<p>As of January 2024, the UK government significantly restricted which international students can bring dependants (spouse/partner and children) to the UK. Understanding the current rules—and whether you qualify—is essential before committing to a course.</p> <h2 id="tldr">TL;DR</h2> <ul> <li>Since January 2024, most international taught-course students (undergraduate and taught master’s) can NO longer bring dependants</li> <li>You CAN bring dependants if: (1) you’re a PhD/doctoral student, (2) you’re on a research-based higher degree (MRes, MPhil), or (3) you’re a government-sponsored student on a course of 6+ months</li> <li>Dependants include: spouse/civil partner, unmarried partner (2+ years cohabitation), and children under 18</li> <li>Each dependant pays: GBP 490 visa fee + GBP 1,035/year IHS surcharge</li> <li>Dependants need their own financial evidence: GBP 680/month for up to 9 months (outside London) or GBP 845/month (inside London)</li> </ul> <h2 id="who-can-bring-dependants">Who Can Bring Dependants</h2> <h3 id="eligible-students">Eligible Students</h3> <table><thead><tr><th>Student Category</th><th>Can Bring Dependants?</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>PhD/doctoral students</td><td>✅ Yes</td></tr><tr><td>Research-based master’s (MRes, MPhil)</td><td>✅ Yes</td></tr><tr><td>Government-sponsored students (course 6+ months)</td><td>✅ Yes</td></tr><tr><td>Taught master’s (MA, MSc, MBA)</td><td>❌ No (since Jan 2024)</td></tr><tr><td>Undergraduate students</td><td>❌ No (unless government-sponsored)</td></tr><tr><td>Short-term study (less than 6 months)</td><td>❌ No</td></tr></tbody></table> <p>The 2024 rule change was specifically designed to reduce the number of dependants of students on taught master’s programmes, which had grown significantly in previous years. If you’re planning a UK taught master’s, your spouse/partner and children will not be able to join you on a Student Dependant visa. They may be able to visit on a Standard Visitor visa (up to 6 months), but they cannot work, study long-term, or access the NHS for free during that time.</p> <h3 id="who-counts-as-a-dependant">Who Counts as a Dependant</h3> <ul> <li><strong>Spouse or civil partner</strong>: Married or in a legally recognised civil partnership</li> <li><strong>Unmarried partner</strong>: Must have lived together in a relationship akin to marriage for at least 2 years (evidence required: joint tenancy, joint bills, shared financial commitments)</li> <li><strong>Children under 18</strong>: Your biological children, stepchildren, or legally adopted children who are not married or in a civil partnership and who live with you</li> </ul> <p><strong>Critical</strong>: The relationship must exist at the time of your visa application. You cannot apply for a Student visa, arrive in the UK, get married, and then bring your spouse as a dependant (they would need to apply for a different visa category).</p> <h2 id="application-process">Application Process</h2> <h3 id="timing">Timing</h3> <p>Dependants can apply:</p> <ul> <li>At the same time as your Student visa application (recommended)</li> <li>After you’ve received your Student visa (they apply separately)</li> </ul> <p>Applying together is simpler, cheaper (one set of biometric appointments), and reduces processing complications.</p> <h3 id="documents-required">Documents Required</h3> <p>For each dependant:</p> <ol> <li><strong>Passport</strong> (valid for the duration of stay)</li> <li><strong>Proof of relationship</strong>: Marriage certificate, civil partnership certificate, or evidence of 2+ years cohabitation for unmarried partners</li> <li><strong>Financial evidence</strong>: Proof that you (or the dependant) have funds to support them: GBP 680/month (outside London) or GBP 845/month (inside London) for up to 9 months, in addition to your own maintenance requirement</li> <li><strong>TB test certificate</strong> (if required for the dependant’s country of residence)</li> <li><strong>Proof of your student status</strong>: Your CAS, university offer, or visa (if applying after your own visa is granted)</li> </ol> <h3 id="financial-requirement-for-dependants">Financial Requirement for Dependants</h3> <p>You must demonstrate additional funds beyond your own maintenance requirement:</p> <table><thead><tr><th>Location</th><th>Per Dependant (Per Month)</th><th>For 9 Months</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Outside London</td><td>GBP 680</td><td>GBP 6,120</td></tr><tr><td>Inside London</td><td>GBP 845</td><td>GBP 7,605</td></tr></tbody></table> <p><strong>Example</strong>: A PhD student at Manchester (outside London) bringing a spouse and one child:</p> <ul> <li>Student’s own maintenance: GBP 9,207</li> <li>Spouse: GBP 6,120</li> <li>Child: GBP 6,120</li> <li><strong>Total maintenance to demonstrate</strong>: GBP 21,447 (plus first-year tuition as stated on CAS)</li> </ul> <p>The same 28-day rule applies to dependant funds: they must be held for 28 consecutive days without dipping below the required amount.</p> <h2 id="dependant-rights-and-restrictions">Dependant Rights and Restrictions</h2> <table><thead><tr><th>Right/Restriction</th><th>Details</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Work (spouse/partner)</td><td>✅ Can work full-time (no 20-hour limit), including self-employment—but NOT as a doctor/dentist in training or professional sportsperson/entertainer</td></tr><tr><td>Study</td><td>✅ Can study (any level; no visa restriction)</td></tr><tr><td>NHS access</td><td>✅ Covered by IHS (paid with visa application)</td></tr><tr><td>Visa duration</td><td>Tied to the student’s visa: same expiry date</td></tr><tr><td>Switching visas</td><td>Dependant can switch to their own visa category (e.g., Skilled Worker) while in the UK, ending the dependant status</td></tr></tbody></table> <p>The spouse/partner’s full work rights make the student dependant route valuable for dual-career couples where one partner is pursuing a UK PhD. The working partner can be the primary household earner while the student partner completes their research.</p> <h2 id="faq">FAQ</h2> <p><strong>Q: Can I bring my partner if we’re not married and haven’t lived together for 2 years?</strong> A: No. The unmarried partner route requires evidence of 2+ years of cohabitation in a “relationship akin to marriage.” A dating relationship, even a long-term one, without cohabitation does not qualify. Marriage, civil partnership, or 2+ years living together are the three qualifiers.</p> <p><strong>Q: What happens to my dependants if I withdraw from my course?</strong> A: Your dependant’s visa is linked to yours. If your Student visa is curtailed (shortened) because you withdraw, your dependant’s visa is curtailed to the same date. They would need to leave the UK or switch to a different visa category.</p> <p><strong>Q: Can my child attend school in the UK?</strong> A: Yes. School-age children of Student visa holders can attend state schools (free) or private schools. They don’t need a separate student visa. For children aged 16+, different rules may apply—check current Home Office guidance.</p> <p><strong>Q: Can I bring dependants if I’m on a Graduate Route visa?</strong> A: Dependants who were already in the UK as your Student Dependants can extend their visa when you switch to Graduate Route. However, you cannot bring new dependants on a Graduate Route visa—they must have been your dependant during your Student visa period. Children born in the UK during your Student or Graduate visa can be added.</p>