a male student from UAE at a festival of culture

Applying from the United Arab Emirates?

Here's all the information you need to study with us

If you’re from the UAE and interested in studying in the UK, the University of Portsmouth is a great place to fulfil your ambitions. And if you’re ready to take the next step, we’re ready to help you get here.

On this page, you'll find information about where you can meet us in your region, what you need to do to apply for a course with us and contact details for our people in your area.

Entry requirements for students from the UAE

If you're joining us from the UAE, the entry requirements you need to meet will depend on the course you want to study.

We consider all applications we receive. However, to make sure you get the most out of your time studying with us and have the best chance of applying successfully, we recommend the following minimum qualifications:

Foundation courses

If you have the Secondary School certificate, you'll usually need to do a foundation year before doing an undergraduate course such as a Bachelor's degree.

We recommend you take a foundation course at our associated college International College Portsmouth (ICP).

Undergraduate courses

Once you have completed a foundation course, we'll consider you for admission onto an undergraduate course such as a Bachelor's degree.

You can apply with:

A levels

  • Please check your specific course page to find the exact number of points needed. Your A level grades should equal or exceed the total points required. You can use the UCAS Tariff Calculator to work out your total points.
  • Some courses will require you to have studied specific subjects at A level. For example, to study a science course you will usually need to have achieved passing grades in scientific subjects at A level.
  • A level points: A* = 56 A = 48 B = 40 C = 32 D = 24.

International Baccalaureate

  • Most courses will require between 24 and 31 points in the International Baccalaureate (IB), depending on the degree you apply for.

You must have studied relevant subjects and achieved strong grades.

If you have a High National Diploma (HND) or Higher Diploma you can apply for advanced entry onto a relevant undergraduate programme.

If you have achieved an average GPA of 2.7 from year 1 (depending on the subject you have applied for) from a recognised university, you may be considered for year 1 entry.

You may be able to join an undergraduate course with other qualifications. We do consider qualifications from a range of sources. Contact us to find out more.

Postgraduate courses

For entry to our postgraduate Master's programmes, you'll usually need to have a Bachelor's degree from a recognised Higher Education institution. We usually require a minimum GPA of 2.5/Good, depending on your chosen course.

Many of our other postgraduate courses will ask for relevant work experience, and some will require you to have studied relevant subjects. Please see our courses for more details.

If you don't meet the postgraduate entry requirements, you can do a pre-Master's programme at International College Portsmouth (ICP) for many of our courses.

PhDs

We'll consider you for a PhD if you have a good Master’s degree and submit a research proposal.

Find a PhD

English language requirements

When you join us, it’s important that you can speak and understand English to the level that your course requires. The specific English language requirements will be on your chosen course page.

We accept IELTS, IGCSE and several other certificates, but don’t worry if you're currently short of the standard required – we offer English Language Programmes that will get you to the necessary level.

What to do next

Ready to start your adventure with us? Whether you know which degree course you want to do or not, get in touch with us now or meet us at an event near you to discuss your next steps.

Our Global Officers are experts in helping students from the United Arab Emirates, like you, to apply to join us. Whatever you want to know, just ask.

Scholarships and Bursaries

As an international student, you may be eligible for a scholarship. You can find out what is available to you on our funding pages.  

Representatives and agents

If you want to learn more about studying with us or you want help with your application, contact one of our official representatives in the UAE:

Agents in the UAE

IDP

Union National Bank Building
1802 Airport Road
Abu Dhabi

Tel: (+971) 2-622-8367
Fax: (+971) 2-662-8369
Contact: Ravi Chand

Website: idp.com/uae

Intelligent Partners

Office 1004, C2 Tower, Albateen,
Baynunah Street
Abu Dhabhi

Tel: (+971) 5-8286-3368

Website: intelligentpartners.com

Azent Education DMCC

Unit No - 405 A
Fortune Executive Tower
Plot No JLT PH2 T1A
Jumeriah Lake Towers
Dubai
PO Box 117673

Tel: (91) 7829877776
Email: hello@azent.com

Global Study UK

Dubai Knowledge Park
Al Bourooj Street
Block 2
Office G12
Dubai
UAE

Tel: (+971) 4454 3600
Email: info@globalstudyuk.com

HR Global Education

HR Overseas Education Management Consultancy

Office No. 9048 – 9th Floor
Conrad Hotel , Business Tower
Sheikh Zayed Road
Dubai

Email: hr1@hrglobaleducation.com
Tel: 00971450135577
Mobile: 00971 55040351

IDP

Office 104 Century Plaza Building
Jumeira 1
Jumeira
Dubai

Tel: (+971) 4-344-6814
Fax: (+971) 4-344-6817
Email: sana.alhasani@idp.com

Website: idp.com/uae

Intelligent Partners

Office 1705, Mazaya Business Avenue - BB1,
Jumeira Lakes Towers, PO Box 114423
Jumeira
Dubai

Tel: (+971) 4-368-6036 | (+971) 4-368-6087 | (+971) 4-368-6097

Website: intelligentpartners.com

JNS Education Consultant Ltd

Grosvenor Business Bay Office 1903
Business Bay
Dubai,
UAE

Tel: (+971) 5699 40084
Email: admissions.ae@jnsedu.com

Website: jnsedu.com

Overseas Education Centre

A-29-01-02-05 Flamingo Villas
Dubai
UAE

Tel: +971 55 264 3566
Email: oecdubai@outlook.com

TCL Global

1208A & 1209A, Floor 12A,
DAMAC Executive Heights,
Jebel Ali Race Course Road,
Barsha Heights, Dubai

Tel: +971 56 504 1235
Email: uae@tclglobal.co.uk

Website: tclglobal.co.uk/uae/

Moisons

2 Churchill Villas
Churchill Way
Cardiff
CF10 2EA

Tel/WhatsApp: (+44) 7888-100-300
Email: shakeeb@moisons.com

Events in the UAE

We don't have any current events planned in UAE, but we do plan regular events so check back here often for more information.

You can also contact us, or speak to an agent in your region for more assistance.