Bringing Family to the UK as a Student: Dependant Visa Guide 2024

Can You Bring Your Family to the UK While Studying?

The question of whether you can bring a spouse, partner, or children to the UK while you study is one of the most important — and most frequently asked — questions international students have. The answer changed significantly in January 2024, when the UK government implemented major restrictions on student dependants. This guide explains exactly who can and cannot bring family members, and what the alternatives are.

The January 2024 Rule Change: What Changed

Before January 2024, most international students on a UK Student Visa could bring dependants — a spouse or unmarried partner, and children under 18 — to join them in the UK.

From 1 January 2024, this right was significantly restricted. The UK government announced that the following student groups can no longer bring dependants:

• Undergraduate students (all levels)
• Students on taught postgraduate programmes (e.g., standard master's degrees such as MBA, MSc, MA, LLM)
• Students on foundation programmes or pre-sessional courses

This was a significant policy change that affected hundreds of thousands of prospective students, particularly from Nigeria, India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh where family accompaniment was a common planning consideration.

Who Can Still Bring Dependants?

The following student groups retain the right to bring dependants to the UK:

• Postgraduate research students: This includes PhD students (Doctor of Philosophy), MPhil (Master of Philosophy), and other research-based master's programmes that are classified as research rather than taught
• Government-sponsored students: Students who hold a scholarship from a recognised government or international organisation (such as Chevening, Commonwealth, or a home country government bursary) retain the right to bring dependants regardless of their course type

If you are a PhD student at a UKVI-approved university, you can still apply for your spouse, partner, and children to join you in the UK as dependants.

Dependant Visa Costs

For those who are eligible, the cost of bringing dependants to the UK is substantial:

• Dependant visa fee: £298 per person per application
• Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): £776 per year, per dependant — payable in advance for the full duration of the visa
• Example (spouse joining for a 3-year PhD): £298 visa fee + (£776 × 3 years IHS) = £2,626 for one dependant

Financial Requirements for Dependants

If you bring dependants, you must demonstrate additional funds beyond your own maintenance requirement. UKVI requires you to show:

• £680 per month for the first dependant (for up to 9 months = £6,120)
• £453 per month for each additional dependant (for up to 9 months = £4,077)

These amounts are added on top of your own maintenance requirement (£1,334/month in London or £1,023/month outside London). For a PhD student in London bringing a spouse and one child, the total funds required would be substantial: £1,334 + £680 + £453 = £2,467 per month × 9 months = £22,203 in maintenance funds alone, plus first-year tuition.

What Dependants Can Do in the UK

Approved dependants of eligible students have significant rights in the UK:

• Work full time in any role, for any employer (no 20-hour limit applies to dependants)
• Access NHS healthcare (they pay the IHS surcharge as part of their visa cost)
• Study in the UK (including children attending state schools, which is free)
• Travel in and out of the UK freely during the visa period

Alternatives for Students Who Cannot Bring Family

If you are an undergraduate or taught master's student who cannot bring dependants under the 2024 rules, your options include:

• Switch to a research programme: If your goal is to study for several years and be joined by your family, consider whether a research-based master's (MPhil or research master's) or PhD would meet your academic goals
• Apply for government sponsorship: Government-sponsored students retain dependant rights regardless of course type — look into Chevening, Commonwealth, or home country scholarships
• Plan visits: A family member can visit you in the UK on a Standard Visitor Visa for up to 6 months at a time, though they cannot work during these visits
• Choose shorter courses: A 1-year master's means a shorter separation — many students prefer to complete their UK degree quickly and return home rather than pursue a longer study period

Children and UK State Schools

If your dependants include children and you are in an eligible category, children can attend UK state schools free of charge. The UK government funds state education for all children resident in the UK, including those on dependant visas. This makes the UK an attractive option for PhD families compared with countries where international school fees apply.

Applying for Dependant Visas

Dependant visa applications are made online through the UKVI portal. Each dependant applies separately. Applications can be submitted at the same time as your Student Visa application or at any point during your studies. Dependants can join you after you arrive — they do not need to travel with you.

Gangal Education can advise on whether you qualify to bring dependants and help you understand the financial implications for your application.