Can I bring my family on a Student Visa in 2026?

Only if you are studying a postgraduate course (RQF Level 7 or above) at a university that is 9 months or longer. Undergraduate students and students at colleges (rather than universities) cannot bring dependants. Government-sponsored students may also bring dependants regardless of course level.

Can my dependant work in the UK?

Yes. Student dependants can work in the UK without restrictions on hours or type of work. They can work full-time and there is no requirement for employer sponsorship. However, they cannot access public funds.

What happens to my dependant if I finish my course?

Your dependant's visa expires at the same time as yours. If you switch to the Graduate Route, your dependant can also apply for a Graduate Route dependant visa. If you switch to a Skilled Worker visa, your dependant can switch to a Skilled Worker dependant visa. If you leave the UK, your dependant must also leave.

How much does a Student dependant visa cost?

The dependant visa application fee is 490 GBP. Your dependant also pays the Immigration Health Surcharge at the standard rate of 1,035 GBP per year (not the discounted student rate). For a 1-year master's course, the total dependant cost is approximately 2,045 GBP in fees.

Student Visa Dependant Restrictions 2026: Who Can Bring Family?

Since January 2024, only postgraduate students at universities (not colleges) can bring dependants to the UK. Undergraduate students and students at colleges are no longer eligible to bring family members. This guide explains the current rules in detail, including costs, work rights for dependants, and what happens when your course ends.

The 2024 Rule Change

In January 2024, the government introduced major restrictions on Student visa dependants. Before the change, any student on a course of 9 months or longer at a university could bring their spouse or partner and children. The new rules limit dependants to postgraduate students only, and only at universities (not colleges).

This change was part of a broader effort to reduce net migration and was announced alongside other measures affecting the Student visa route. The restrictions remain in place in 2026 and show no signs of being reversed.

Who Can Bring Dependants

You can bring dependants if you meet all of the following:

You are studying a postgraduate course at RQF Level 7 or above (master's degree, PhD, PGCE, or equivalent)
Your course is at a university (a higher education provider with its own degree-awarding powers or one with a track record of compliance)
Your course is 9 months or longer

Government-sponsored students (those whose fees and living costs are paid by their government or an international scholarship body) can bring dependants regardless of course level.

Who Cannot Bring Dependants

Undergraduate students (bachelor's degree or below)
Students at further education colleges, even on courses above RQF Level 7
Students on pre-sessional English courses
Students on courses shorter than 9 months

Who Counts as a Dependant

A dependant is your:

Spouse or civil partner
Unmarried partner (if you have been in a relationship similar to marriage for at least 2 years)
Children under 18 who are not leading an independent life

For more on adding dependants to your visa, see our dedicated guide.

Costs

Each dependant must submit their own application and pay their own fees:

Visa application fee: 490 GBP per dependant
Immigration Health Surcharge: 1,035 GBP per year per dependant (note: dependants pay the full rate, not the discounted student rate of 776 GBP)

For a 1-year master's course, the total per dependant is approximately 2,045 GBP (visa fee plus approximately 1,555 GBP IHS for 18 months including wrap-up). For the full breakdown, see our Student visa cost guide.

Dependant Work Rights

Student dependants have full work rights in the UK. They can:

Work full-time in any job
Work part-time
Be self-employed

There is no restriction on the type of work or the number of hours. This is different from the student themselves, who face work hour restrictions during term time. However, dependants are subject to the no recourse to public funds condition.

What Happens After Your Course

Your dependant's visa is tied to yours. When your course ends:

If you apply for the Graduate Route, your dependant can apply for a Graduate Route dependant visa.
If you switch to a Skilled Worker visa, your dependant can switch to a Skilled Worker dependant visa.
If you leave the UK, your dependant must also leave.

See our guide on what to do after your course ends for all your options.

Alternatives If You Cannot Bring Dependants

If you are an undergraduate student or studying at a college and cannot bring your family, your options include:

Complete your course and switch to a postgraduate programme. Once on a qualifying postgraduate course, you can apply for your dependants to join you.
Switch to a work visa. If you find a sponsored job, the Skilled Worker visa allows dependants regardless of your salary level.
Wait until after graduation. The Graduate Route also allows dependants if you had them during a qualifying postgraduate course.

Related Guides

For official information, see the GOV.UK Student visa dependants page and the Student route immigration rules.