👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 UK Student Visa Dependent Rules 2024–2025: Who Can Bring Family to the UK?

Are you planning to study in the UK and want to bring your spouse or children with you? You're not alone. One of the most asked questions by international students is, “Can I bring my family on a UK student visa?”

In 2024, the UK government introduced major updates to the dependent visa policy that have changed the rules significantly. This guide breaks it down in simple terms so you know exactly who can and cannot bring dependents on a UK study visa.

✅ Who Is Considered a Dependent in the UK?

• Your spouse or civil partner
• Your unmarried partner (lived together for at least 2 years)
• Your children under 18 years (including UK-born during stay)

🚨 New Changes to UK Dependent Visa Rules in 2024

As of January 1, 2024, most international students are no longer allowed to bring dependents to the UK on a student visa.

🟢 Who Can Still Bring Dependents?

• PhD or Doctoral Students – Course must be 9+ months
• Postgraduate Research Master’s (e.g., MRes, MPhil) – Course must be 9+ months
• Government-Sponsored Students – Fully funded by home government or eligible scholarship

❌ Who Cannot Bring Dependents?

• Taught Master’s Students (1-year courses) – Not eligible unless government-sponsored
• Undergraduate Students – Not eligible under current rules

📌 Important Requirements

• Proof of Relationship: Marriage or birth certificates; cohabitation proof for partners
• Financial Maintenance:
  £845/month per dependent (London)
  £680/month per dependent (Outside London)
  Funds required for 9 months

🎯 Why Did the UK Change This Policy?

• To strengthen immigration control
• To prioritize genuine students
• To prevent misuse of student visa route

✅ Summary Table

Student Type	Can Bring Dependents?
PhD/Doctoral Students	✅ Yes
Postgraduate Research Master’s (MRes, MPhil)	✅ Yes
Government-Sponsored Students	✅ Yes
Taught Master’s (Not Sponsored)	❌ No
Undergraduate Students	❌ No