University of Sussex

Overview

The University of Sussex was founded in 1961 in Brighton on the south coast of England. For over 60 years, Sussex’s courses, research, culture and campus have aimed to stimulate, excite and challenge. So, from scientific discovery to global policy, student welfare to career development, Sussex innovates and takes the lead. And today, in every part of society and worldwide, you will find someone from Sussex making an original and valuable contribution.

There are currently around 18,000 students enrolled from over 100 countries at the University of Sussex. Sussex is ranked in the top 250 universities worldwide and has several subject areas ranked in the global top 100, including business, economics, and social sciences. The University of Sussex is also 1st in the world for Development Studies in the QS World University Rankings by Subject. Sussex offers various scholarships for students of all backgrounds.

Research is a core strength of Sussex, and the university has had three Nobel Prize winners, 12 Fellows of the British Academy and a winner of the prestigious Crafoord Prize on its staff. The Times Higher Education has ranked the University of Sussex 27th of all UK institutions for both ‘Research Power' and 'Market Share', based on its analysis of the REF 2021 results.

Services for International Students

The University of Sussex will help you prepare for Sussex, welcome you when you arrive and support you during your time at the University. This support includes:

• Expert visa advice
• Support with travelling to campus from airports during Welcome Week in September
• Induction events for international students, including how to open up a UK bank account
• Activities to help you meet people and make new friends
• Year-round support to answer any questions you may have about life in the UK or studying at Sussex

Ranking

• 38th in the Times University Guide 2025
• 68th in the Guardian University Guide 2025
• 246th in the QS World University Rankings 2025
• 201-250th in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024

For REF 2021, 89% of the research submitted by the University of Sussex was categorised as ‘world-leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’. In addition, 93% of Sussex’s research impact was assessed as ‘outstanding’ or ‘very considerable’ – up from 80.7% in 2014.

Accommodation

The University of Sussex offers a range of on- and off-campus accommodation options and guarantees university-managed accommodation for specific groups of students, including international students. To learn more about the accommodation guarantee, visit the University of Sussex website.

Location

A sunny seaside city famous for its sense of inclusivity – there can be few better places to be a student than Brighton. Dynamic and cosmopolitan, it’s a place where you can express yourself and be who you want to be, all just a few minutes from our campus.

Brighton is on England’s south coast in the county of East Sussex. It’s only an hour from Central London by train and 30 minutes from London Gatwick, one of the UK's major international airports.

Alumni

• Dong Jin (DJ) Koh (President and CEO, Samsung Electronics)
• Zhang Xin (Property developer and co-founder of SOHO China)
• Tosin Akinluyi (Executive Director - Fixed Income, Morgan Stanley)
• Dr Shamshad Akhtar (Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and Pacific)
• Rebeca Grynspan (Associate Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme)
• Ian McEwan (Author)