University of Portsmouth

Overview

The University of Portsmouth is located on the south coast of England, about 150km southwest of London. There are over 31,000 students enrolled, 5,700 of which are international.

Portsmouth is a modern, multi-disciplinary university offering practical courses at undergraduate, postgraduate and research levels across five faculties. Most bachelor's degrees include a one-year paid work placement, and the university is rated highly for student satisfaction and graduate employment.

Portsmouth's strengths lie in geology, earth and environmental sciences, pharmacy and sport science, psychology, mechanical engineering, software engineering, computing and computer science, law, criminology and criminal justice, forensic studies, international relations, journalism, architecture and property development. A complete portfolio of business courses, including economics, accounting, finance, human resource management and law, is available.

The university is also partnered with International College Portsmouth - Navitas, which delivers Foundation Year, International Year One and Pre-Masters courses.

Services for International Students

The University of Portsmouth offers Pre-sessional English language courses for students who have applied to the University for all levels of study. Portsmouth also offers classes in English for Academic Purposes during term time to help students adjust to the English university system and ensure that they are fully equipped to write essays and reports and to make effective presentations. Topics include essay writing, presentations, grammar, academic style and critical thinking. All EAP classes are free of charge for the first year.

A dedicated team of International Student Advisers supports students with everything from pastoral care and visa advice to joining the University and social events.

Ranking

• 55th in the Times University Guide 2025
• 41st in the Guardian University Guide 2025
• 401–500th in the THE World University Rankings 2025
• 104th in the Times Higher Education Young University Rankings 2024

Portsmouth was awarded Gold in the Teaching Excellence Framework and 4th in the UK's most affordable cities for students in the Natwest Student Living Index 2023.

77 per cent of research the University of Portsmouth submitted in the REF 2021 is rated in the highest categories — world-leading and internationally excellent — with wide-ranging impacts on society, health, culture, and the environment. The University of Portsmouth is ranked third of all modern post-92 universities in the UK for research power.

Accommodation

All international students are guaranteed a room in Portsmouth University accommodation during their first year of study, provided they have made us their firm choice and met the accommodation deadlines. There are over 5,000 rooms (catered/self-catered and en-suite) in various Halls of Residence across the city. 

Private rented accommodation is available in the city, mostly in shared flats and houses or lodgings with a local family. The university monitors vacancies and safety standards to help students find suitable places to live.

Location

Portsmouth is the UK’s only island city, located on the south coast of England, around 90 minutes away from London via train. Situated on the Solent, opposite the Isle of Wight, Portsmouth is a busy cosmopolitan naval and commercial port with around 240,000 inhabitants, 24,000 of which are students. The University of Portsmouth's seaside location makes it very easy to enjoy the pebbled beaches, public gardens and sport all year round, while Portsmouth has a strong maritime heritage and is the home of the Royal Navy. Many global companies have come to Portsmouth, such as BAE Systems, EADS Astrium, VT Shipbuilding and the UK headquarters of IBM.

The city is safe and friendly, with excellent transport links. Due to its location, Portsmouth is a gateway to the continent and other UK cities. London Heathrow and Gatwick Airports are 70mins away, and Southampton Airport is 20mins. Portsmouth is a major ferry port; links are available to the Isle of Wight, France and Spain. The city offers history at Portsmouth's historic dockyard, shopping at Gunwharf Quays, and culture from the many museums. There is a great music scene, and summer festivals, such as Victorious, occur yearly.