Quick Answer: Portsmouth offers excellent finance courses at the University of Portsmouth (ranked 85th in UK) with tuition fees ranging from £9,250 for UK students to £19,500 for international students. Entry requirements typically include A-levels at BBB-ABB with strong maths grades, and IELTS 6.0-6.5 for international students.

Portsmouth has emerged as a dynamic hub for finance education in the UK, combining academic excellence with practical industry experience. This historic naval city offers international students an ideal environment to pursue finance studies, with world-class universities, affordable living costs, and excellent career prospects in London's financial district just 90 minutes away.

Students choosing to study finance in Portsmouth benefit from strong industry connections, state-of-the-art facilities, and a vibrant student community. The city's strategic location on the south coast provides easy access to major financial centers while maintaining reasonable living costs compared to London.

Top Universities for Finance in Portsmouth

University of Portsmouth - Finance Courses

The University of Portsmouth stands as the premier institution for finance studies in the city, consistently ranking among the top modern universities in the UK. The Portsmouth Business School offers comprehensive finance programs designed to meet industry demands.

Undergraduate Finance Programs:

• BSc (Hons) Finance - 3 years full-time
• BSc (Hons) Finance and Economics - 3 years full-time
• BSc (Hons) Accounting and Finance - 3 years full-time
• BSc (Hons) International Finance and Trade - 3 years full-time

Postgraduate Finance Programs:

• MSc Finance - 1 year full-time
• MSc International Finance and Trade - 1 year full-time
• MSc Banking and Finance - 1 year full-time
• MBA with Finance Specialization - 1 year full-time

The university's finance programs are accredited by professional bodies including ACCA, CIMA, and CFA Institute, providing students with exemptions from professional examinations and enhanced career prospects.

Tuition Fees for Finance Courses in Portsmouth

University of Portsmouth Fee Structure 2026

Undergraduate Programs:

• UK/EU Students: £9,250 per year
• International Students: £17,500-£19,500 per year
• Foundation Year (if required): £15,000-£17,000 per year

Postgraduate Programs:

• UK/EU Students: £8,500-£12,000 per year
• International Students: £16,500-£19,000 per year
• MBA Programs: £18,000-£22,000 per year

Many international students can benefit from merit-based scholarships ranging from £1,000 to £5,000, significantly reducing the overall cost of education.

Entry Requirements for Finance Courses

Undergraduate Entry Requirements

Academic Requirements:

• A-levels: BBB-ABB (typical offer)
• International Baccalaureate: 28-32 points
• BTEC: Distinction, Distinction, Merit
• Mathematics at GCSE level B/6 or equivalent required

English Language Requirements for International Students:

• IELTS: 6.0 overall (minimum 5.5 in each component)
• TOEFL iBT: 78 overall (minimum 17 in each section)
• Pearson PTE: 54 overall (minimum 51 in each component)
• Cambridge English Advanced: 169 overall

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Academic Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree: 2:2 minimum (55% equivalent)
• Relevant work experience considered for professional programs
• GMAT/GRE may be required for competitive programs

English Language Requirements:

• IELTS: 6.5 overall (minimum 6.0 in each component)
• TOEFL iBT: 88 overall (minimum 19 in each section)
• Other equivalent qualifications accepted

Living in Portsmouth: Student Life and Costs

Cost of Living in Portsmouth

Portsmouth offers one of the most affordable student living experiences among UK coastal cities. The average monthly living costs for international students range from £800 to £1,200, significantly lower than London or other major cities.

Monthly Living Expenses Breakdown:

• Accommodation: £400-£600 (university halls/shared housing)
• Food and groceries: £150-£250
• Transportation: £40-£60 (student discount available)
• Entertainment and social activities: £100-£150
• Books and supplies: £30-£50
• Personal expenses: £80-£120

Student Accommodation Options

University-Managed Accommodation:

• En-suite rooms: £140-£180 per week
• Standard rooms: £110-£140 per week
• Studio apartments: £160-£200 per week
• All bills included with high-speed internet

Private Accommodation:

• Shared houses: £90-£130 per week
• Private studios: £140-£180 per week
• One-bedroom flats: £180-£220 per week

Transportation and Connectivity

Portsmouth's excellent transport links make it an attractive choice for finance students. The city offers:

• Rail Connections: Direct trains to London (90 minutes), making internships and networking opportunities accessible
• Local Transport: Comprehensive bus network with student discounts up to 30%
• Cycling: Bike-friendly city with dedicated cycle lanes
• International Travel: Southampton Airport (30 minutes) and Gatwick Airport (90 minutes)

Career Prospects for Finance Graduates

Employment Outcomes

Finance graduates from Portsmouth universities enjoy excellent career prospects, with 94% of graduates employed or in further study within six months of graduation. The proximity to London's financial district provides numerous internship and graduate opportunities.

