Exchange: Inbound students

Welcome to the University of Portsmouth, a truly international institution in a proudly multicultural city!

Each year, we welcome exchange students from our partner universities all around the world and now we are waiting for you.

The exchange programme at our University encourages you to develop personally and professionally by gaining valuable international experience, broadening your horizons, experiencing new cultures and discovering new ways of working.

You can join our exchange programme for either one term (semester) or full academic year and take the academic credits earned here back to your home institution. You'll study in classes, attend lectures and take part in seminars and tutorial classes alongside our full-time students, gaining invaluable experience of a different country, a different way of teaching, and much more.

The University is located in the city centre with walking distance to all university buildings, students halls, shops and the seafront. Portsmouth is a great place to live and a vibrant city surrounded by the sea. Discover why our students love living here and what it’s like to live and study in Portsmouth.

How do I apply?

To be eligible for the exchange programme, your home university needs to have an exchange agreement with the University of Portsmouth, in the subject area you wish to study. Your exchange can last either one term (semester) or full year, depending on the arrangements in the agreement.

If your home university has an exchange link with us, in the subject you are interested in, then the home Academic Coordinator will officially nominate you to study at the University of Portsmouth. Then, our Global Mobility team will provide you with the Application Guide and a link to the online application portal.

Applications to the exchange programme can only be made via online application portal. As a nominated student, you must successfully complete at least one year of academic studies at home institution and meet our entry requirements. In order to process your application smoothly, we would require these documents:

A copy of your academic transcript of records in English
English language proficiency evidence at a minimum of IELTS band 6.0 with no component score below 5.5 or an approved equivalent
A copy of your valid passport
Learning Agreement including a list of your preferred modules
Portfolio of your work (ONLY for Exchange Programme in the Faculty of Creative and Cultural Industries)

Once the application has been submitted, we will review it and contact you if any further information is required. Please note that your application will be fully accepted when an Unconditional Offer has been issued.

We strongly advise all applicants to submit their application as soon as possible and do not make any travel or accommodation arrangements until an unconditional offer is in place.

If you have any questions related to your application, please email: exchange-admissions@port.ac.uk

As an exchange student coming from our partner institution, you can study modules relevant to your subject at your home university. The University of Portsmouth offers an amazing opportunity to explore modules and topics that interest you the most and will make a positive impact on your studies!

Choose what you'll study

When you make your application, you'll submit your module choices and these will be considered by the relevant department.

Modules are either taught in Teaching Block 1 (semester 1) or Teaching Block 2 (semester 2). Teaching Block 1 lasts from September to January and Teaching Block 2 lasts from February to June. See our academic calendar and key dates.

We will endeavour to deliver courses and modules in keeping with the course and module descriptions on our website, but reserve the right to change the content, timetabling, administration and other organisation of courses, subject to maintaining equivalent academic and quality standards.

From time to time the modules you have selected may not be available due to timetabling clashes, spaces on the modules, prerequisite requirements and module or course availability. The University will work with you to find alternative arrangements that are suitable for you and in such instances will support you in securing approval from your home institution to undertake the alternative modules. You can read the full terms and conditions for exchange and study abroad module offering.

If you have any questions regarding your module choices, please email: incoming@port.ac.uk

Visas

All students applying to study on an exchange programme, need to apply for a correct visa to study in the UK, depending on the mobility duration:

VISAS FOR 6 MONTHS OR LESS
If the exchange programme lasts for 6 months or less, applicants will need to apply for a visa from the ‘Standard Visitor for the purpose of study’ category. The ‘Standard Visitor for the purpose of Study’ visa can’t be extended and applicants aren’t permitted to work on this visa.

Please see further information about this visa.

VISAS FOR MORE THAN 6 MONTHS
If the exchange programme lasts for more than 6 months, applicants will need to apply for a Student Route visa.

Applicants cannot switch to the Student Route visa in the UK if you have entered as a Standard Visitor. You must apply in your home country. A Student Route visa for an Exchange programme cannot be extended in the UK.

Please see further information about this visa.

For both types of visa some applicants may need to apply for an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate if your course and nationality require it.

Please note that visa regulations can change at any point and students need to ensure they apply for the appropriate type of visa by visiting the UK Government's website.

For any queries about making a visa application please contact the International Student Advice team by emailing student-visa@port.ac.uk.