The University of Portsmouth is a TEF Gold institution on England’s south coast with a reputation for career-focused teaching and industry connections. It is home to 31,000 students, including around 5,700 international learners from 150+ countries, supported by 3,600 staff across a modern city-centre campus and a new London site in Walthamstow.

Portsmouth ranks 35th in the Guardian University Guide 2026, sits in the 401–500 band in the Times Higher Education World Rankings 2025, and is around the top-600 globally in QS 2026. Its REF 2021 results placed it 3rd among modern UK universities for research power.

Employability is a core strength: 90% of graduates are in work or further study within 15 months, the university is in the top 20% for graduate start-ups, and it was ranked 12th in RateMyPlacement’s 2025/26 Best Universities for Work Experience. Students benefit from proximity to major employers like BAE Systems, QinetiQ, L3Harris ASV and NHS trusts within a Solent economy of 1.24 million people and 42,000 businesses.

Affordability is another draw. Students are advised to budget ~£1,023 per month, with rent often 58% cheaper than London. Tuition fees follow the UK cap (£9,250 rising to £9,535 in 2025/26 for home students; most international programmes from £16,200+). Scholarships include the Vice-Chancellor’s Global Development (£2,500), Chancellor’s Global Academic Merit (£5,000), EU Scholarships, and faculty awards.

Entry is straightforward: most bachelor’s courses require IELTS 6.0 (no band below 5.5), while postgraduate programmes typically need IELTS 6.5–7.0 or equivalent. Pre-sessional English pathways and extensive settlement support from CAS Shield visa guidance to help with UK bank accounts, budgeting, healthcare and part-time work make Portsmouth a student-friendly choice.

Nine in ten Portsmouth graduates are in work and/or further study 15 months after graduating, supported by a Careers & Employability service that offers internships, placement years and five years of alumni support. The University sits in the top 20% nationally for graduate start‑ups and was ranked 12th in Rate My Placement’s 2025/26 Best Universities for Work Experience. Its location also helps: Portsmouth is a maritime‑defence, digital and creative hub with employers such as BAE Systems, QinetiQ, L3Harris ASV and NHS trusts on the doorstep, and a wider Solent economy of 1.24m people and 42,000 businesses. Local labour‑market indicators are healthy, with unemployment hovering at roughly 4% through 2024-25.

Programmes & Intakes at the University of Portsmouth (for International Students)

1. Academic Programmes Offered

The University of Portsmouth hosts a broad and flexible portfolio of degree programmes suitable for international students, spanning undergraduate, postgraduate (taught), and research paths, plus pathway/preparatory programmes.

Undergraduate Degrees

• Over 190 bachelor’s (undergraduate) programmes are available in a wide array of subject areas from Business, Engineering, Computer Science, Law, Architecture, Health & Life Sciences, Media & Design, to Social Sciences. 
• Some undergraduate courses have “top-up” degrees (typically for those who already hold a foundation or diploma) and foundation years or “international year one” options to support students whose prior qualifications are not directly equivalent to UK
  
• Many programmes include “sandwich” or placement years, giving students a year in industry/work, which helps boost employability. For example, in the English Literature programme you can opt for a four-year version with a placement. 

Postgraduate (Taught) Programmes

• There is a wide selection of master’s level programmes (MSc, MA, MBA, etc.) across faculties like Business & Management, Engineering, Science, Computing & Creative Technologies, Health, Social Sciences, and more. 
• Some programmes may also be teacher training / PGCE style courses offered via the university.
  

Research Degrees

• Research-focused degrees include MPhil, PhD, Professional Doctorates, MD and MRes formats. These allow students to engage in in-depth, independent research under faculty supervision.
  
• These are available across many disciplines and are especially suitable for postgraduate students who wish to follow academic or research-intensive careers. 

Pathway / Preparatory Programmes (via ICP / Navitas)

• The International College Portsmouth (ICP) is a pathway provider that offers foundation, pre-master’s, and bridging programmes in collaboration with the University of Portsmouth. These are designed to help international students gain the academic, language, and study skills needed for full degree admission.
  
• The pre-master’s programmes cover areas like Accounting & Finance, Business & Management, Art & Design, Education, International Relations, Logistics & Supply Chain, Science & Engineering, etc.
  

Special / Alternative Modes

• Some programmes may be offered online or via distance learning, particularly at the postgraduate level. Portsmouth publishes specific lists of courses that start in January that include distance learning options.
  