Average Starting Salaries (2026):

• Investment Banking Analyst: £45,000-£65,000
• Financial Analyst: £28,000-£38,000
• Corporate Finance Associate: £32,000-£42,000
• Risk Management Specialist: £30,000-£40,000
• Financial Advisor: £25,000-£35,000 plus commission

Industry Connections and Internships

The University of Portsmouth maintains strong relationships with major financial institutions, including Barclays, HSBC, Lloyds Banking Group, and numerous fintech companies. Students benefit from:

• Guaranteed placement years with leading financial firms
• Regular industry guest lectures and networking events
• Career fairs specifically for finance and business students
• Mentorship programs with industry professionals

Why Choose Portsmouth for Finance Studies

Academic Excellence

Portsmouth's finance programs are designed with industry input, ensuring graduates possess the skills employers demand. The curriculum covers traditional finance areas alongside emerging fields like fintech, sustainable finance, and cryptocurrency.

Practical Learning Opportunities

Students access state-of-the-art facilities including Bloomberg terminals, financial modeling software, and simulated trading floors. The university's Enterprise Centre provides opportunities for entrepreneurial students to develop their own fintech startups.

International Student Support

Portsmouth offers comprehensive support services for international students, including visa guidance, academic support, and cultural integration programs. The international student community represents over 100 countries, creating a diverse learning environment.

For students looking to explore other finance programs across the UK, you can explore courses available at different universities and compare options that best match your career goals and budget.

Conclusion

Portsmouth presents an excellent opportunity for international students seeking quality finance education at competitive costs. With strong industry connections, modern facilities, and affordable living expenses, the city offers a complete package for aspiring finance professionals. The combination of academic rigor and practical experience positions graduates for successful careers in the global finance industry.

Key Statistics

📊 University of Portsmouth ranks 85th in UK university rankings for 2026, with finance programs achieving 94% graduate employment rate

💰 International tuition fees range from £17,500-£19,500 annually, with scholarships available up to £5,000 for merit-based students

🎓 Finance graduates earn average starting salaries of £28,000-£65,000, with 90-minute direct rail access to London financial district

📈 Portsmouth offers living costs 35% lower than London at £800-£1,200 monthly, making it one of UK's most affordable coastal university cities

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I apply for finance courses at University of Portsmouth as an international student?

International students apply through UCAS for undergraduate programs or directly to the university for postgraduate courses. You'll need to submit academic transcripts, English language certificates (IELTS 6.0-6.5), personal statement, and references. Applications open in September for the following year's entry, with deadlines typically in January for undergraduate programs and varying deadlines for postgraduate courses throughout the year.

What is the cost of living for international students studying finance in Portsmouth?

International students can expect monthly living costs between £800-£1,200 in Portsmouth. This includes accommodation (£400-£600), food (£150-£250), transportation (£40-£60), and personal expenses (£80-£120). University accommodation ranges from £110-£200 per week depending on the type, with all bills typically included.

How much do finance courses cost at Portsmouth universities for international students?

International undergraduate finance courses cost £17,500-£19,500 per year at University of Portsmouth, while postgraduate programs range from £16,500-£20,000 annually. MBA programs cost £20,000-£22,000. UK/EU students pay £9,250 for undergraduate courses and £8,500-£12,000 for postgraduate programs. Merit-based scholarships of £1,000-£5,000 are available for qualifying international students.

What are the entry requirements for finance master's programs in Portsmouth?

Master's finance programs require a bachelor's degree with minimum 2:2 classification (55% equivalent), IELTS 6.5 overall with 6.0 in each component, and relevant academic background in business, economics, or mathematics. Some programs accept students from other disciplines with strong quantitative skills. Work experience in finance may strengthen applications, and GMAT/GRE scores may be required for competitive specialized programs.

How does Portsmouth compare to London for studying finance?

Portsmouth offers significantly lower living costs (35% less than London), smaller class sizes for personalized attention, and direct 90-minute rail links to London's financial district for internships and networking. While London has more universities and immediate industry proximity, Portsmouth provides excellent value for money, strong graduate employment rates (94%), and access to the same career opportunities with reduced financial pressure on students.

What career opportunities are available for finance graduates from Portsmouth?

Portsmouth finance graduates enter diverse career paths including investment banking (£45,000-£65,000 starting salary), financial analysis (£28,000-£38,000), corporate finance (£32,000-£42,000), and risk management (£30,000-£40,000). The university's strong industry connections provide access to internships with major firms like Barclays, HSBC, and emerging fintech companies. Graduate employment rate is 94% within six months, with many securing positions in London's financial sector.

Key Takeaways

✅ University of Portsmouth offers comprehensive finance programs with professional accreditations from ACCA, CIMA, and CFA Institute

✅ International tuition fees range £17,500-£19,500 annually with merit scholarships available up to £5,000

✅ Entry requirements include BBB A-levels for undergraduate and 2:2 degree for postgraduate, plus IELTS 6.0-6.5

✅ Monthly living costs of £800-£1,200 make Portsmouth 35% more affordable than London while maintaining quality education

✅ Excellent career prospects with 94% graduate employment rate and direct rail access to London's financial district in 90 minutes