NCUK announces new partnership with the University of Essex
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NCUK welcomes the University of Essex as a new partner university, further strengthening our global university network and creating exciting progression opportunities for international students.
Founded in 1964, Essex has spent more than 60 years encouraging boldness, bravery, and ensuring that an Essex Education is accessible to all. Today, it is home to a truly international community, with students from over 140 nationalities and over 165 student societies.
Essex has also achieved outstanding recognition in the Guardian University Guide 2026, ranking 12th in the UK overall, and excelling across several subject areas, ranking taking 1st for Drama, 3rd for Anatomy and Physiology, 6th for Biology, Nursing, and Mathematics, and 10th for Sports Science.
Located in the beautiful county of Essex in the south of England, the university’s main campus is set in 200 acres of award-winning parkland in Colchester — the oldest recorded town in Britain. Students benefit from a rich blend of Roman history, vibrant culture, and modern amenities including theatres, cinemas, and climbing walls. With London just under an hour away by train, Essex offers the perfect balance of peaceful campus life and access to one of the world’s most dynamic cities.
The University of Essex is delighted to partner with NCUK who offer some of the most comprehensive, academically rigorous and trusted pathway programmes internationally. NCUK students are not only prepared academically for study in the UK, but they are provided with a rich extra-curricular programme which is hugely beneficial in the transition and cultural preparedness. This combination is ideal for students enrolling here at the University of Essex where we have a 60-year history of being a truly international university where curiosity prevails, and where exploring new ways of thinking and pushing boundaries is an expectation for all students and staff alike.
Simon Foster, Director of International Student Recruitment, University of Essex
Essex is the UK’s number one university for Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs), with over 40 active collaborations and £10.2 million secured in funding. These partnerships span sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, logistics, and AI, giving students real-world exposure and opportunities to work on innovative projects with leading companies.
Courses at Essex are designed with industry input, ensuring students graduate with the skills employers need. From engineering and business to creative arts and data science, Essex students benefit from hands-on learning and career-focused teaching.
We are thrilled to welcome the University of Essex to the NCUK network. Essex has a long-standing reputation for both academic excellence and inclusivity, values that align perfectly with our mission. This partnership will create exciting new opportunities for NCUK students, enabling them to progress to a highly-reputable institution that is committed to supporting them academically, personally, and professionally.”
Holly Searson, Head of University Partnerships at NCUK