University of Sussex

  • Brighton
  • United Kingdom
English

At a glance

1961

Est.

18k

Students

45%

Acceptance rate

11.7k£

Semester tuition

This is what the university will ask you for in tuition. We don't add any markup or agency fees

350€ reward

Exclusive wearefreemovers incentives: Apply through us, pay the exact same tuition, and still get money back. Includes Cashback + Go-Together + Referral Rewards.

Available subjects

English-taught
  • 📊 Accounting & Finance
  • 🦴 Anthropology
  • 📈 Business & Management Studies
  • 🧪 Chemistry
  • 💻 Computer Science & Information Systems
  • 🌍 Development Studies
  • 💹 Economics & Econometrics
  • 📚 Education & Training
  • 📖 English Language & Literature
  • 🌍 Geography
  • 📜 History
  • 🏛️ Law
  • 🔢 Mathematics
  • 🌐 Modern Languages
  • 🎭 Performing Arts
  • 🤔 Philosophy
  • 🔭 Physics & Astronomy
  • 🌐 Politics & International Studies
  • 🧠 Psychology
  • 🏛️ Social Policy & Administration
  • 👥 Sociology

About

Spend a semester or a year studying at the University of Sussex and experience one of the UK’s most exciting student destinations. Combining a beautiful campus, world-class teaching and the vibrant city of Brighton, Sussex offers an unforgettable study abroad experience.

Located in the stunning South Downs National Park, our campus gives you plenty of space to study, relax and enjoy the outdoors. At the same time, you’re just minutes from Brighton – one of the UK’s most popular student cities, famous for its beach, independent cafés, live music, festivals and creative atmosphere. If you want to explore even further, London is only around an hour away by train.

Since opening in 1961, Sussex has built a reputation for innovation, global thinking and academic excellence. Today we’re ranked among the top 20% of universities worldwide, and our welcoming community brings together students from more than 140 countries. Whether you’re joining us for one semester or a full academic year, you’ll quickly feel part of our international community.

One of the biggest advantages of studying abroad at Sussex is the flexibility of our academic programme. You’ll have the opportunity to choose from a wide range of modules across many subject areas, allowing you to tailor your studies to match your interests and your home university requirements. Our academics are passionate about their subjects, and classes encourage discussion, critical thinking and new perspectives.

Life outside the classroom is just as rewarding. With over 200 student societies and 30 sports clubs, there’s something for everyone, whether you’re looking to continue a favourite hobby or try something completely new. From cultural societies and volunteering opportunities to live music, social events and outdoor adventures, you’ll find plenty of ways to make friends and immerse yourself in student life.

Our campus has everything you need in one place, including cafés, restaurants, shops, a supermarket, sports facilities, study spaces and on-campus accommodation. You’ll also receive dedicated support from our Study Abroad team before you arrive and throughout your time at Sussex, helping you settle in and make the most of your experience.

Studying abroad is about much more than earning academic credit. It’s about discovering new places, meeting people from around the world, challenging yourself and creating memories that will stay with you long after you’ve returned home. At Sussex, you’ll graduate from your study abroad experience with new friendships, new perspectives and a true home away from home.

Rankings and accreditations

1st

In the world for Development Studies by QS Rankings

6th

In the World for Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

15th

In the UK for Employment Outcomes

Academic calendar

All semesters. One profile.

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Fall semester

Mid-Late September

Mid December

⚠️ Application deadline:

April 1

Spring semester

Mid-Late January

Late May

⚠️ Application deadline:

October 15

Prerequisites

Are you a fit for this university?

Create a profile and instantly check your eligibility against this institution’s entry standards.

