How to apply
When you apply as an international student, you'll follow the same process as UK students, but there are a few extra things you'll need to know.
Applicants from some countries may have to meet individual requirements – to see what these are, visit your country page.
English language requirements
You need a sufficient level of English to contribute in classes and lectures, and to complete assignments.
The level of English you need depends on the course you want to study – you can find these requirements on each course page. Before we confirm your place, you must demonstrate you meet the English language requirements for your course by supplying the results of an English language test we accept.
If you don’t meet the English language requirements for this course when you apply, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme with us before you start your course.
Students from some countries, such as those that use English as an official language, are exempt from these requirements. Find out if your country is exempt by visiting your country's page.
Getting a visa
As you'll probably know already, you'll need a visa to study in the UK, and you'll need an offer of a place with us before you can apply for your visa, so you should apply for a course first. You can read more about this on our Visas page.
What you'll need to send us
When you apply to join us, we'll need to see the following documents:
- A completed application form – there's a link to the form you'll need in the 'apply' section at the bottom of every course page
- A Personal Statement or Statement of Purpose explaining why you want to study this course and why you have chosen our University. Some personal statements need specific information, so check your course page for full details.
- Officially certified and translated copies of your high school or college qualification and grades (for undergraduate courses)
- Officially certified and translated copies of your degree qualification and grades (for Postgraduate courses)
- Proof of your English language level (such as an IELTS Certificate)
- One academic reference on official headed paper for undergraduate courses or two references for postgraduate courses
- Please note that we require video credibility interviews for applicants from certain countries. Our regional leads will be in contact to coordinate this with the applicant directly.
What comes next?
Once we receive your application, we may ask you for further information. We will then either make you an offer or suggest alternatives if your application is unsuccessful. If you receive an offer from us, you've received an offer from us, there's plenty more to think about. Find out about preparing for being a student in the UK.
We recommend paying the deposit and meeting conditions as soon as you receive the offer to avoid potential delays with CAS and Visa processes. Please see details here on ways to pay, and ensure there is plenty of time for your deposit payment to clear.
Choosing an education agent
If you choose to apply via an education agent, the British Council have created this useful guide to help you with your decision.
Application fraud
The University of Portsmouth treats admissions fraud very seriously. Unfortunately, we occasionally receive applications with false or fabricated academic documents or proof of English language ability; fake references; plagiarised personal statements; or other false or misleading information.
It is the responsibility of all applicants to ensure that everything that is submitted as part of, or in support of, their application, is correct in all respects.
All application documents, supporting evidence and related information submitted by an applicant (or on their behalf) are checked and verified to ensure they are genuine. This will normally be before an offer is made. In some circumstances, documents or evidence are delayed beyond the offer stage, in which case they are checked as soon as they are submitted.
If the University suspects that false documents, evidence or information has been submitted, we will investigate and, as appropriate, take robust action against applicants in accordance with our policies.
In cases of admissions fraud, we will reject the application and any others made by the same person. Applicants who are rejected due to a fraudulent, non-genuine or negligent application will not be entitled to a refund of their deposits. If admissions fraud is discovered after the individual has enrolled at the University, this will normally result in the termination of the individual’s studies. Any deposits or tuition fees paid will not be refunded.
Where appropriate, the University may refer cases of admissions fraud to the authorities, including the police and UKVI, for review.