Graduate School

Research degrees for International students

You can find specific information on how to apply at our 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.

Applicants in Nigeria should apply by completing our online application form, or through our in country representative, Glory Educational Services. A small charge will be made by Glory for administration and visa counselling.

International office

The International Office is here to help you find all the information you need while making your university choice.  They also provide advice and support when you arrive at the University of Portsmouth and throughout your studies. 

The International Office arranges an Orientation Programme for all new International/EU students on arrival. The aim of the programme is to assist you through the registration process and help you find your way around the University and the City.  It also gives you the opportunity to meet academic and support staff and your fellow students before term commences.

 The International Office website contains International/EU student specific advice on:

Deposits

A £1000 deposit  is required. Successful applicants should not pay this deposit until 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.  Please contact the Faculty Research Coordinator for more information.

English Language Requirements

Your level of English will need to be sufficient 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. The approved test to be used is the 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 EAP 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. 

Please visit English Language requirements for further information.

 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 visit Points Based System (Tier 4) for details and advice.

International Student Advisors

The International Student Advisers are housed within the International Office.  They provide many services including:

  • Police registration appointments

  • Part-time employment

  • Extending your stay in the UK

  • Obtaining a visa to visit other countries

  • Registering with a doctor

  • Coach trips and social events

  • The Island newsletter for International/EU students

  • General advice and pastoral care