International Office
EU students - Frequently Asked Questions
We hope you find this section useful. If you have any other questions, please email eu.students@port.ac.uk.
Studying in Portsmouth:
Applying:
- When does my course begin?
- How long will it take for my application form to be processed?
- Is there a closing date for applying?
- Can I send my application form separate to my references?
- Does the University run online courses?
Your level of English:
- What IELTS/TOEFL score do I need to study for a degree?
- What happens if I do not achieve the necessary IELTS score as stated in my conditional offer?
- Can I receive help with my English during the course of my studies?
Fees and finances:
- Do I have to pay my fees in advance?
- Are there any loans or bursaries available?
- How much does it cost to live in the area?
When you arrive:
- What happens if I cannot arrive in time for the International Orientation Programme?
- Do I need to register with the Police?
- Is it possible to contact other students from my home country?
Accommodation:
- Is University accommodation available?
- When can I book my accommodation?
- Are there any shared rooms?
- Can I invite friends or family to stay with me in my University room when I arrive?
Working:
- Can I work whilst studying at the University of Portsmouth?
- Does the University help me to find a part-time job?
- Can I work in the UK when I have finished my course?
Yes. We have over 3500 overseas students from approximately 110 different countries.
The number of hours a week depends on the course. The average number of hours spent in the classroom per week is 15. You will, however, be expected to study for an additional 15/20 hours per week (using the Libraryold, group work, coursework and revision).
The first day of term is 16 September 2013 and the Orientation Programme is from 9 to 15 September 2013. We offer an Airport Pickup service (a fee applies) which runs from Heathrow Airport Terminal 3.
If all the relevant documentation is enclosed with your completed application form, it will be processed in 4 to 6 weeks. If you decide to accept the offer, you will need to return the given form. If the offer is unconditional you will then be sent your final documents including the Certificate of Final Acceptance. If the offer is conditional, you must fulfil the conditions before receiving your final documents.
If you are applying through UCAS please check application deadlines on their website. If you miss the January deadline, you can apply through UCAS Extra until 30 June to be considered for all courses with places still available. If you apply after 30 June, your application will be held for Clearing, which begins in August. Clearing is a system used at the end of the academic cycle to enable students who have not yet secured a place to apply for late course vacancies.
If you are applying directly to this institution via the International Office or through an agent (instead of through UCAS) your application will be accepted at any time throughout the year and will be considered for the chosen course, providing that the course is still open.
Yes, references can be sent separately once they have been completed. However, a final decision will not be made until all the paperwork has been received. Please make sure that you state your full name, Student ID and date of birth in any correspondence.
We offer a range of Undergraduate and Postgraduate online courses.
EU students require TOEFL 87 or IELTS 6.0 to apply for most undergraduate courses and TOEFL 100 or IELTS 6.0 to 6.5. for a postgraduate course (this varies, depending on the chosen course).
If we know your IELTS score and there is sufficient time, we can offer you a Pre-Sessional English Language programme during the summer prior to your main study programme. If you successfully complete this programme, you can then progress onto your degree course.
Yes. We run EAP sessions throughout the academic year. English testing will be undertaken during the Orientation Programme to determine your level. You can then join a class at the appropriate level for a 2-hour session every week. English for Academic Purposes is organised by the IWLP/EAP department in the School of Languages and Area Studies.
EU students are not required to pay any fees in advance. However, you will be given 2% prompt payment discount if you pay your tuition fees IN FULL on or before enrolment.
If you prefer to pay in instalments you must open a UK bank account and complete a direct debit form. Equal monthly instalments will then be withdrawn from your account from November to March.
EU students are entitled to the full Tuition Fee Loan administered by the Student Loans Company, which covers the cost of tuition fees during their course of study. Please visit tuition fee loan for more information.
EU students who are studying on a full-time undergraduate degree and are being charged the full tuition fee can receive a fee discount of £2,000 off tuition fees (available in the first year of study only). Eligibility depends on household income and country:
| EU Country | Household income |
|---|---|
| Bulgaria, Hungary, Poland, Romania | £15,000 or less |
| Czech Republic, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Slovakia, Slovenia | £20,000 or less |
| All other EU countries | £25,000 or less |
We estimate that it will cost approximately £6000 to £7000 per academic year (37 weeks), depending upon lifestyle. This should be enough to cover accommodation, food, toiletries, heating, books, essential warm clothing and modest entertainment.
We encourage all international and EU students to participate in the programme to become familiar with the University and city, meet other international students and settle into life in the UK. The International and EU Orientation Programme is followed by Induction week (also known as Freshers' Week). If you are delayed beyond the final registration date shown on your offer letter, you must inform the International Office (email: international.office@port.ac.uk).
The University of Portsmouth has ten Halls of Residence which all EU students can apply to stay in during their first year of study. It is important that you accept your study offer as soon as possible to give you the best chance of securing a place. If you are not allocated a place in Halls of Residence our Student Housing Office can help you to find alternative accommodation with other students in the local area. Please email eu.housing@port.ac.uk for further advice.
You will receive instructions on obtaining an accommodation booking form shortly after you have accepted your study offer. You should then return the completed booking form to our Student Housing. The Student Housing Office address is at the bottom of the booking form.
If you are allocated a place in university accommodation you will be sent an allocation notice informing you of the Hall of Residence and your room number. To secure your accommodation, you must then send us the £200 accommodation deposit.
The University offers a very limited number of shared twin rooms in Halls of Residence. Please email Student Housing for further advice on this scheme.
No. Unfortunately, we cannot allow friends or family to stay in the room. Friends and family will need to book hotel or bed and breakfast accommodation nearby.
EU students are entitled to work while studying in the UK. However, there are different restrictions and obligations, depending on which country you are from. It is important that you understand what your rights and responsibilities are and that you comply with any obligations. See further information about working.
Purple Door Careers and Recruitment advertise vacancies for part-time jobs. Students have to apply for the jobs themselves. The Job Centre in the city centre advertises new vacancies daily and the local newspaper The News also advertises vacancies on Thursdays.
Yes, although there are different regulations depending on your nationality. Visit our Working in the UK page.
