Don't miss out on your 1st choice course

You've read through a pile of prospectuses, researched courses and been to open days. Now it's time to finish and submit your application.

It's best to apply to uni before the UCAS 26 January deadline, so you don't miss out on your preferred course.

Don't leave it too late

UCAS expects to see a record number of applications by the January deadline this year. Make sure you have enough time to get everything in place so you can submit your application on time.

You'll also want plenty of time to make sure you're happy with your personal statement (we offer a free personal statement checking service if you'd like someone to take one last look for you) and to check your referee has enough time to complete your reference.

Before you apply

Before you apply, see our course pages to check entry requirements for your preferred course.

Get your personal statement checked by us

A key part of your application is your personal statement. It can really tip the scales in your favour. Dive into our Personal Statement Hub to discover tips and tricks to help you plan, structure and write something that wows admissions officers. And when you're ready, send us your draft for exclusive feedback.

Submitting your application

Once you’ve chosen which courses to apply for, completed your personal statement and got your reference, you can complete the rest of the application and submit it.

You need the course’s UCAS code – highlighted in purple at the top of each course page – and our institution code – P80.

How we assess your application

As well as your predicted grades, factors we consider when we assess your application include:

• Past academic achievements and qualifications, including GCSE performance
• Your personal statement
• Your references
• Extra-curricular activity such as work-experience, clubs and sports
• Your enthusiasm, commitment and potential

Extra help and advice

If you have questions about applying to uni, or need support with your application, we can help – find out more about the application process, call our Admissions Team on +44 (0)23 9284 5566 or get in touch below.

Get more help with your application

Preparing for uni is a big deal, but we can make things easier. Watch our Getting Started videos to get tips on applying to uni and kick-starting your future – and everything in between.

After you apply

When you submit your application, UCAS sends your details to the unis you applied to. 

UCAS then sends you details of how to log into UCAS Hub, which you use to follow the progress of your applications.

When you apply to us, we send you an email to confirm your application.

Applying for loans, scholarships and bursaries

You can apply for student finance such as student loans and scholarships and bursaries in the spring before the start of your course. Don’t wait until you get an offer or receive your exam results – apply as soon as you can.

Find out more on our fees and funding pages, including details of our £5,000 Best Begins scholarship.

Getting a decision

We aim to update you on your application within 2 weeks. Once we make a decision, we let UCAS know. You then see our decision online on UCAS Hub. We’ve also created an online Applicant View. This means that you can track every stage of your application with us. You can respond to information requests easily by uploading any documents, view finance information and respond to offers.

If we offer you a place, we invite you to an Online Applicant Experience Day, where you get to find out what your course is really like at Portsmouth. You can speak to lecturers and students,  explore course facilities, tour the campus and have a look around our halls of residence too.

Considering a gap year?

If you’re thinking about taking a year out before you start your course, you don’t have to wait until next year to apply. Instead, you can apply for ‘deferred entry’ when you complete your application.

Many of our courses accept deferred entry, but some don’t. Contact us to find out if your course accepts deferred entry before you submit your application.

When to apply for deferred entry

If you want to apply for deferred entry (starting in 2023 instead of 2022), it’s still best to apply as soon as possible. You need to meet the conditions of any offers by 31 August 2022.

If you don't apply for deferred entry on your UCAS application, you can switch to deferred entry up until the start of your course. Also, if you do apply for deferred entry, you can switch back and join us in September 2022 – as long as your course still has space.