UK Student visa - Dependents & family
31 questions
Expert Answers
Can I bring my spouse or children to the UK on a dependant visa for a taught master's in 2026?
→No, Indian students on taught postgraduate courses, such as most one-year MSc, MA or MBA programmes, can no longer bring family members to the UK on a dependant visa. The exceptions cover PhD or doctoral study, research master's courses running nine months or longer, and some government-sponsored students.
Can my partner and children come with me on a UK Skilled Worker Visa?
→Yes, the UK Skilled Worker Visa usually allows you to take your partner and children along, and they can stay with you for as long as your visa remains valid. Each of them must submit a separate application, and their visa stays valid until yours does.
Can I bring my dependants to the UK on a student visa in 2027 as an Indian student?
→Generally no. In 2027 you can bring dependants only if you are on a postgraduate research programme, such as a PhD or research-based Master's, or are a government-sponsored student on a course lasting over 6 months. Each dependant pays their own visa fee and health surcharge.
What are UK master's tuition fees, and can my spouse come with me as a dependant?
→UK master's tuition typically ranges from GBP 16,000 to 45,000 a year for international students, depending on subject, with MBA and specialised programmes going up to around GBP 50,000. Figures are indicative, and spouse dependant eligibility is mainly for research degrees or government-sponsored students, so check before you apply.
In the UK, does a master's by research versus a taught master's change whether my spouse can join me?
→In the UK, a spouse can generally come as a dependant only if your course is a PhD or research-based higher degree, such as an MRes, as confirmed by your provider. Students on taught master's courses such as an MSc, MA or MBA usually cannot, unless they have government sponsorship.
My partner and I do not live together right now, so is living together mandatory for a UK or New Zealand spouse visa?
→It depends on the country. In the UK, living together is not strictly mandatory for married or civil partners, though cohabitation evidence is highly recommended; unmarried partners typically need 2 years together. New Zealand residence partner visas ask for at least 12 months of living together; other partner visas differ.
Can my husband move from Canada and join me as a dependent if I study in the UK or Ireland?
→Yes, your husband can usually join you as a dependent, but the rules depend on the country. In the UK you need a PhD, a government-sponsored course of six months or more, or a research-based higher degree (standard taught master's courses do not qualify).
How many hours per week can I work in the UK while studying, and can my family join me there?
→UK Student visa holders on a degree-level course can work up to 20 hours a week during term time, full-time in official vacations. Family can join only if the course is a PhD or a research degree of at least 9 months, or a rare government-sponsored case over 6 months.
All Questions (31)
Are there spouse-friendly countries where my family can migrate with me in UK/Canada for a Master's/PhD?
→How does the process work if I want to go with my family after masters or within six months to one year in UK/Canada for a Master's/Postgraduate?
→What are the requirements for taking a dependent with me on a student visa in the UK for a Postgraduate?
→Are there any options for dependent visas currently available in the UK or other countries in Ireland/France for a Postgraduate?
→Are dependent visas applicable for any country I choose to study in in UK/Australia for a Postgraduate?
→Are there any study programs available in January for which I can apply under a dependent visa in UK for a Master's?
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