the exchange rate of £1 = ₹106.5. Exchange rates are subject to fluctuation.
Popular Courses & Fees at University of Essex for Indian Students (2025-2026)
Here is a detailed breakdown of popular courses among Indian students, with verified tuition fees from the University of Essex's official fee schedule for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Popular Postgraduate (PG) Taught Courses
Course Name |
Duration |
Annual Tuition Fee (GBP) |
Annual Tuition Fee (Approx. INR) |
|---|---|---|---|
The Essex MBA |
1 Year |
£26,250 |
₹27,95,625 |
MSc Data Science |
1 Year |
£22,750 |
₹24,22,625 |
MSc Business Analytics |
1 Year |
£23,500 |
₹25,02,750 |
MSc Advanced Computer Science |
1 Year |
£23,500 |
₹25,02,750 |
MSc Artificial Intelligence |
1 Year |
£23,500 |
₹25,02,750 |
MSc International Business and Entrepreneurship |
1 Year |
£22,400 |
₹23,85,600 |
MSc Finance |
1 Year |
£23,500 |
₹25,02,750 |
MA International Relations |
1 Year |
£21,700 |
₹23,10,550 |
LLM International Commercial and Business Law |
1 Year |
£21,700 |
₹23,10,550 |
The postgraduate fees highlight a clear trend where programs from the Essex Business School and the School of Computer Science and Electronic Engineering command a higher price point. This reflects the specialised infrastructure, software licensing, and high-demand career outcomes associated with these fields. The flagship Essex MBA is the most premium program, positioned for experienced professionals seeking leadership roles.
Popular Undergraduate (UG) Courses
Course Name |
Duration |
Annual Tuition Fee (GBP) |
Annual Tuition Fee (Approx. INR) |
|---|---|---|---|
BSc Computer Science |
3 Years |
£22,750 |
₹24,22,625 |
BSc Data Science and Analytics |
3 Years |
£22,750 |
₹24,22,625 |
BEng Electronic Engineering |
3 Years |
£22,750 |
₹24,22,625 |
BSc Economics |
3 Years |
£21,525 |
₹22,92,412 |
LLB Law |
3 Years |
£19,500 |
₹20,76,750 |
BA Politics and International Relations |
3 Years |
£19,500 |
₹20,76,750 |
BSc Psychology |
3 Years |
£21,700 |
₹23,10,550 |
BSc Business Management |
3 Years |
£21,525 |
₹22,92,412 |
For undergraduate studies, a similar pattern emerges. Technology and engineering degrees are in the higher fee band (£22,750), while humanities, law, and social science programs are more accessibly priced at £19,500 per year. This tiered fee structure is common across UK universities and is important for students to factor into their budget when choosing a major.
Ancillary and Other Essential Fees
Beyond tuition, students must budget for other mandatory and potential costs.
- Application Fee: The University of Essex does not charge an application fee for its postgraduate (Master's and PhD) programs. For undergraduate applications made via UCAS, the fee is £28.50 for multiple choices for 2025 entry.
- Confirmation Deposit: Upon accepting an offer, international students are typically required to pay a tuition fee deposit to secure their place. This amount is usually between £2,000 and £5,000, which is later deducted from the total tuition fee.
- Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): This is a mandatory fee for all international students applying for a UK visa. It allows access to the National Health Service (NHS). The current fee is £776 per year of your visa duration.
Payment Schedule, Refund Policy & Scholarships
Understanding the financial policies is crucial for a smooth journey.
Payment Schedule
The University of Essex offers flexibility in paying tuition fees. After the initial deposit, students can either pay the remaining amount in full before or at registration or opt for an instalment plan. The typical plan involves paying 50% at registration and the remaining 50% in January/February of the following year.
Visa Refusal Refund Policy
The University of Essex has a clear policy for students whose UK Student Visa application is refused. If your visa is rejected, the university will refund the tuition fee deposit you have paid, minus a small administrative fee (typically around £100-£200), provided you submit a copy of the official visa refusal letter from UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).
Scholarships for Indian Students
Essex is committed to attracting talented students and offers several scholarships.
- South Asia Regional Scholarship: This scholarship is specifically for students from countries in South Asia, including India. It offers a tuition fee discount of £4,000 for eligible undergraduate and postgraduate students.
- Academic Excellence International Masters Scholarship: This merit-based award offers a tuition fee discount of up to £5,000 to high-achieving postgraduate students.
- The Essex MBA Dean's Award: This prestigious award is for exceptional MBA candidates and can cover a significant portion of the tuition fee.
- GREAT Scholarship: In partnership with the British Council, the university sometimes offers scholarships worth £10,000 to students from India pursuing specific postgraduate courses.