Study in Portsmouth, The United Kingdom

About Portsmouth

Portsmouth is a port city on the south coast of England, in Hampshire. According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), its population grew from just under 205,100 in 2011 to around 208,000 at the 2021 census, and the median age rose from 34 to 35. The University of Portsmouth describes it as the UK's only island city.

Students choose Portsmouth for a university with a large international community, a compact city where most places are within walking distance, and the seafront at Southsea.

Studying in Portsmouth

SpainExchange lists three schools in Portsmouth: one university and two English language schools. Teaching is in English.

• The University of Portsmouth opened in 1908 as a municipal college focused on chemistry and engineering, became Portsmouth Polytechnic in 1969 and received university status in 1992. It has more than 5,000 international students from 150 countries, according to the university, and a second campus in Walthamstow, London. Its research ranges from cosmology and astrophysics to cyber security, forensics and sport science.
• The university offers Connected Degrees, which add a placement year to a three-year degree, and international students can prepare for a degree through International College Portsmouth (ICP).
• Meridian School of English started in 1979, is accredited by the British Council and is part of the Tellus Education Group. Since 2020 it has taught online: it now offers live English classes of 30 minutes for children aged 5 to 12.

Language Specialists International (LSI) is also listed as an English language school in Portsmouth.

Cost of living for students

The ONS reports an average private rent in Portsmouth of £1,368 a month in August 2026, and £901 for a one-bedroom home. University halls are an alternative: the University of Portsmouth advertises en-suite rooms from £142 a week and a guaranteed room in halls for eligible students.

For a Student visa, students on courses outside London must show £1,171 per month (for up to 9 months) in addition to their course fees. This is the visa minimum, not a full budget.

Visas for students

Courses of up to 6 months at an accredited institution, including English language courses, can usually be taken as a Standard Visitor. English courses of more than 6 and up to 11 months need a Short-term study visa, which costs £228. Degree courses need a Student visa, which costs £558 from outside the UK. After a degree, the Graduate visa allows 2 years in the UK if you apply on or before 31 December 2026, and 18 months if you apply from 1 January 2027. Check the current rules on GOV.UK before you apply.

Getting around and daily life

According to the University of Portsmouth, students can walk to any of its buildings in under 15 minutes, and the university runs two free campus bus services. First Solent bus routes are part of the national bus fare cap in England: a single ticket costs no more than £3 until the end of 2026, and single tickets will be capped at £2 from 1 January 2027.

Daily life is close to the sea. Southsea Beach, the piers and Canoe Lake are popular outdoor spots, and the Victorious festival is one of the city's music events.

Frequently asked questions

Which university is in Portsmouth?

The University of Portsmouth, which has more than 5,000 international students from 150 countries, according to the university. It also has a campus in London.

How much does student accommodation cost in Portsmouth?

The University of Portsmouth advertises en-suite rooms in halls from £142 a week. The ONS reports an average private rent of £901 a month for a one-bedroom home in August 2026.

Can I learn English in Portsmouth?

SpainExchange lists two English language schools in Portsmouth. One of them, Meridian School of English, now teaches online classes for children aged 5 to 12.