• Study Abroad / Exchange Programmes: Students from partner institutions overseas can come for one term or full academic year and take courses at Portsmouth, earning credit to transfer back to their home institution.
  

2. Intakes & Start Dates

When to begin your studies is a critical planning factor. Portsmouth offers multiple intakes for many programmes, though not every course is available in every intake. Below is a breakdown of the key intake periods:

Intake / Start Time	Available Programmes	Notes / Details
September / Autumn (Main Intake)	Most undergraduate and postgraduate programmes	The default and largest intake; high availability of courses, full campus experience
January / February (New Year Intake)	Many postgraduate taught programmes, and selected undergraduate/“top-up” courses	Portsmouth maintains a list of programmes starting in January/February.
June (London campus pathways)	Some pathway programmes (especially at London campus)	The London campus offers three intakes: September, January or June to give greater flexibility.

Some observations and caveats:

• Not all courses are available in non-September intakes. Always check the specific course page or contact admissions.
  
• Application deadlines differ by intake, campus, and student origin. For example, the January 2026 intake deadline for Bangladesh, Pakistan, and similar countries is 10 November 2025 for new applications, with deposit/payment deadlines following accordingly.
  
• Deposit and condition deadlines must be met promptly to avoid delays in CAS issuance and visa processing. Portsmouth stresses that some courses may close early if they fill up.

Portsmouth University World Ranking

• In the QS World University Rankings 2026, the University of Portsmouth is placed #635 globally.
  
• In Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2025, Portsmouth is in the 401–500 band overall.
  
• According to Wikipedia, Portsmouth also features in various rankings: #901-1,000 in the Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU) (2024) and #558 in U.S. News & World Report (2025-2026)
  
• Nationally, Portsmouth tends to rank in the top ~40–50 among UK universities (e.g. “University League Table 2026: 42nd”)
  
• Portsmouth claims a 5-star rating from QS in categories including teaching, employability, internationalisation and facilities.
  

Takeaway for your article: Portsmouth is not among the elite “top 100” in most global rankings, but it holds a solid position, especially in subject areas or via more applied/research metrics. Emphasize how rankings have trended, and where Portsmouth particularly shines (teaching, employability, facilities).

Portsmouth University Tuition Fees for International Students

Tuition for international students can vary widely by level (undergraduate, postgraduate, research) and discipline (lab-based, professional, etc.). Always check your specific programme’s page for the precise figure. Some indicative data:

• The University states that international fees “vary depending on the course.”
  
• For home / UK & EU students, undergraduates will pay £9,535 in 2025/26 (that is the regulated cap)
  
• For international students, some course fees in the London campus are quoted (for example) £17,000 per year for undergraduate programmes in certain cases. 
• In past years, some international tuition ranges have been advertised between £16,200 to £19,200 for certain programmes.
  
• The university requires international applicants to pay a deposit to confirm their place (which then counts against the total tuition).
  
• All fees are subject to annual increases.

Tips for your article:

• Emphasize that “varies by course” is key: STEM, architecture, health and lab-intensive courses tend to cost more.
  
• Mention that the tuition deposit is a critical step for visa processing (CAS issuance).
  
• If possible, research a few representative programmes (e.g. computer science, engineering, business) and display their international fees side by side (for 2025/26), so readers get a realistic bracket.
  

Portsmouth University Scholarships & Financial Support

Portsmouth offers multiple scholarships, bursaries, and financial support mechanisms for both international and domestic students. Some highlights:

• The “Scholarships for international students” page gives details of awards available for entrants in September 2025 / January 2026.
  
• Some scholarships reduce tuition fees, others award fixed amounts. 
• Past advertised scholarships include Chancellor’s Global Academic Merit Scholarship → ~£5,000 (for qualifying students)
  
• Many students report scholarship amounts of ~£5,000 being common for international postgraduate / undergraduate awards in promotional materials.
  
• On the UK/domestic side, Portsmouth publishes bursaries and support such as:
  
  • University Bursary: £500 per year for eligible students from England. 
  • Care Leaver Bursary: £1,700 per year (UK students) 
  • Stand Alone Bursary, Young Carer Bursary, etc. 
• Deposit waivers or refund policies might apply in certain cases; it’s important to read the tuition fee policy.
  

Suggestions for your article:

• Present a table: scholarship name / amount / eligibility / how to apply
  
• Emphasize competition: many scholarships are merit-based and limited in number.
  
