Iraq or Kurdistan

If you’re from Iraq or Kurdistan and interested in studying in the UK, the University of Portsmouth is a great place to fulfil your ambitions. And if you’re ready to take the next step, we’re ready to help you get here.

On this page, you'll find information about where you can meet us in your region, what you need to do to apply for a course with us and contact details for our people in your area.

Entry requirements for students from Iraq or Kurdistan

If you're joining us from Iraq or Kurdistan, the entry requirements you need to meet will depend on the course you want to study.

We welcome applications from Iraq and Kurdistan, and have been actively working with institutions and ministries in Iraq for many years.

In recent years we have received students who have gained a scholarship from the Kurdish Regional Government Human Capacity Development Programme (HCDP). We are also a member of the British Universities Iraq Consortium (BUIC), which works with the British Council and other bodies to administer the Higher Committee for Education Development (HCED) scholarship programme in Iraq.

We consider all applications we receive. However, to make sure you get the most out of your time studying with us and have the best chance of applying successfully, we recommend the following minimum qualifications:

Foundation courses

If you take the Adadiyah (Certificate of Preparatory Education/Sixth Form Baccalaureat), you'll usually need to do a foundation year before doing an undergraduate course such as a Bachelor's degree.

We recommend you take a foundation course at our associated college International College Portsmouth (ICP).

Undergraduate courses

You can apply for admission onto an undergraduate course such as a Bachelor's degree with:

A levels

• Please check your specific course page to find the exact number of points needed. Your A level grades should equal or exceed the total points required. You can use the UCAS Tariff Calculator to work out your total points.
• Some courses will require you to have studied specific subjects at A level. For example, to study a science course you will usually need to have achieved passing grades in scientific subjects at A level.
• A level points: A* = 56 A = 48 B = 40 C = 32 D = 24.

International Baccalaureate

• Most courses will require between 24 and 31 points in the International Baccalaureate (IB), depending on the degree you apply for.

You must have studied relevant subjects and achieved strong grades.

You may be able to join an undergraduate course with other qualifications. We do consider qualifications from a range of sources. Contact us to find out more.

Postgraduate courses

For entry to our postgraduate master's programmes, you'll usually need to have a Bachelor's Degree from a recognised High Education institution with a grade of at least 60% or above.

Many of our other postgraduate courses will ask for relevant work experience, and some will require you to have studied relevant subjects. Please see our courses for more details.

If you don't meet the postgraduate entry requirements, you can do a pre-Master's programme at International College Portsmouth (ICP) for many of our courses.

PhDs

We'll consider you for a PhD if you have a good Master’s degree and submit a research proposal.

Find a PhD

English language requirements

When you join us, it’s important that you can speak and understand English to the level that your course requires. The specific English language requirements will be on your chosen course page.

We accept IELTS, IGCSE and several other certificates, but don’t worry if you're currently short of the standard required – we offer English Language Programmes that will get you to the necessary level.

What to do next

Ready to start your adventure with us? Whether you know which degree course you want to do or not, get in touch with us now or meet us at an event near you to discuss your next steps.

Our Global Officers are experts in helping students from Iraq or Kurdistan, like you, to apply to join us. Whatever you want to know, just ask.

Scholarships and Bursaries

As a student from Iraq or Kurdistan, you may be eligible for a scholarship. You can find out what is available to you on our funding pages. 

Representatives and agents

If you want to learn more about studying with us or you want help with your application, contact one of our official representatives in Iraq or Kurdistan: