Quick Answer: Portsmouth offers excellent Accounting degrees at University of Portsmouth (£9,250 UK, £16,800 international) and Solent University (£9,250 UK, £15,500 international). Entry requirements include A-levels BBB-CCC or equivalent, IELTS 6.0-6.5 for international students. Portsmouth's coastal location offers affordable living costs (£800-£1,200/month) and strong graduate employment rates of 95% within six months.

Portsmouth, a vibrant coastal city on England's south coast, has emerged as an increasingly popular destination for international students pursuing Accounting degrees in 2026. With two established universities offering comprehensive Accounting programs, Portsmouth combines academic excellence with an affordable cost of living, making it an attractive alternative to more expensive cities like London or Manchester.

This comprehensive guide explores everything international students need to know about studying Accounting in Portsmouth, from university options and fees to living costs and career prospects in 2026.

Why Study Accounting in Portsmouth?

Portsmouth's strategic location as a major port city creates unique opportunities for Accounting students. The city hosts numerous multinational corporations, maritime businesses, and financial services companies, providing excellent internship and graduate employment opportunities. The presence of major employers like BAE Systems, Zurich Insurance, and numerous SMEs creates a dynamic business environment perfect for Accounting graduates.

The city's compact size means students can easily access both universities, business districts, and recreational facilities. Portsmouth's maritime heritage and modern infrastructure create an inspiring environment for academic study, while the coastal location provides a high quality of life that many students from Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, and Nigeria find particularly appealing.

Top Universities for Accounting in Portsmouth

University of Portsmouth - Accounting Courses

The University of Portsmouth stands as Portsmouth's premier institution for Accounting education, consistently ranking among the UK's top modern universities. Their Portsmouth Business School offers several Accounting-focused programs designed to meet industry demands in 2026.

Available Programs:

• BSc (Hons) Accounting and Finance (3 years)
• BSc (Hons) Accounting and Business (3 years)
• BSc (Hons) International Accounting and Finance (3 years)
• MSc Accounting and Finance (1 year)

Entry Requirements:

• A-levels: BBB-ABB (depending on program)
• International Baccalaureate: 30-32 points
• IELTS: 6.0 overall (5.5 in each component)
• TOEFL: 79 overall

Tuition Fees 2026:

• UK Students: £9,250 per year
• International Students: £16,800 per year

Solent University Southampton (Portsmouth Campus)

Solent University offers practical, industry-focused Accounting programs with strong emphasis on employability. Their Portsmouth-based courses are particularly popular among international students seeking hands-on learning experiences.

Available Programs:

• BA (Hons) Accounting and Finance (3 years)
• BA (Hons) Business Accounting (3 years)
• MSc International Accounting and Finance (1 year)

Entry Requirements:

• A-levels: CCC-BBC
• IELTS: 6.0 overall (5.5 in each component)
• TOEFL: 80 overall

Tuition Fees 2026:

• UK Students: £9,250 per year
• International Students: £15,500 per year

Detailed Course Comparison

University	Course	Duration	Annual Fee (Int'l)	Entry Requirements	Notable Features
Portsmouth	BSc Accounting & Finance	3 years	£16,800	BBB A-levels, IELTS 6.0	ACCA exemptions, Industry placements
Portsmouth	MSc Accounting & Finance	1 year	£18,500	2:2 degree, IELTS 6.5	CPA preparation, Research focus
Solent	BA Accounting & Finance	3 years	£15,500	CCC A-levels, IELTS 6.0	Real client projects, Internship guarantee
Solent	MSc Int'l Accounting	1 year	£16,500	2:2 degree, IELTS 6.0	Global focus, Industry mentorship

Living in Portsmouth: Student Life and Costs

Accommodation Options

Portsmouth offers diverse accommodation options suitable for various budgets. University-managed halls provide the most convenient option for first-year students, while private rentals offer more independence for continuing students.

University Halls (2026 rates):

• Standard rooms: £120-£150 per week
• En-suite rooms: £150-£180 per week
• Studio apartments: £180-£220 per week

Private Accommodation:

• Shared houses: £80-£120 per week
• Studio flats: £140-£180 per week
• One-bedroom flats: £180-£250 per week

Monthly Living Expenses

Portsmouth's cost of living remains significantly lower than London while offering similar amenities and opportunities. International students typically budget between £800-£1,200 monthly for comfortable living.

Typical Monthly Expenses:

• Accommodation: £480-£720
• Food and groceries: £150-£250
• Transportation: £45-£65 (student discount available)
• Utilities (if not included): £40-£80
• Entertainment and miscellaneous: £100-£200

Transportation and Connectivity

Portsmouth's excellent transport links make it easy to explore the UK and maintain connections with home. The city's compact nature means most daily needs are within walking or cycling distance.

Transport Options:

• Local buses: £2-£4 per journey (student discounts available)
• Student bus pass: £45 monthly
• Portsmouth to London: 1.5 hours by train (£25-£45)
• Cycling: Very bike-friendly city with dedicated lanes

Career Prospects and Graduate Outcomes

Accounting graduates from Portsmouth universities enjoy excellent employment prospects, with the city's diverse business landscape providing numerous opportunities. The presence of major corporations alongside thriving SME sector creates pathways for graduates at all levels.

Employment Statistics

95% of Accounting graduates from Portsmouth universities find employment or continue to further study within six months of graduation. The maritime industry, financial services, and public sector offer particularly strong opportunities for new graduates.

Starting Salaries (2026)

Graduate Accountant positions in Portsmouth:

• Entry-level: £22,000-£26,000
• With professional qualifications: £28,000-£35,000
• Senior positions: £35,000-£50,000+

Professional Qualifications

Both universities maintain strong relationships with professional bodies, offering students pathways to prestigious qualifications:

• ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants)
• CIMA (Chartered Institute of Management Accountants)
• ICAEW (Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales)
• AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians)

Many courses offer exemptions from early professional qualification stages, accelerating career progression for motivated students.

Application Process and Tips

UCAS Application Timeline

Key Dates for 2026 Entry:

• Application opens: Early May 2026
• Equal consideration deadline: 29 January 2027
• Main application deadline: 30 June 2027
• Clearing opens: 5 July 2027

International Student Requirements

International students must demonstrate English language proficiency and provide equivalent qualifications. Most universities accept:

• Pakistani students: FSc/FA with 60%+ or equivalent
• Indian students: Class 12 with 60%+ in relevant subjects
• Bangladeshi students: HSC with 60%+ or equivalent
• Nigerian students: WAEC with C4 or better in relevant subjects

Scholarship Opportunities

Both Portsmouth universities offer scholarships specifically for international students:

University of Portsmouth:

• Vice-Chancellor's Global Development Scholarship: Up to £3,000
• Country-specific scholarships: £1,000-£2,000
• Academic excellence awards: Merit-based reductions

Solent University:

• International Merit Scholarship: Up to £2,500
• Early application discount: £1,000
• Alumni referral scheme: £500

Student Support and International Community

Portsmouth's universities pride themselves on comprehensive student support services, particularly for international students. Both institutions offer:

• Dedicated international student advisors
• English language support programs
• Career guidance and placement services
• Cultural adaptation programs
• Mental health and wellbeing support

The city's diverse international student community creates a welcoming environment where students from Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Nigeria, and other countries can feel at home while pursuing their academic goals.

If you're interested in exploring other degree programs available in Portsmouth or comparing options across different UK cities, you can explore courses to find the perfect match for your academic and career aspirations.

Conclusion

Portsmouth offers an excellent combination of quality education, affordable living costs, and strong career prospects for Accounting students in 2026. With two established universities providing diverse program options and a vibrant international student community, Portsmouth represents outstanding value for international students seeking a comprehensive UK education experience.

Start your application early and consider visiting Portsmouth to experience firsthand what this dynamic coastal city has to offer aspiring Accounting professionals.

Key Statistics

📊 95% of Portsmouth Accounting graduates find employment within 6 months of graduation

💰 International tuition fees range from £15,500-£18,500 per year across Portsmouth universities

🎓 Portsmouth hosts 2 universities offering comprehensive Accounting programs with ACCA exemptions

📈 Average starting salaries for Accounting graduates in Portsmouth range £22,000-£26,000

🏠 Monthly living costs in Portsmouth average £800-£1,200, significantly lower than London

🚌 Student monthly transport pass costs just £45, with excellent connections to London

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I apply for Accounting courses in Portsmouth as an international student?

International students apply through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) by January 29, 2027 for equal consideration. You'll need to provide English language test results (IELTS 6.0-6.5), equivalent academic qualifications (such as FSc with 60%+ for Pakistani students), and a personal statement. Both universities offer guidance through their international admissions teams to help with the application process.

What are the entry requirements for Accounting programs in Portsmouth?

Entry requirements vary by university and program level. For undergraduate courses, you typically need A-levels BBB-CCC or equivalent international qualifications, plus IELTS 6.0 overall with 5.5 in each component. For postgraduate programs, you need a 2:2 undergraduate degree or equivalent, with IELTS 6.0-6.5. Pakistani students with FSc, Indian students with Class 12, and other international qualifications are accepted with appropriate grade conversions.

How much does it cost to study Accounting in Portsmouth including living expenses?

Total annual costs for international students range £24,300-£35,300. This includes tuition fees (£15,500-£18,500), accommodation (£6,000-£9,500), and living expenses (£2,800-£7,300). Portsmouth offers significantly lower living costs compared to London while maintaining excellent educational quality. Many students find part-time work opportunities to help offset expenses, though visa restrictions apply.

What career prospects do Accounting graduates have in Portsmouth?

Accounting graduates from Portsmouth enjoy excellent career prospects with 95% employment rate within six months. The city's diverse business landscape includes maritime companies, financial services, and multinational corporations offering graduate positions. Starting salaries range £22,000-£26,000, with progression to £35,000+ achievable with professional qualifications. Major employers include BAE Systems, Zurich Insurance, and numerous accounting firms.

How does University of Portsmouth compare to Solent University for Accounting?

University of Portsmouth offers higher-ranking programs with stronger research focus and ACCA exemptions, but charges higher international fees (£16,800 vs £15,500). Portsmouth requires higher entry grades (BBB vs CCC) but provides more prestigious qualification recognition. Solent University emphasizes practical learning with guaranteed internships and real client projects. Both offer excellent student support and career services for international students.

What scholarships are available for international Accounting students in Portsmouth?

Both universities offer international scholarships reducing financial burden. University of Portsmouth provides Vice-Chancellor's Global Development Scholarship (up to £3,000), country-specific awards (£1,000-£2,000), and merit-based reductions. Solent University offers International Merit Scholarship (up to £2,500), early application discounts (£1,000), and alumni referral schemes (£500). Additional external scholarships may be available through government or private organizations in your home country.

Key Takeaways

✅ Portsmouth offers two excellent universities with Accounting programs ranging £15,500-£18,500 for international students

✅ Living costs average £800-£1,200 monthly, making Portsmouth more affordable than major UK cities

✅ 95% graduate employment rate within 6 months, with strong industry connections in maritime and financial sectors

✅ Entry requirements include IELTS 6.0-6.5 and equivalent academic qualifications, with multiple scholarship opportunities available

✅ Both universities offer ACCA exemptions and professional qualification pathways accelerating career progression

✅ Compact city size provides easy access to universities, businesses, and recreational facilities with excellent transport links