English

CEFR level
B2
Accepted certificates
TOEFL iBT, IELTS, Duolingo, Duolingo English Test, Danish studentereksamen, Højere Forberedelseseksamen (HF), Højere Handelseksamen (HHX) or Højere Teknisk Eksamen (HTX), German Abitur.
Additional notes

Minimum accepted scores:

  • TOEFL iBT: Tests taken before 21 January 2026 – 80 overall, including at least 17 in Listening, 18 in Reading, 20 in Speaking, 17 in Writing,
    Tests taken after 21 January 2026 – 4 overall, including at least 4 in each of the four components (Listening, Reading, Speaking and Writing). The TOEFL iBT institution code for the University of Sussex is DI 9166;
  • IELTS Academic: 6.0 overall, with at least 5.5 in each of the four components (Listening, Reading, Speaking and Writing);
  • Duolingo: 105;
  • Danish studentereksamen, Højere Forberedelseseksamen (HF), Højere Handelseksamen (HHX) or Højere Teknisk Eksamen (HTX) grade 10 or above in English (applicants with grade 7 or above will still be considered);
  • German Abitur score of 12 or above in English.

3.0 GPA

A minimum GPA equivalent to 2.8 on a 4.0 scale is required to apply to this institution. Applicants slightly below this threshold may still be considered if supported by strong academic progression, relevant coursework, or an exceptional extracurricular profile.

Expense breakdown

Housing

1,000 GBP/mo

Food

350 GBP/mo

Transport

100 GBP/mo

Leisure

200 GBP/mo

Semester tuition

This is what the university will ask you for in tuition. We don't add any markup or agency fees

11,750 GBP

Living expenses (5 months)

An estimation of what your living expenses could be. You can go cheaper or more expensive, depending on your lifestyle

8,250 GBP

Travel & trips

The cost of reaching the destination, having a little bit of fun travels while you're there, and coming back. Again, this varies on your adventurous spirit and spending capabilities

1,500 GBP

Estimated semester cost

21,500 GBP

wearefreemovers discount

up to 350 EUR

wearefreemovers discount

up to 350 €

wearefreemovers partners directly with universities to make studying abroad more affordable. By applying through us, you keep the official university tuition and get exclusive cashback and referral bonuses.

Cashback

200€

Referral

50€
per person

Go together

up to
100€

Lifestyle

Life in

Brighton

Accommodation

At Sussex, our accommodation offers unique benefits, so you can feel at home with us.

You will:

  • Live in the heart of campus so you can relax after your studies and unwind in our cafés and bars
    be surrounded by the rolling hills and woodlands of the South Downs National Park;
  • Get all-year-round support from our Residential Advisors;
  • Immerse yourself in our diverse and international community.

More information can be found here.

Social and extracurricular activities

There will be a fully inclusive welcome period prior to studies commencing in both September and January. This will give you an opportunity to meet other students, explore campus and Brighton, and settle into life at Sussex before the academic semester begins.

Visa and immigration

For one semester studies students can arrive into the UK as a visitor which means you do not need to apply for a visa.

For students undertaking full year studies, the university will provide you with a Confirmation of Acceptance (CAS) so you can apply for a Student Visa.

Climate

Fall semester

Mid-Late September

Mid December
🌡️ 7°C to 20°C

Pleasant temperatures early on, then gradually cooler and wetter as winter nears. Strong coastal winds are common.

Spring semester

Mid-Late January

Late May
🌡️ 4°C to 19°C

Winter stays chilly through February. March–May brings longer days and better weather for exploring the seaside.

Campus location

Video

Student experiences

I had the best time during my study abroad experience at the University of Sussex during the Autumn semester of 2025. I have made great friendships with other exchange students and have made a home away from home which I will always cherish. If you are looking to undertake a university exchange, I cannot recommend Sussex enough! Brighton is an amazing city close by to the campus, and London is just a train ride away.

Annabelle

The experience of taking a semester abroad at the University of Sussex will always be one of my most cherished. I have made some great international friends, experienced living in England and at a university campus (in Czechia, the unis do not have them). I loved the welcoming atmosphere and also am fond of how sweet British people are. I would definitely recommend taking the semester to everyone, especially at University of Sussex with its wonderful study support and teachers. I really liked how communicative, likeable and helpful the teachers were.

David