International Office
Frequently Asked Questions
This is a list of questions frequently asked by International (non-EU) students. We hope you will find this section useful. If you have any other questions, please email international.office@port.ac.uk. For questions frequently asked by EU students please click here.
Studying in Portsmouth:
Applying:
- When does the degree course begin?
- When is the last possible date I can start the course if my visa application is delayed?
- How long will it take for my application form to be processed?
- Is there a closing date for my application?
- 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 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:
When you arrive:
- Will I be met at the airport?
- What if I cannot arrive in time for the International and EU Orientation Programme?
- Do I need to register with the Police?
- Is it possible to contact other students from my home country?
Accommodation:
- Am I guaranteed accommodation?
- 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?
- Is it possible to change my room in a hall of residence?
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?
Visas:
Yes. We have over 3500 overseas students from approximately 100 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).
First day of term: Monday 16 September 2013
International and EU Orientation programme: 9 to 15 September 2013
30 September 2013
It is important for you to attend the Orientation Programme: the programme has been designed to help minimise culture shock and you will register onto your course during the programme. The programme also provides you with the opportunity to familiarise yourself with Portsmouth and the University, to meet staff who can assist you during your studies and meet other new international students.
You will notice the term start date and the last date for registration on your offer letter. Late arrival is not advised and will be detrimental to your studies. In all cases, you MUST seek authority from the University to arrive late. If your visa application has been delayed for reasons beyond your control, please contact the International Office or your agent IMMEDIATELY so that we can assess your situation. Please also email international.housing@port.ac.uk if you have been offered University accommodation to inform Student Housing of your late arrival. They will then be able to advise you accordingly on your housing options.
If all the relevant documentation is enclosed with your completed application form, it will be processed in 2 to 4 weeks.
If the offer is conditional, you must fulfil the conditions before receiving your final documents. If you are given an unconditional offer for an undergraduate course, you will be sent your final documents (including the Certificate of Acceptance of Studies (CAS) necessary for visa application) as soon as we receive your acceptance of the offer.
As well as sending us acceptance of the offer, you will need to pay the £1000 deposit before being sent your final documents. Sponsored students applying for postgraduate studies will need to send us written proof of financial support.
We recommend that you ensure we receive your application by the end of May for September entry. It can take three months to obtain a visa in some countries and you should take this into consideration, as well as the processing time for your application.
If you would like to book accommodation in a hall of residence, we must receive BOTH the completed booking form and accommodation deposit of £250. The deadline for receiving the booking form and deposit for September 2013 intake is Friday 2 August (tbc). Please note - accommodation cannot be booked until you have received an unconditional offer to study here.
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 you state your full name, Student ID and date of birth in any correspondence.
We offer a range of Undergraduate and Postgraduate online courses.
International students require IELTS 5.5 for Foundation courses, IELTS 6.0 for undergraduate courses, IELTS 6.0 to 6.5. for a postgraduate course and IELTS 6.5 for PhD study. Our translation and applied linguistics courses require IELTS 7.0.
Please note this is only a guide and this may vary depending upon the subject.
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.
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 will be sent out. The deposit will be treated as a first instalment of tuition fees.
The following Undergraduate applicants are exempt from the £1000 deposit:
- Government and company sponsored students (upon receipt of evidence of this sponsorship)
- Applicants from approved Partner Institutions (please check with the International Office)
- Exchange students
- Study Abroad students
- Students progressing from ICP
- Alumni (if applicants apply within 12 calendar months of completing their previous qualification)
In accordance with UK Home Office guidance to Universities, this deposit is non-refundable. However, a refund will be considered on receipt of a visa refusal letter and justified evidence for refusal. Appeals for refunds must be made in writing to International Admissions, Academic Registry - email international.admissions@port.ac.uk
If an applicant is refused a visa but wishes to reapply to the University for the course (and visa) in the following year, the deposit will be carried forward. This should be requested by emailing international.admissions@port.ac.uk
You will be given 2% prompt payment discount if you pay your tuition fees IN FULL on or before enrolment. Or you can pay in 5 equal instalments via direct debit at a UK bank account (please note - if you pay by instalments you will not receive the 2% prompt payment discount). Please visit Fees and Finance for further information.
We estimate that your cost of living for a 37 -week academic year (undergraduate students) would be around £6000 to £7000 and for a full calendar year (postgraduate students) around £8400 - £9800, depending upon lifestyle. This should be enough to cover accommodation, food, toiletries, heating, books, essential warm clothing and modest entertainment.
We offer an airport pick-up service (a fee will apply) from Heathrow Airport. Please check our Orientation pages for up to date information. You will have to reserve a space on this service online.
If you are coming on a Pre-Sessional English Language Programme you can make arrangements for a taxi pick-up with the University's School of Language and Area Studies by emailing efl@port.ac.uk
We encourage all international 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 will give you information on dates. You must inform the International Office if you are delayed beyond the start date of your course (email: international.office@port.ac.uk).
International (non-EU) students are guaranteed a place in a hall of residence provided we receive both the accommodation booking form and £250 deposit. We must receive both the booking form and payment before a room can be allocated to you. Please note there is no deadline for January intake. Rooms will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.
The deadline for receiving the booking form and deposit for September 2013 intake is Friday 2 August (tbc).
You will receive instructions on obtaining an accommodation booking form with your final documents. You should then return the completed booking form to Student Housing and arrange payment of £250 deposit by Friday 2 August (tbc). The Student Housing office address is at the bottom of the booking form.
The University is offering a very limited number of shared rooms in one Hall 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.
Students wishing to change their room need to speak to the Hall Community Support Officer (HCSO). Students must also speak to the Hall Manager if they wish to change from one hall to another. Room transfers are not permitted at the beginning of the academic year, although they will be considered approximately 3 to 4 weeks after the start of the year. Transfers are only considered under exceptional circumstances. Permission must be given by either the HCSO or Hall Manager before a transfer can take place.
