University of Portsmouth | International

The University of Portsmouth Global team are the central point of contact for international students. Their experienced staff offer help to settle into the University and the UK – from visa and financial questions, to finding a place to live.

They organise an orientation programme for new students, and can even pick you up from the airport when you arrive in the UK. The programme is designed to help you register on your course, settle into your accommodation and meet staff who will teach you. The team will also explain all about the University and the ways it can support you.

The Global team also arrange social events and coach trips, so you can make new friends and get to know both your new home city and other areas of the country.

International Orientation Week

A few days before Freshers’ Week begins, our International Office welcomes overseas students during Orientation Week – an opportunity to go on guided tours of the University and the city, get help with registration, meet other students, and discover the support services we offer.

Clubs and Societies

University of Portsmouth students make the most of a wide range of clubs and societies offered by the University’s Student Union, from anime to surfing. You can also get involved in over 35 sports clubs, from American Football to Volleyball.

The Students' Union

The Students’ Union is an independent charity that exists to advance your education at the University of Portsmouth through a range of services and activities. The Union promotes your rights and looks after your well-being throughout your university years. It’s run for students by students.

The Library

Open 24/7 during term time, the library is able to offer you:

over 380,000 books, 600,000 e-books and 41,000 journals, with extensive off-campus access to e-resources
access to various DVDs, maps, online newspapers and microfilms
a wealth of PCs, laptops and Apple Macs available for student use, with free wifi throughout
an online catalogue
a service that lets you borrow books from other libraries
bookable group study rooms
courses to help you with your study and research skills
a café for when you need to take a break

On every floor, you'll find friendly, supportive and experienced staff to handle any questions you may have. They can help you both in person and by email.

Our specialist Faculty Librarians work closely with lecturers to make sure you have the resources you need for your coursework.

The City

Portsmouth is lively beaches and vivid street art. It’s rich in naval history and buzzing with indie start-ups. It’s a city alive with possibility. The University campus is woven through the city centre. That means shopping, cafés and nightlife are always on your doorstep. And you can walk to the seafront or historic Old Portsmouth in minutes.

Within a 10 minute walk from campus, you’ll find miles of beaches and green spaces. Two original Victorian piers offer amazing views, amusement arcades and rides. Spinnaker Tower gives you stunning views of the city and the Solent. Gunwharf Quays is a destination designer outlet with bars, restaurants, cinema and bowling alley. Naval history comes to life at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard. And with several major music, theatre and comedy venues, there’s always entertainment on tap.

Facts & Figures

With a Gold rating in the latest Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) assessment, we’re officially recognised as one of the UK’s best universities for teaching.
We are the 35th best University in the UK, according to the Guardian University Guide 2026
Our performance indicators show that 93% of our graduates are working or in further study within six months of graduation.
The percentage of our graduates in professional/managerial level roles is 74%, which means Portsmouth is above the sector average in the UK.
We have a population of more than 36,000 and 2,500 full-time equivalent staff.
We have more than 8,000 international and EU students from almost 150 different countries.
47% of our students are female and 52% are male.