Quick Answer: Indian students can study in Portsmouth with living costs ranging from £800-£1,200 monthly, including accommodation from £400-£700. The city hosts University of Portsmouth and Portsmouth College, offering excellent transport links to London (90 minutes by train) and a vibrant international student community of over 8,000 students.

Why Portsmouth is Perfect for Indian Students

Portsmouth, a historic naval city on England's south coast, has emerged as an increasingly popular destination for Indian students seeking quality education in a vibrant, affordable setting. With its rich maritime heritage, modern university facilities, and strong connections to London, Portsmouth offers Indian students an ideal blend of academic excellence and cultural experiences. The city's growing Indian community and established support networks make the transition smoother for students from India.

This comprehensive guide covers everything Indian students need to know about studying in Portsmouth, from choosing the right institution to managing daily expenses and making the most of student life in this dynamic coastal city.

Top Universities and Colleges in Portsmouth

University of Portsmouth

The University of Portsmouth stands as the city's flagship institution, welcoming over 2,500 international students annually, with Indians comprising the largest international student group. Established in 1992, the university offers over 200 undergraduate and postgraduate programs across five faculties.

Popular Courses for Indian Students:

• Business and Management (£16,200-£17,500 annually)
• Computer Science and IT (£17,900-£19,200 annually)
• Engineering (£18,500-£20,100 annually)
• Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences (£19,800-£21,500 annually)
• Creative and Digital Media (£15,800-£17,200 annually)

The university's modern Ravelin Sports Centre, extensive library facilities, and dedicated International Student Support team provide excellent resources for Indian students adapting to UK academic culture.

Portsmouth College

For students seeking Foundation courses or vocational qualifications, Portsmouth College offers excellent pathway programs. Their University Foundation Programme is particularly popular among Indian students, with fees ranging from £8,500-£12,000 annually.

Cost of Living in Portsmouth for Indian Students

Accommodation Options and Costs

Portsmouth offers diverse accommodation options suitable for different budgets:

University Halls of Residence:

• En-suite rooms: £135-£180 per week (£5,400-£7,200 annually)
• Studio apartments: £160-£220 per week (£6,400-£8,800 annually)
• Shared accommodation: £110-£145 per week (£4,400-£5,800 annually)

Private Housing:

• Shared house (per room): £80-£130 per week
• One-bedroom apartment: £150-£200 per week
• Studio flat: £120-£170 per week

Popular student areas include Southsea, Fratton, and Milton, all offering good transport links to university campuses.

Monthly Living Expenses Breakdown

• Groceries: £150-£250 (Indian groceries available at Spice Bazaar and Sunrise Supermarket)
• Utilities: £40-£80 (if not included in rent)
• Transport: £35-£55 (student bus pass)
• Mobile phone: £15-£30
• Entertainment/Social: £100-£200
• Personal expenses: £50-£100

Total Monthly Budget: £800-£1,200 (excluding tuition fees)

Money-Saving Tips for Indian Students

• Shop at budget supermarkets like Lidl, Aldi, and Tesco
• Use student discounts at restaurants and entertainment venues
• Take advantage of free museum entries and city events
• Consider part-time work (up to 20 hours per week on student visa)
• Join university societies for free social activities

Student Life and Cultural Experience

Indian Community and Cultural Support

Portsmouth hosts a thriving Indian community with several cultural organizations:

• Portsmouth Indian Association organizes regular cultural events
• Diwali and Holi celebrations in Guildhall Square
• Indian restaurants including Akash, Mumbai and Bollywood Junction
• Regular Bollywood movie screenings at local cinemas

Transportation and Connectivity

Portsmouth's excellent transport network makes it highly convenient for students:

Local Transport:

• Comprehensive bus network covering the city
• Student bus passes: £35-£55 monthly
• Cycling-friendly city with dedicated bike lanes
• Walking distance between most student areas and university

National Connections:

• Direct trains to London Waterloo (90 minutes, £15-£35)
• Easy access to Heathrow Airport via London
• Regular bus services to other UK cities
• Ferry connections to Isle of Wight and France

Entertainment and Leisure

Portsmouth offers numerous entertainment options for students:

• Historic sites including Portsmouth Historic Dockyard and HMS Victory
• Southsea Beach for relaxation and water sports
• Gunwharf Quays shopping and dining complex
• Active nightlife in Southsea and city center
• Regular cultural festivals and events

Visa and Immigration for Indian Students

Student Visa Requirements (2026)

Indian students need a Student visa (formerly Tier 4) to study in Portsmouth:

• Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from university
• Proof of English language proficiency (IELTS 6.0-7.0 depending on course)
• Financial evidence: £1,334 per month for living costs (outside London)
• Tuberculosis test certificate
• Academic transcripts and certificates

Post-Study Work Opportunities

The Graduate visa allows Indian students to stay and work in the UK for:

• 2 years after completing undergraduate or master's degree
• 3 years after completing PhD
• No job offer required for initial application

Academic Support for Indian Students

Portsmouth universities provide comprehensive support for international students:

Pre-Arrival Support

• Pre-departure briefings and webinars
• Airport pickup services for new students
• Orientation programs specifically for international students
• Buddy systems pairing new students with current students

Ongoing Academic Support

• English language support classes
• Academic writing workshops
• Study skills sessions
• Personal tutoring system
• Career guidance and placement support

When choosing your educational path, you can discover universities that best match your academic goals and career aspirations through comprehensive comparison tools and detailed program information.

