Can you explain the dependent visa process for Ireland and other countries in UK/Australia for a Postgraduate?

Your ability to bring family depends heavily on which country and which type of postgraduate degree you choose. The UK only allows dependents for PhD or research postgraduate courses, banning them for standard one year taught Master's degrees. Ireland is similarly restrictive for taught Master's students, while Australia generally allows dependents at both taught and research levels, provided you can show sufficient funds.

Dependent Visa Rules Compared

Financial Proof You Will Need

• In the UK, you must show 845 pounds a month for up to nine months if living in London, or 680 pounds a month outside London, per dependent.
• In Australia, you need an extra AUD 10,394 a year for a partner and AUD 4,449 per child, plus Overseas Student Health Cover for each dependent.
• In Ireland, dependents joining you through a Critical Skills route generally need to qualify through their own employment permit route.

My Advice

If bringing your family matters more than your specific field of study, lean toward a PhD or research Master's track, or toward Australia, since both open dependent visas far more reliably than a standard UK or Irish taught Master's. Calculate the exact per dependent financial proof for your target country before you apply, since this figure is checked strictly at visa stage.