• Advise readers to check deadlines, criteria, and whether they need a separate application.
  
• Mention that external scholarships (government of home country, global schemes) may supplement university offers.
  

Portsmouth University English Language (IELTS) Requirements

The University has clear published language entry requirements. For international students, these are important to know:

• For undergraduate (bachelor’s) courses, the typical IELTS requirement is 6.0 overall, with no component (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking) below 5.5.
  
• For postgraduate (master’s) programmes, many require IELTS 6.5 or 7.0, with no component below 6.0.
  
• Some programmes (especially arts, writing-intensive, or regulated professions) may demand higher scores than the standard benchmark. 
• For foundation / pathway courses, a lower threshold is acceptable, e.g. IELTS 5.5 (no component below 5.5).
  
• Alternatives are accepted: TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, Cambridge (C1 Advanced), Trinity ISE, etc., with equivalent score requirements.
  
• For example, for undergraduates the TOEFL iBT minimum is 79 (with component minimums) in many cases; for postgraduate, TOEFL 91 is a common benchmark.
  
• The university may require video credibility interviews for applicants from certain countries or in certain situations.

Article tips:

• State both the “minimum standard” and the possibility of variations by subject.
  
• Remind readers to check the specific course’s entry page (because art, law, health etc. may place extra demands).
  
• Mention that pre-sessional English programmes are available for those who are close but slightly below the requirement.
  

Cost of Living: What to Budget

Living costs are a major decision factor for international students. Here’s a detailed breakdown for Portsmouth:

Weekly / Annual Estimates (University’s data)

• In halls (university-managed accommodation): £110-£206 per week (bills included)
  
• In private rented housing: Rent ~ £95-£130/week + bills (~£35-£45) + food, transport, etc.
  
• Over a 40-week academic year, costs in halls can total £8,040 to £12,680; in private rentals, £8,840 to £11,440 (excluding tuition)
  

Monthly / Practical Estimates

• The university advises international students to budget ~£1,023/month (excluding tuition) for living costs.
  
• Some external estimates place the average non-rent living cost ~ £806/month (excluding rent) in Portsmouth.
  
• WhatUni suggests a student budget of about £1,200/month including rent etc.
  
• Accommodation: average student housing (shared/private) is estimated around £440–£500/month in some sources (though this seems low for rent alone) 
• More realistic all-in budgets (rent + bills + food + transport + social) are often in the £900 to £1,300/month bracket depending on housing quality and location.
  
• Expatistan’s data for single persons in Portsmouth suggest ~ £1,850/month (for broader living costs) though this includes general cost of living in the city, not just student scale.
  

Breakdown of expense categories (weekly / monthly)

• Food / groceries / housekeeping: ~ £45/week in halls; similar base in private housing.
  
• Transport: Local travel ~ £5–£10/week; university offers free bus services for some routes.
  
• Phone / internet / utilities: In halls often bundled; in private rentals maybe £35-£45 for utilities.
  
• Social / entertainment / personal costs: ~ £30-£40/week in student estimates.
  

Advice for your article:

• Provide a “low, mid, high” budget scenario (e.g. modest shared housing vs near-campus private flat).
  
• Emphasize that rent is the biggest variable, so choosing location and sharing a flat are cost-saving strategies.
  
• Remind students they will need upfront money for deposits (accommodation, sometimes a month’s rent in advance) before tuition or maintenance loan payouts arrive.
  
• Mention cost mitigation strategies: free campus transport, student discounts, part-time work (within visa rules).

How NWC Education Can Help You Get Into Portsmouth

Since “NWC Education” is presumably your consultancy or agency, this is where you can clearly differentiate your value. In your article, you can cast this section as the “Why work with us” segment. Here’s a robust outline of how NWC Education can assist, with evidence and best practices.

• University & Programme Selection & Fit
• Application Strategy & Timeline Management
• Document Preparation & Quality Control
• English Test & Pre-Sessional Support
• Scholarship & Funding Strategy
• Deposit, CAS & Visa Coordination
• Accommodation, Arrival & Orientation Support
• Ongoing Mentoring & Troubleshooting
• Maximizing Return on Investment
• Transparent Pricing & Accountability

In your article, you can position NWC Education as a trusted guide and navigator because many international students struggle with deadlines, documentation, and strategic choices. Use real past student stories (if you have) or example timelines to make it concrete.