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University of Sussex

Why choose University of Sussex?

The University of Sussex is a leading research-intensive university in the lively city of Brighton on the South Coast of the United Kingdom, located one hour away from London.

Ranked in the world's top 225 universities (QS World University Rankings 2024), the University has both an international and local outlook, with staff and students from more than 100 countries and frequent engagement in community activities and services.

Situated in the rolling parkland of the South Downs National Park and just a few minutes from Brighton - which has been ranked as the UK's happiest city for students (Student Living by Sodexo) - the campus combines award-winning architecture with green open spaces.

Sussex offers a multi-disciplinary Direct Enrol Study Abroad Semester and Year Program, with over 1,000 modules on offer, as well as the Sussex Undergraduate Summer School offering numerous modules designed, delivered and taught by Sussex faculty across the summer.

University of Sussex
City:
Brighton
Students:
17,300
International Students:
5,000
Min. SAT Score:
1300
Min. ACT Score:
26
Min. Age:
16
Additional Items:
  • Transcript
  • Letters of Recommendation
  • Academic Statement
  • Language Requirement (English)
Application Steps
  • Choose your course
  • Check our academic entry requirements
  • Check our English language requirements
  • Apply through UCAS
  • Check fees, funding and support
  • Receiving your decision
  • Confirming your place

Diversity & Inclusion 💙

The University of Sussex offers comprehensive support for BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour) students through various initiatives, resources, and student organizations. These efforts aim to create an inclusive and equitable campus environment, fostering a sense of belonging and empowerment for BIPOC individuals within the university community.
The University of Sussex is committed to providing robust support for LGBTQIA+ students, creating a safe and inclusive campus environment. Through its dedicated LGBTQ+ society, counselling services, and educational programs, the university works to promote awareness, understanding, and acceptance of diverse gender identities and sexual orientations. These efforts contribute to a vibrant and respectful community that celebrates LGBTQIA+ individuals and their contributions.
We offer comprehensive support for neurodivergent students, recognizing the unique strengths and challenges they bring to the academic community. Through its Disability and Dyslexia Support team, specialized accommodations, and tailored resources, the university ensures that neurodivergent students can access an inclusive and accommodating learning environment. By promoting awareness, providing assistive technologies, and fostering a culture of understanding, Sussex strives to empower neurodivergent individuals to excel in their academic pursuits.
The University of Sussex is dedicated to ensuring accessibility for all students, offering a range of support services to accommodate diverse needs. With a commitment to inclusivity, the university provides accessible facilities, assistive technologies, and personalised accommodations through its Accessibility Services team. These efforts contribute to an environment where every student can fully participate in academic and extracurricular activities, promoting equal opportunities and fostering a sense of belonging for all members of the university community.

Impact 🌎

We are deeply committed to sustainability and environmental stewardship, actively integrating eco-friendly practices into its operations, curriculum, and campus development. Through initiatives such as sustainable transportation options, waste reduction programs, and renewable energy projects, the university strives to minimise its ecological footprint. By engaging students, faculty, and staff in sustainability efforts, Sussex creates a culture of environmental responsibility that prepares future leaders to address global challenges.
The University of Sussex places a strong emphasis on ethical impact by fostering a culture of social responsibility and ethical awareness among its students and staff. Through interdisciplinary research, community engagement, and partnerships with ethical organizations, the university addresses pressing societal issues and seeks innovative solutions for a more just and sustainable world. By integrating ethics into academic programs and encouraging critical thinking, Sussex aims to empower individuals who are equipped to make positive ethical contributions to society.

Reviews

Default avatar
David
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

An experience most cherished

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.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Be open to experience and do not be scared to talk to people. It is important to keep reaching out to people because that is the best way to foster connection.
Pros
  • People
  • Campus
  • Food
Cons
  • Expensiveness
  • Sometimes weather
Response from University of Sussex

Great to hear that you enjoyed your time at Sussex David.

Default avatar
Madelyn
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Transformative

University of Sussex hosts a wonderful, diverse community of global learners. As a visiting student I felt safe and welcomed on campus. With close proximity to Brighton's waterfront, South Downs National Park and the AmEx football stadium, there was never a dull moment. The academic environment was engaging and lecturers were great. The access to London was easy and also adds great value to this program. If you are somebody that is looking for a less mainstream study abroad experience, University of Sussex is a great place to start!

If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?
I would do a full year rather than one semester! So much to see and so much to do in such a short amount of time.
Pros
  • Great location for people who love the city but don't want to live in city center
  • Diverse
Response from University of Sussex

It was great to have you with us Madelyn. Thank you for the review.

Default avatar
Georgia
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Georgia Kern Spring 2025

I had a great experience studying abroad at Sussex. I enjoyed the classes I took and the passion the professors had. However, I did not perform as well academically as I expected and normally do at my home university. One of my classes had overall low class grade averages, and I am not sure if that is typical or not. I would have loved to receive grades sooner to help. I attended office hours for one class I was very passionate about, but it felt very rushed and that my professor did not have the time.