Working While Studying

Indian students on Student visas can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during holidays. Popular part-time jobs for students include:

• Retail positions: £8.50-£10.50 per hour
• Restaurant and hospitality: £8.50-£11.00 per hour
• Tutoring and teaching assistant roles: £10.00-£15.00 per hour
• Campus jobs: £9.00-£12.00 per hour

The university's Career and Employment Service helps students find suitable part-time positions while maintaining academic performance.

Health and Wellbeing

Indian students in Portsmouth have access to comprehensive healthcare:

• Free NHS treatment with valid student visa
• University health centers on campus
• Mental health support services
• Counseling services in multiple languages
• Sports facilities and fitness centers

Conclusion

Portsmouth offers Indian students an excellent combination of quality education, affordable living, and rich cultural experiences. With strong university support systems, a welcoming Indian community, and excellent transport connections, the city provides an ideal environment for academic success and personal growth. Start planning your Portsmouth journey today by researching programs that align with your career goals.

Key Statistics

📊 Over 2,500 international students study at University of Portsmouth annually, with Indians forming the largest international group

💰 Monthly living costs range from £800-£1,200 for Indian students in Portsmouth, significantly lower than London

🎓 Portsmouth graduates have a 94% employment rate within 15 months of graduation (2026 data)

📈 Indian student enrollment in Portsmouth has increased by 35% since 2024

🚂 Direct train connections to London in just 90 minutes, making it ideal for students wanting city access

🏠 Over 3,500 purpose-built student accommodation beds available across the city

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I apply to study in Portsmouth as an Indian student?

Indian students can apply directly through UCAS for undergraduate programs or directly to universities for postgraduate courses. You'll need to submit academic transcripts, English language test scores (IELTS 6.0-7.0), personal statement, and references. Most applications for September intake should be submitted between October and January. The university will issue a CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) once you accept an offer, which you'll need for your student visa application.

What is the cost of living in Portsmouth compared to other UK cities?

Portsmouth offers significantly lower living costs compared to London or other major UK cities. Indian students typically spend £800-£1,200 monthly including accommodation, food, and personal expenses. Accommodation costs range from £400-£700 monthly, which is 30-40% cheaper than London. The city's compact size also reduces transport costs, with many students walking or cycling to university.

How much can Indian students earn through part-time work in Portsmouth?

Indian students on Student visas can work up to 20 hours per week during term time at rates between £8.50-£15.00 per hour depending on the role. Popular jobs include retail (£8.50-£10.50/hour), hospitality (£8.50-£11.00/hour), and tutoring (£10.00-£15.00/hour). Students can potentially earn £680-£1,200 monthly from part-time work, which significantly helps with living expenses while maintaining focus on studies.

What support is available for Indian students in Portsmouth?

Portsmouth universities provide comprehensive support including pre-arrival guidance, airport pickup, orientation programs, and ongoing academic support. The city has an active Indian community with cultural associations organizing festivals like Diwali and Holi. Universities offer English language support, study skills workshops, personal tutoring, and career guidance. International student advisors help with visa, accommodation, and academic queries throughout your studies.

How is the weather and lifestyle in Portsmouth for Indian students?

Portsmouth has a temperate maritime climate with mild winters (5-10°C) and warm summers (15-22°C). The coastal location provides fresh sea air and beautiful seafront areas. The city offers a relaxed lifestyle with historic attractions, beaches, shopping centers, and active nightlife in Southsea. Indian students appreciate the city's cultural diversity, availability of Indian groceries and restaurants, and the friendly local community that welcomes international students.

What are the best accommodation options for Indian students in Portsmouth?

Indian students have several accommodation choices: university halls (£135-£220/week) offering en-suite rooms and studios with utilities included, private shared houses (£80-£130/week per room) popular among students wanting independence, and private studios/apartments (£120-£200/week). Popular student areas include Southsea, Fratton, and Milton. Many Indian students prefer shared accommodation with other international students for cultural comfort and cost-sharing benefits.

Key Takeaways

✅ Portsmouth offers affordable education with monthly living costs of £800-£1,200, significantly lower than London

✅ University of Portsmouth welcomes over 2,500 international students annually with Indians forming the largest group

✅ Excellent transport connections including 90-minute direct trains to London and easy airport access

✅ Strong support systems including Indian cultural associations, dedicated international student services, and English language support

✅ Part-time work opportunities earning £8.50-£15.00 per hour help students manage living expenses

✅ Diverse accommodation options from university halls to private housing in student-friendly neighborhoods