Introduction
👨👩👧 UK Student Dependants — 2027 At a Glance
Who Can Bring DependantsPG Research and Government-Sponsored
Taught Masters / Bachelor'sNo Dependants
Visa Fee Per Dependant£558
IHS Per Dependant£776 per Year
Funds Per Dependant£845 (London) / £680 (Outside)
Rule In Force Since1 January 2024
Who Can Bring Dependants?
Since 1 January 2024, only two groups of international students can bring dependants on a Student visa:
- Postgraduate research students on PhD, doctorate or research-based higher degree courses (usually 9 months or longer) at a provider with a track record of compliance
- Government-sponsored students on courses longer than six months
Taught Masters and bachelor's students cannot bring dependants
If you are on a one-year taught Masters (MSc, MA, MBA, LLM) or any undergraduate degree, you cannot bring a partner or children on your Student visa.
Who Counts as a Dependant?
- Partner: a spouse, civil partner, or an unmarried partner you have lived with for at least two years
- Children: under 18 at the time of application
- Proof: marriage or relationship evidence, birth certificates and valid passports for each person
What Each Dependant Costs
| Cost | Amount (current) |
|---|---|
| Visa application fee (per dependant) | £558 |
| Immigration Health Surcharge | £776 per year of visa |
| Funds to show — London | £845 per month, up to 9 months (£7,605) |
| Funds to show — outside London | £680 per month, up to 9 months (£6,120) |
These funds are in addition to your own maintenance funds and must be held for 28 consecutive days. Check gov.uk for any change before you apply.
Planning to study with family?Admizz Education will check whether your course qualifies and prepare a full cost estimate.
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Work, School and Healthcare
- Work: dependants of eligible students can generally work, but check the conditions on their visa
- School: children can attend state schools in the UK
- NHS: access is included once the IHS is paid
If You Cannot Bring Dependants
- Choose a research-route course if it fits your career plan
- Study first and bring family later through another route, such as Skilled Worker, once you qualify
- Plan visits through the visitor route for holidays; visitors cannot switch into a long-stay visa from inside the UK
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring my wife on a one-year Masters?
No. Dependants are limited to postgraduate research and government-sponsored students, so taught Masters students cannot bring a partner.
Do dependants need to show their own funds?
Yes. Each dependant needs separate funds of £845 (London) or £680 (outside London) a month for up to 9 months, held for 28 days.
Can my partner join me later?
Only if you qualify to bring dependants, and each person must meet the visa requirements at the time they apply.
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