I loved the location of my flat to the rest of campus. Having a train station and airport so close was amazing! I was constantly traveling. I appreciated the different events that happened throughout campus

What would you improve about this program?
I would allow more opportunities for study abroad students to mingle with current students. I became closest to other students who were studying abroad, and did not become friends with many UK students.
Pros
  • Classes met once a week
  • Few grades/assignments
  • Location
Cons
  • Large class sizes
  • Grades released too late
  • Campus hours (cafes/food close early)
Response from University of Sussex

Thank you for your review Georgia.

Default avatar
Lily
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

University of Sussex exchange program

Studying abroad is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that I recommend all university students to participate in if given the opportunity. What I love about the University of Sussex is that it is hidden away from the busy streets of Brighton, surrounded by trees, fields, and wildlife. I found the staff and students to be kind and welcoming, making living in another country and experiencing new things easier! The University set up exchange meet and greets, but I would recommend joining a sports team or society to embrace the university experience. A short bus ride out of the university and Brighton has so much to see and do! If you like the beach (like me), I recommend you visit during the summertime.

What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?
Snow! It was so special to see snow for the first time right outside my window! A bit different from a hot traditional Australian christmas.
Pros
  • Meeting new people and making new friends
  • Experiencing living in a new country
  • Having so many travel opportunities
Cons
  • Expensive living out of home
  • Homesick and missing loved ones
Response from University of Sussex

Great to hear about your time at Sussex Lily. Thank you for sharing.

Default avatar
Jacob
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Study Abroad Experience at Sussex

Studying abroad at Sussex was one of the best decisions of my life. From experiencing and immersing myself within a new culture, to the lifelong friends I made, to the challenging and thought-provoking academics, and to the fun nightlife and social side at Sussex, it was everything I could have asked for. As an exchange student from Chicago, culture in the UK was very different and I was anxious at first, but immediately upon my arrival at Sussex, I met loads of great people that I now consider my close friends. Sussex offers a variety of clubs and sports that I engaged in, all of which led me to meeting new friends. The student-body in general is full of welcoming and friendly people. Brighton as a city is very diverse with a lively nightlife from a variety of pubs, restaurants, and clubs and feels like it is its own little world. I personally bought a bus pass and would constantly go into Brighton where I quickly learned where everything was located and experienced everything the city has to offer. Also, the professors at Sussex are engaging and caring, yet challenge you and push you to be the best version of yourself.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
I would recommend buying the Brighton and Hove student discounted bus pass for the time you are studying abroad. Buying this pass forced me to into Brighton 3-4 days a week and really immerse myself into the city and its culture in order to get my moneys worth. I would also recommend buying a rail card. I constantly traveled to London, so having a rail card made this affordable and accessible. Overall, I would recommend getting out of your accom and meeting as many new people as you can. There are infinite possibilities and connections you can make. Also, if you North America or a country that does not have international travel as cheap and accessible as the UK, I recommend traveling to other countries. I visited 3 other countries within my time at Sussex and experienced some of the most gorgeous places I have seen. This was very fulfilling.
Pros
  • Welcoming student body
  • Challenging yet achievable academics
  • lively city
Cons
  • none
Response from University of Sussex

Hi Jacob, thank you for your review. Great to hear about all the things you got up to while you were at Sussex.

Programs

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Alumni Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with verified alumni.

Why did you choose this program?

Sussex was not on my radar. I originally looked into a third party program at University College London because I wanted to be in a big city while also having easy access to other countries. I applied, but I did not get in, so my school recommended the University of Sussex, which is relatively close to London in a cool city called Brighton.

I have never heard of Brighton but kept an open mind because I knew I really wanted to study abroad in England.

What did your program provider (or university) assist you with, and what did you have to organize on your own?

Sussex provided a lot more support for me than I thought. Sussex was a direct enrollment where it did not provide the hand-holding that many other study abroad programs had (arranging all your housing and trips and forcing all the American college students to be together so they become friends), so I initially worried I would not have much support. Fortunately, the school provided a coach bus for the visiting students arriving at Heathrow Airport.

The university also has a "Buddy Scheme Society" where international students get paired up with a local student who would acclimate them to the new lifestyle. I was not sure how I would be able to make friends in a direct enrollment study abroad program, so I took advantage of that and met a super nice girl. This was a great way to meet the locals.

Meals were not free, so I had to pay for lunch at the school or buy my own groceries.

What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?

Don't make it your #1 priority to leave Brighton and go to other places in Europe.

