The UK remains one of the top study-abroad destinations for international students, especially those pursuing higher education in world-class universities. A common question many students ask is: “Can I bring my spouse, partner, or children with me while studying in the UK?”
The answer is yes—in certain cases. The UK Student visa allows eligible international students to bring dependants, but strict rules apply. In this blog, we’ll break down who qualifies, what the requirements are, and what has changed in 2024–2025 immigration policies.
Who is Considered a Dependant?
Under UK immigration rules, dependants can include:
Your husband, wife, or civil partner
Your unmarried partner (if you have been living together for at least 2 years)
Your children under 18 years old, including those born in the UK during your stay
Who Can Bring Dependants on a UK Student Visa?
Not every student is eligible. You can bring dependants if:
You are a full-time postgraduate student (Master’s or PhD) on a course lasting 9 months or longer.
You are a government-sponsored student enrolled in a course that is 6 months or longer.
⚠️ Note (Updated 2024 Policy): Since January 2024, international students on most taught master’s programs are no longer permitted to bring dependants. Only research-based postgraduate students (such as PhD and some specialist programs) can bring dependants under the new UK immigration rules.
Financial Requirements for Dependants
To bring dependants, you must prove you have enough funds to support them without relying on public funds.
£845 per month (for courses in London) or £680 per month (outside London)
This must be shown for up to 9 months per dependant
Funds should be in your bank account (or your dependant’s) for at least 28 consecutive days before applying
Example: If you are studying in London and bringing your spouse and one child, you’ll need:
£845 × 9 = £7,605 (for spouse)
£845 × 9 = £7,605 (for child)
Total required funds = £15,210 in addition to your own living costs.
you can bring dependants on a UK Student visa, but eligibility depends on your course type and study level. With recent immigration changes, only research-based postgraduate students (like PhDs) and government-sponsored students are allowed to bring spouses and children.
How Dependants Can Apply
Dependants must apply for a UK Dependant Visa online, either at the same time as you or after you’ve received your Student visa. They will need to:
Pay the visa application fee
Pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
Provide biometric information (photo & fingerprints)
Show proof of relationship (marriage certificate, birth certificate, etc.)
Rights of Dependants in the UK
Once approved, dependants enjoy several benefits:
Spouse/Partner: Can work full-time in most jobs, except as a professional sportsperson or coach.
Children: Can attend school in the UK.
Healthcare: Access to the National Health Service (NHS) through the Immigration Health Surcharge.
Recent Policy Changes (2024–2025)
The UK government introduced stricter rules to reduce net migration:
From January 2024, dependants are not allowed for most international master’s students.
Only PhD students and research-based postgraduates remain eligible to bring family members.
This means students planning to study a taught master’s degree in the UK should prepare to travel alone unless they meet exceptional criteria.