Application, Fees & Funding
Applying International
Overview
General Admissions Criteria
You will need to be over 18 years of age to enter Higher Education in the UK, however applicants that will be under the age of 18 at the start of the course must provide consent to join the University from a parent or legal guardian. If we give you an offer of a place we will contact you for this information. Please note that international students cannot apply for part-time courses unless you are the dependant of a current full-time student, studying in the UK, the dependant of someone who has a current UK work permit or the dependant of a UK citizen. Please note: some of our courses are only offered to practising UK professionals and, where this is the case, it will be indicated on the course page.
Applications are welcome from students with advanced standing for direct entry to our programmes. Students should forward copies of their transcripts (in English) with their application forms, so that an assessment can be made with regard to recognition of previous study.
English language requirements
Your level of English must be sufficient for you to study your chosen course, contribute to classes and pass assignments and examinations. As a general guide, we require IELTS 5.5 for foundation, 6.0 for undergraduate and 6.0 to 7.0 for postgraduate entry. Specific scores required depend on the course you choose. We also accept the following:
- GCSE English Language - Grade C or above
- Cambridge IGCSE - Grade C or above
- Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English - Grade B or above
- Cambridge Proficiency in English - Grade C or above
- NCUK EAP Programme - Grade B to D
How to apply - Undergraduate
Admissions Criteria For Undergraduate Study
Specific entry requirements are detailed on each course page. As a guide, for degree level study, you will need to have the equivalent of:
- 2 or 3 good 'A' Levels (GCE Advanced Level)
- or a recognised Access/Foundation course
- or an International Baccalaureate (minimum score 24)
- or an EDEXCEL (BTEC) National Certificate or Diploma (Merit profile)
- or High School Leaving Certificate, if it is deemed equivalent to 'A' Level Standard
- Some courses have higher entry requirements, especially where they are recognised by professional bodies.
Applying
We recommend that undergraduate applicants apply via the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). The UCAS website contains advice and step-by-step guidance through their online application process, giving clear details on either applying to just one choice or to more than one university or college.
Alternatively, you can apply through one of our local representatives in your country. Please visit the International Office’s country specific pages for contact details and further information on our activities in your country.
Undergraduate Application Form
You can also apply direct to the University by completing the Application Form and Application form - Section 4 Additional Information. Please ensure that you include this insert with your application. Please read these guidance notes before completing your application.
Documents required
- Completed application form
- Personal Statement / Statement of Purpose
- Proof of degree and grades (officially certified and translated copies)
- Proof of English language level (e.g. IELTS or TOEFL Certificate)
- One academic reference on official headed paper
Advice on personal statements
The personal statement is crucial in enabling admissions tutors to make a decision regarding your application. It is your opportunity to tell us more about yourself and your suitability for the course. You should demonstrate your enthusiasm for the course and the skills you have gained from activities outside the classroom. We suggest you include the following:
- Your reasons for choosing the course
- The aspects of your chosen course that interest you most
- Any work experience, placement or voluntary work you have undertaken, particularly if it is relevant to your subject. Include the skills and abilities you have gained from these activities
- How your choice of course fits in with your future career plans
- Why you would like to study in the UK
- Details of any non-examination activities you have undertaken in preparation for higher education
- Your social, sports and leisure interests
- If you have taken, or are planning to take, a year out - please give your reasons why
- If you are not currently in full-time education, please give details of your current or previous employment
- Please also include evidence to demonstrate that you can successfully complete a higher education course that is taught in English.
How to apply - postgraduate
Admissions Criteria For Postgraduate Study
As a guide, for masters level applications, you will need to have a good Degree pass in a relevant discipline or equivalent, or have had relevant work experience in the appropriate field. Every application is considered individually and many factors such as maturity, motivation and work experience are considered in support of your application.
It is not always easy to match the qualifications from other countries with the UK qualifications. For more information on equivalencies of qualifications, applicants are advised to refer to the British Council handbook or their local office.
Applying
You can apply for postgraduate courses using the online application form. Alternatively, you can use the offline version of the postgraduate application form, which you can download by clicking on the link below.
-
Application Form (.pdf)
Please also download the instructions on how to fill in the form (pdf), and two copies of the Reference Request Form (pdf). You should send your completed documents to the address at the end of the application form.
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Application form - Section 4 Additional Information (.pdf)
Please ensure that you include this insert with your application
- ATAS Student Guidance Notes (.pdf)
Documents required for application
- Completed application form
- Personal Statement / Statement of Purpose
- Proof of degree and grades (officially certified and translated copies)
- Proof of English language level (e.g. IELTS or TOEFL Certificate)
- Two references on official headed paper, one of which should be an academic reference
Alumni Discount
An Alumni Discount of 20 per cent is available for postgraduate study for all self funded students who have: previously gained a qualification at undergraduate level at the University of Portsmouth or have been registered on a University of Portsmouth course at a partner institution and gained a University of Portsmouth undergraduate qualification. In order to qualify, both you and the course you wish to take must be eligible. For more information click here.
Applications for PGCE and Social Work
How to apply - research degrees
You can find specific information on how to apply at the Post Graduate How to Apply webpages.
For International students, the formal offer of a place will be sent by Academic Registry (Admissions), which will allow you to obtain a visa for entry to the United Kingdom. If you are using the hardcopy forms, please remember to send them to the address at the end of the form.
International office
Our International Office is here to help you find all the information you need to support you through the application process. They also provide advice and support when you arrive at the University of Portsmouth and throughout your studies. An Orientation Programme is arranged for all new International/EU students on arrival, which assists you through the registration process and helps you find your way around the University and the City. You will also get the opportunity to meet academic and support staff and your fellow students before term commences.
Deposits
A £1000 non-refundable deposit is required. Successful applicants pay this deposit only when they have received an offer from us. Once the academic conditions and the financial conditions have been fulfilled and the deposit payment has cleared, the Confirmation of Acceptance of Studies (the final documentation) will be sent out. The deposit will be treated as a first instalment of tuition fees.
Scholarships
The University operates a number of Scholarship and Bursary Schemes for International (non-EU) research students. In addition, individual Faculties may be offering additional financial support for students undertaking specific research. For more information visit the Graduate School pages.
English Language Requirements
Your level of English will need to be at a high enough standard for you to conduct your research and contribute to your programme. For applicants whose first language is not English it is necessary to demonstrate a satisfactory standard in English. This may be demonstrated either by holding a first degree from a UK University that has been taught and assessed in English or by reaching a satisfactory standard in an approved test in English - IELTS or equivalent. A satisfactory standard is defined as achieving an IELTS score in band 6.5 or equivalent, providing that no component of the IELTS profile is more than 0.5 below the overall score. Applicants with a lower score may be admitted subject to the successful completion of a pre-sessional English for Academic Purposes programme. Applicants to subject areas recognised by Academic Council as having a particularly linguistically demanding standard will be required to have achieved an IELTS score in band 7 or equivalent, providing that no component of the IELTS profile is more than 1.0 below the overall score.
Visa requirements
Students applying to come to the UK must obtain a student visa. They are assessed under the Points Based System (Tier 4). Please refer to the Points Based System (Tier 4) information from our International Office for details and advice.