Before I came to Sussex, I thought studying abroad in Europe was all about cramming in as many weekend trips as possible to see how many countries you can visit in a semester. Traveling to another city is great for a change of pace, but I got so much more from getting to know Brighton and immersing myself in the English (and European) culture through meeting people from all around the world. Coming home, I realized this is the true study abroad experience.

What does an average day/week look like as a participant of this program?

Living off-campus, I took a 40 minutes bus to the university.

Many of my classes had a lecture and a seminar component. In the lectures, all the students enrolled a course in sitting in a huge hall listened to the professor teach. The students were assigned a time to have their seminar, which consists of group work and discussions. It is a hands-on component of the coursework.

I was fortunate to not have classes on Friday. This gave me time to catch up on homework so I can make time for fun.

Going into your experience abroad, what was your biggest fear, and how did you overcome it? How did your views on the issue change?

My biggest fear was how I would be able to balance my studies with having fun.

I thought that during weeks when I had many deadlines, I would be so drowned in my studies I would not have time to have fun. What helped was I always had the mindset that studying abroad is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and that you should have fun during this relatively short time period because you will look back on those memories rather than the nights you spent cranking through your papers.

No matter how busy I was, I always made sure to carve out time for hanging out with my friends, exploring Brighton, or going on a short trip.

Do you have a favorite story you'd like to share?

During my time abroad, I had many rituals with my friends that brought me close to them because we would have fun together. My favorite one was riding the bus to the university every Wednesday morning together with two of my friends because we all had our classes at the same time. It was a 40-minute ride and we would spend the arduous trek having intensive conversations whether they were goofy or insightful. This brought me close to them.

The take-home message here is that the best memories are often not what you would think they are. While I really enjoyed going out with my friends for partying or sightseeing, what stood out to me were the times when I just talked to my friends because that was when I formed my strongest bonds.

Staff Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with program leaders.

Giuliana Lees

Job Title
Global Mobility Coordinator
Passionate about intercultural education as a way to connect people, encourage understanding, and contribute to a more peaceful world.

Staff Spotlight: Giuliana

What is your favorite travel memory?

Back in 2019, I travelled to Sri Lanka and explored the country by tuk-tuk and took the famous blue train through the stunning mountain landscapes. When I arrived in Ella, I had the chance to meet up with a former colleague and friend who showed me a less touristy side of Sri Lanka.
I had the opportunity to visit James Taylor’s farm, the first tea plantation in Sri Lanka, along with other areas of restored land where I learned about biodiversity conservation and the vital role local communities and international volunteers play in protecting their environment. It was an unforgettable experience that deepened my appreciation for sustainable practices and the profound impact of international collaboration.
 

How have you changed/grown since working for your current company?

I’m passionate about intercultural education, not just as a form of personal development, but also as a way to build greater understanding and, ultimately, contribute to world peace. I feel incredibly lucky to help students from around the world experience British culture, while also encouraging them to share their own traditions, customs, and ideas with us.
Since joining the Study Abroad team, I’ve had the privilege of meeting so many incredible people who continue to inspire me. Despite the challenges we face in today’s world, they remind me that we are stronger when we work together, learn from one another, and celebrate our differences.
 

What is the best story you've heard from a return student?

I love receiving feedback from our students and hearing how they have enjoyed their time with us. I was particularly moved to hear that one of our exchange students has won the Language Café Volunteer of the Year Award for her contribution to the Language Café society and supporting students learning Korean.
This is what participating in an exchange programme is all about: immersing yourself in the university community and learning from one another. It's moments like these that remind us of the incredible impact exchange students can have within our community.
 

If you could go on any program that your company offers, which one would you choose and why?

There are two types of programmes available: a semester abroad or a full year abroad. Personally, I’d choose the year abroad because it gives you a longer, more immersive experience and the chance to really settle in, make friends, join societies and make the most of your time. Plus, you get to enjoy the summer holidays both in the UK and abroad, which is a great bonus!

What makes your company unique? When were you especially proud of your team?

The University of Sussex has a (good) reputation for being a liberal and diverse community. Here, we truly value and respect people of all backgrounds, ethnicities, faiths, and sexual orientations. Our campus is a vibrant, international space where difference is celebrated and inclusivity is part of everyday life.
The Study Abroad team reflects that same spirit. We’re a close-knit, friendly group, always happy to support our students and each other. Like many of our students, we come from different cities and countries, but we’ve all found a home here in Brighton. That says something about the kind of place Sussex is: open, welcoming, and full of character.
 

What do you believe to be the biggest factor in being a successful company?

We believe that you can only truly understand the highs and lows of packing your life into a suitcase and moving to another country on your own by experiencing it yourself. That’s why our team is uniquely placed to support students; we’ve all lived abroad at some point in our lives (some of us permanently). We understand the mix of excitement, anxiety, and everything in between. Because we’ve been there, we’re not just here to offer practical advice; we genuinely get it, and we’re always ready to listen and help.