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Study in UK

Bringing your partner or children on a UK Student visa

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The UK changed who can bring family on a Student visa for courses starting on or after 1 January 2024. Check whether you qualify before you pay a deposit or plan your move, because this rule decides most family plans.

Who can bring dependants

You can include dependants if you are:

  • a government-sponsored student on a course longer than 6 months, or
  • a full-time postgraduate student on a course at RQF level 7 or above lasting 9 months or more, and for courses starting on or after 1 January 2024 the course is a PhD or other doctorate (RQF level 8) or a research-based higher degree.

Most taught master's students cannot bring family.

Who counts as a dependant

  • Your husband, wife or civil partner
  • Your unmarried partner
  • Your child under 18, including a child born in the UK during your stay

Your child must be unmarried, not in a civil partnership, and living with you unless they are in full-time education away from home.

Documents to prepare

  • Proof of your relationship: a marriage or civil partnership certificate, or a birth certificate for a child.
  • For a child: two documents confirming their address (such as a bank statement, driving licence or official school letter), and details of any rent or upkeep they pay you.
  • For a child born in the UK: a full UK birth certificate showing both parents.

Money each dependant needs

On top of your own funds, each dependant needs:

  • £845 a month for up to 9 months for a course in London
  • £680 a month for up to 9 months for a course outside London

The money must be held for at least 28 days in a row, ending no more than 31 days before you apply. Dependants who have held a valid UK visa for at least 12 months do not need to show it.

How to apply

From outside the UK, each dependant applies online as a partner or child, using your reference number from your own application. They get the same end date as your visa. Dependants pay the visa fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge shown in their application.

Children born in the UK are not automatically British citizens. Plan their visa before they turn 18 if they will want to stay.

Official sources

Common questions

Can I bring my husband or wife on a UK Student visa?
Only in limited cases. For postgraduate courses starting on or after 1 January 2024, you can bring dependants only if your course is a PhD or other doctorate or a research-based higher degree, or if you are a government-sponsored student on a course longer than 6 months.
Who counts as a dependant?
Your husband, wife or civil partner, your unmarried partner, and your child under 18, including a child born in the UK during your stay.
How much money does each dependant need?
£845 a month for up to 9 months if your course is in London, and £680 a month for up to 9 months outside London, held for 28 days in a row on top of your own funds.
Do dependants get the same end date as me?
Yes. When you apply from outside the UK, dependants have the same end date as your visa.

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