Planning to study in the UK and hoping to bring your spouse or children with you?
For many Indian students, studying abroad is a family decision. However, UK immigration rules have changed significantly in recent years, and not every international student can bring dependants to the UK.
Before accepting a university offer or making plans for your family, it is important to understand the latest UK dependant rules, who qualifies and how much financial support you may need to demonstrate.
This guide explains the current requirements as of 28 October 2026, using official UK government and UKCISA guidance.
1. What Are the Latest UK Dependant Rules?
The UK introduced significant restrictions on Student visa dependants from 1 January 2024.
Under the current rules, most international students taking ordinary undergraduate or taught master’s courses cannot bring their family members as Student dependants.
However, there are important exceptions.
You may qualify to bring dependants if:
You are a government-sponsored student taking an eligible course lasting at least six months.
You are studying a qualifying full-time postgraduate research course lasting at least nine months.
You meet certain transitional requirements when continuing your studies and your dependants already have, or recently held, the relevant immigration permission.
The exact eligibility conditions depend on your course, its start date and your immigration history.
2. Can You Bring Dependants on a Master’s Degree?
This is one of the most important questions for Indian students.
The answer depends on the type of master’s programme.
Course type | Can you normally bring dependants? |
|---|---|
Undergraduate degree | No, unless a specific exception applies |
Ordinary taught master’s | No, unless a specific exception applies |
PhD or doctoral qualification | Potentially yes, subject to eligibility |
Research-based higher degree | Potentially yes, subject to eligibility |
Eligible government-sponsored course | Potentially yes, subject to eligibility |
For postgraduate courses starting on or after 1 January 2024, the course must be a PhD, another doctorate or a qualifying research-based higher degree, normally at postgraduate level and lasting at least nine months.
Important: A course title alone does not prove eligibility. Some programmes with “research” in their name may not meet the immigration definition of a research-based higher degree.
Ask your university’s international student team to confirm your eligibility and check how your course is classified on your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS).
3. Who Counts as a Dependant?
Under the UK Student route, eligible dependants are generally limited to your partner and children—not your entire family.
Qualifying family members can include:
Your husband or wife.
Your civil partner.
Your unmarried partner, if you meet the relevant relationship requirements.
Your child under 18 when applying for dependant permission for the first time.
An unmarried partner generally needs to demonstrate a relationship similar to marriage or civil partnership lasting at least two years. Evidence of a genuine and continuing relationship may also be required.
Parents, brothers, sisters and other relatives cannot normally join you under the Student dependant route. They may have to explore a different immigration route if they wish to visit or stay in the UK.
4. How Much Money Do You Need for Dependants?
Financial planning is essential when applying under the UK dependant rules.
Eligible applicants may need to demonstrate that sufficient money is available to support each dependant, in addition to the student’s own required funds.
Current GOV.UK guidance specifies the following maintenance amounts for each dependant, for up to nine months.
Study location | Monthly amount per dependant | Maximum for 9 months |
|---|---|---|
London | £845 | £7,605 |
Outside London | £680 | £6,120 |
These amounts are separate from the financial requirement for the main student.
Where financial evidence is required, the money must generally be held for 28 consecutive days, with the end of that period falling within 31 days of the visa application. Some exemptions apply, including certain applicants who have already lived in the UK with valid immigration permission for at least 12 months.
Before applying, calculate your family’s overall costs, including rent, food, transport, childcare and healthcare-related expenses.
5. What Documents Will Your Family Need?
The exact list depends on your circumstances, but common documents include:
Valid passports or other accepted identity documents.
Your Student visa or application details.
Marriage or civil partnership certificate, where applicable.
Evidence supporting an unmarried relationship, where applicable.
Children’s birth certificates.
Financial evidence, if required.
Certified translations of documents that are not in English or Welsh.
Your partner or child must submit an appropriate online application and complete the identity-verification process specified by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). Successful applicants receive an eVisa recording their immigration status.
6. How Do You Apply for a UK Dependant Visa?
Once you have confirmed eligibility, the process generally follows these steps:
Check student eligibility
↓
Confirm course classification
↓
Prepare relationship documents
↓
Arrange financial evidence
↓
Submit dependant application
↓
Complete identity checks
↓
Receive a decision and eVisaYour partner or child may apply at the same time as you or separately, depending on their circumstances and the applicable rules.
Each applicant must meet the relevant requirements. The current published application fee is £558 per person, plus the applicable Immigration Health Surcharge. Check the official application page for the latest charges before submitting.
7. Are There Any Other Recent Changes to Watch?
UK immigration policy can change, so be careful when reading headlines or social media posts.
For example, UKCISA’s guidance updated on 14 September 2026 stated that a proposed basic English-language requirement for adult dependants of students had not yet become law at that time. Applicants should check for subsequent formal changes before applying.
For the latest information, use the official GOV.UK dependant guidance and UKCISA’s guide to bringing family to the UK.
Final Thoughts
The latest UK dependant rules mean that bringing your family to the UK is possible for some international students, but it is no longer an option for everyone.
If you are planning an undergraduate or taught master’s degree, check your eligibility carefully before making family arrangements. If you are considering a PhD, research-based higher degree or government-sponsored programme, investigate the relevant requirements early.
Confirm your course eligibility, prepare your financial evidence and check official immigration guidance before applying. A little planning can help you avoid unnecessary costs, delays and disappointment.
This article provides general information, not individual immigration advice. UK immigration rules can change, so always verify the latest requirements with GOV.UK and your university before submitting an application.
Read our previous blog here!