Can my family come with me on a UK Student visa?

Whether your family can join you in the UK on your student visa depends on your level of study and type of institution.

Who can bring dependants:
- Government-sponsored students: Can bring spouse/partner and children at any study level
- Students studying at master's level or above at a university: Can bring dependants
- Students studying a full-time degree-level programme longer than 6 months: Eligibility depends on being sponsored by a higher education provider on the Student Route — confirm with your institution

Who CANNOT bring dependants (current restrictions):
- Students studying below degree level
- Students at privately funded institutions (some independent colleges)
- Students on short courses under 6 months
- Note: From January 2024, the UK tightened dependant rules for students. Currently, most taught master's and bachelor's students at UK universities can bring dependants.

What dependants can do:
- Spouse/partner: Work full-time (no restrictions on hours or type of work)
- Children: Study in UK state schools
- Both must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (£776/year each)

Financial requirement for dependants:
Each dependant requires additional financial evidence:
- £845/month for up to 9 months in London, or £680/month outside London

Application:
Dependants apply separately using a Student dependant visa. They can apply at the same time as you or join you later.

Immigration considerations: Dependants cannot access public funds. Children attending UK schools will be on a child-dependant visa — they cannot switch to a Student visa independently until they are old enough.