For many international students thinking of studying in the UK, it’s not just about getting a globally recognised degree from an excellent institution — it’s also a family decision. Bringing loved ones along provides vital emotional and practical support during this exciting but often challenging time. And sometimes you don’t have any other choice!
However, changes to UK immigration rules that came into force in January 2024 have raised questions about who can still bring dependants and under what circumstances.
Simply put, the major change is that students on taught master’s programmes are no longer eligible to bring dependants to the UK unless they are government-sponsored and studying courses longer than 6 months.
It’s all rather complicated though, which is why we’ve put together this guide. If you’re considering coming to study in the UK, this guide is for you! We’ll explain who counts as a dependant, what sort of degree programmes allow family members to join you, and the most important things you need to know about bringing a dependant when you study in the UK as an international student.
For all the latest information, and help with every step of the process, book a call with one of our expert counsellors and get personalised advice and support.
What is a dependant?
In UK immigration terms, a dependant is someone who relies on your visa to stay in the country during your studies.
This usually includes:
- Your spouse or civil partner: Someone you are legally married to or in a recognised partnership with.
- Unmarried partner: A partner you’ve lived with in a relationship similar to a marriage for at least two years.
- Children under 18: This includes biological, adopted, or stepchildren.
Each dependant will need to apply for their own visa, which will be linked to your student visa. To support each application, you’ll need to provide proof of your relationship, such as marriage certificates, birth certificates, or evidence of shared living arrangements.
Can you still bring dependants when you study in the UK?
The short answer is a limited yes - it depends on your level of study, the course you’re enrolled in, and a few other factors. The previous UK government tightened the rules in an attempt to reduce the number of people migrating to the UK, but the changes have made things a bit more confusing, and have been slightly off-putting for some prospective students.
So, let’s clear it all up! Here’s what you need to know about who can bring dependants when studying in the UK:
Who can bring dependants when they study in the UK?
- Postgraduate students on research courses: If you’re enrolled in a research-based postgraduate programme, such as a PhD or an MRes, you can still bring dependants. These programmes are often longer in duration and considered vital to the UK’s academic and research ambitions.
- Scholarship holders: Students who receive government-funded scholarships, such as Chevening or Commonwealth Scholarships, can still bring dependants, as long as the terms of their scholarship allow it.
Who can’t bring dependants?
These students are ineligible to bring dependants when studying in the UK:
- Students on taught Master’s programmes: Previously, most postgraduate students, including those enrolled in one-year taught Master’s programmes, could bring dependants. However, recent changes have restricted this right to research-based courses. This applies to popular programmes like MBAs and other professional Master’s degrees, which are no longer eligible unless linked to a scholarship.
- Undergraduate students: Dependants have never been permitted for undergraduate students, and that hasn’t changed.
- Students on short courses: Programmes shorter than 9 months, such as pre-sessional English courses or foundation courses, do not qualify for dependant visas.
What do you need to know about bringing dependants to the UK?
If you’re eligible to bring dependants, there’s still a lot you’ll need to deal with to get them their visas. You might be allowed, but it’s certainly not cheap!
Here’s what you need to consider if you want to bring dependants with you to the UK:
What are the financial requirements?
To bring dependants, you’ll usually have to demonstrate that you can financially support them throughout your stay.
The required funds are:
- In London: £845 per month for each dependant (up to 9 months).
- Outside London: £680 per month for each dependant (up to 9 months).
Keep in mind that this is on top of the financial evidence you need for your own visa. For example, a student in London with a spouse and one child would need to show at least £20,865 in total (£12,006 for themselves + £8,859 for dependants).If you’ve got multiple dependants or you’re thinking of joining a longer programme, then you’ll need to be sure you’re budgeting realistically to avoid straining your finances.
Can your dependants use the NHS when you’re studying in the UK?
Your dependants will have to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) as part of their visa application. This gets them access to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) for their whole stay.
The IHS fee is £624 per year for each dependant.
While the NHS will cover most of your family’s healthcare needs, some things will still require an extra payment, such as prescriptions and dental care. It might be a good idea to have some rainy-day savings in case you need a regular supply of medicine or one of your little ones runs into a tree and knocks out a tooth!
Can my dependants work in the UK?
Most dependants, such as spouses or partners, are allowed to work in the UK, often with no restrictions on the hours they can work or sectors they can work in. This can be a huge help in providing valuable financial support for your household.
Remember that your dependant’s work rights are tied to your student visa, so any changes to your status are likely to affect their ability to remain in the UK.
Can I get family-friendly accommodation for my dependants?
Family-friendly housing can be a bit tricky to find, especially when you’re looking at university-provided accommodation. If your institution doesn’t have any suitable housing for you, you’ll need to explore private rentals. Consider proximity to your university, local schools (if you have children), and access to public transport when selecting a home.
A lot of universities offer advice online on finding housing and some have partnerships with local landlords to assist international students. Starting your search early will give you the best chance of securing suitable accommodation. For more information, take a look at our guide to Student Accommodation, or have a talk with your AHZ counsellor about your options.
Can my children go to school in the UK if I’m studying there?
Yes! Actually, they have to, generally. If you’re bringing school-age children, they are legally required to be in “suitable full-time education”, and you’ll need to enrol them in a local school. The UK offers free state education for children aged 5 to 16. Spaces in popular schools can be very limited though, so you should start the enrolment process as soon as possible after you secure accommodation.
Children under five can access nurseries or preschools, though these aren’t usually free. Some universities offer subsidised childcare services, so it’s worth checking with your AHZ counsellor for a breakdown of your support options.
Don’t have an AHZ counsellor helping you yet? What are you waiting for? It’s free!
Your journey, your family, your future
Getting the chance to study in the UK is an exciting opportunity, but there’s clearly a lot to work out if you’re planning to bring your family. The recent changes to the rules have made it quite a bit harder to find a course that allows you to bring dependants, but you’re not in this alone! Have a chat with one of our lovely counsellors and they’ll help you work out what your options are.
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If you’re eligible to bring your dependants, the UK is still a great place for families with loads of opportunities for everyone to settle in and enjoy this new chapter of your lives. If the rules mean your family can’t join you right away, there are other ways to stay connected, like regular visits or keeping in touch online. It might feel tough at first, but many students in similar situations have found ways to make it work - and so can you!
Take things step by step. Talk to your university, do your research, and reach out for advice from your AHZ counsellor when you need it. After all, you’re trying to build a brighter future for yourself and your loved ones. With some careful planning and expert support, you can make it happen!