Are dependent visas applicable for any country I choose to study in in UK/Australia for a Postgraduate?
No, dependent visas are not automatically available for every postgraduate course. In the UK, only PhDs, research master's degrees, or government-sponsored scholarships allow dependents, while a standard taught master's does not. Australia is more flexible, generally allowing dependents for both coursework and research master's degrees if you meet financial requirements.
You need to check your exact course type before assuming you can bring family with you, since dependent visa rules differ sharply between the UK and Australia. Your choice of a taught versus research program can change your options entirely.
Dependent Visa Eligibility By Course Type
| Country | Taught Master's | Research Master's or PhD |
|---|---|---|
| UK | Not allowed | Allowed |
| Australia | Allowed, subject to financial and genuine student criteria | Allowed |
What Australia Expects From You
If you choose Australia, you will need to prove you can financially support your dependents under a Subclass 500 Student Visa, and your spouse only receives open work rights when your own program is specifically a master's or PhD, not a lower-level course.
My Advice
If bringing your family matters to you, consider a research master's or PhD track in the UK, or confirm your financial capacity early if you choose Australia, since genuine student and funding checks are strictly enforced there.
Can your spouse come with you to Australia?
Which Australian courses still allow dependents, and what you will need to show.
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