Portsmouth's general scores by level
From Portsmouth's English language requirements page. The PTE figures there are labelled for September 2025 entry, so confirm them for later intakes. Portsmouth applies two-year validity at the course start date to all tests, and may need an extra English interview for some tests.
| Level | IELTS Academic | PTE Academic | TOEFL iBT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Foundation or pathway | 5.5, no component below 5.5 | 59, minimum 59 in each component | 72 (R 18, L 17, S 20, W 17) |
| Most bachelor's degrees | 6.0, no component below 5.5 | 62, minimum 59 in each component | 79 (R 18, L 17, S 20, W 17) |
| Most master's degrees | 6.5–7.0, no component below 6.0 | 65, minimum 62 in each component | 91 (R 20, L 19, S 21, W 20) |
Portsmouth IELTS on course pages
Course pages state each programme's score. These were read on 4 October 2026.
| Course | Level | IELTS |
|---|---|---|
| BSc (Hons) Computing | Undergraduate | 6.0, no component below 5.5 |
| BSc (Hons) Psychology | Undergraduate | 6.5, no component below 6.0 |
| MSc Data Analytics | Postgraduate | 6.0, no component below 5.5 |
| MSc Project Management | Postgraduate | 6.5, no component below 6.0 |
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Take a free scored IELTS mock →Online tests, Duolingo and country routes
Portsmouth accepts IELTS One Skill Retake, but not IELTS Academic Online, IELTS General Training or PTE Academic Online. For Duolingo it refers you to Duolingo's own score equivalencies, and offer conditions are updated after a credibility interview. LanguageCert is accepted only as the SELT version taken at a test centre.
Portsmouth's main page accepts 75% in English in India's HSC or Standard 12, but not from Punjab, Haryana, Gujarat or Uttarakhand. Its India page lists only Punjab and Haryana as excluded. Indian applicants who meet the English condition and pay a £1,000 deposit must complete a mandatory credibility interview through CAS Shield.
Nigerian applicants can use SSCE/NECO or WASSCE English at C6 or above, verified by scratchcard. The Pakistan page and Nepal page give no school-English route, and both say offer holders complete a credibility interview through CAS Shield. Those pages also say a Duolingo English condition is cleared after a successful credibility interview.
Pre-sessional English and the Student visa
Portsmouth's pre-sessional English courses are accredited by the British Council and BALEAP. Passing all assessments meets your degree's English requirement without another test. Pre-sessional and foundation students need an IELTS from a UKVI-approved centre. The Summer 2026 options were:
For a Student visa, UK Visas and Immigration asks for English at CEFR B2 for degree-level study and B1 below degree level, per gov.uk. At degree level, gov.uk adds, your university can assess your English itself and may ask you to take a different test.
Requirements vary by programme and change between admissions cycles. The score that binds you is the one on your Portsmouth programme page and in your offer letter, so check it there before you book a test.
| Your IELTS (or equivalent) | Course |
|---|---|
| 1.5 bands below your degree requirement | 15 weeks, distance learning |
| 1.0 band below | 10 weeks, on campus or distance learning |
| 0.5 band below | 6 weeks, on campus or distance learning |
| 0.5 below in speaking or listening only (overall met) | 2 weeks, on campus |
Frequently asked questions
Does the University of Portsmouth accept PTE?+
Yes, but not PTE Academic Online: 62 with 59 in each component for most bachelor's degrees, and 65 with 62 in each for most master's. Portsmouth labels these figures for September 2025 entry.
Does Portsmouth accept IELTS Online?+
No. Portsmouth does not accept IELTS Academic Online or IELTS General Training. It does accept IELTS One Skill Retake.
Can Indian students study at Portsmouth without IELTS?+
Yes, with 75% in Standard 12 English. The main requirements page excludes Punjab, Haryana, Gujarat and Uttarakhand; the India page lists Punjab and Haryana.
Does Portsmouth accept Duolingo?+
Yes, but Portsmouth publishes no Duolingo score of its own. It points to Duolingo's equivalency table, and the condition is cleared after a credibility interview.
What IELTS do I need for a master's at Portsmouth?+
Most master's need 6.5 to 7.0 with no component below 6.0, though some ask for less: MSc Data Analytics needs 6.0 with no component below 5.5.
Keep reading
Related
- University of Southampton IELTS requirement
- University of Sussex IELTS requirement
- IELTS One Skill Retake explained
- Free IELTS mock test with AI band score
- All 711 guides
Verified against the linked official sources on 4 October 2026. Rules change: confirm on the official page before you book or apply.
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