UK Dependant Visa for Students 2026: Rules, Requirements & Application — OE Consultants Blog
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UK Dependant Visa for Students 2026: Rules, Requirements & Application
Fahad Javaid · 4 Oct 2026
#UK dependant visa#student family visa#spouse visa UK#student dependants#UK immigration
UK Dependant Visa for Students 2026: Rules, Requirements & Application
From January 2024, the UK government restricted dependant visas for international students. Only postgraduate research students (PhD, MPhil, research Master's) can now bring dependants. Taught Master's students cannot bring family.
Key change: The January 2024 rule change removed dependant rights for all taught postgraduate students. Only research-based programmes qualify.
Who Counts as a Dependant?
Relationship
Eligible?
Spouse / Civil Partner
✅ Yes
Unmarried partner
✅ Yes (2+ years cohabitation proof)
Child under 18
✅ Yes
Child 18+
✅ Only if currently dependant (on previous Student visa)
Parents / Siblings
❌ No
Financial Requirements (2026)
You must show additional funds for each dependant, held for 28 consecutive days ending within 31 days of application.
Location
Student (9 months)
Per Dependant (9 months)
London
£12,006
£7,605
Outside London
£9,207
£6,156
Example: PhD student in London with spouse + 1 child = £12,006 + £7,605 + £7,605 = £27,218 total.
Accepted evidence: Same as Student visa (bank statements, sponsor letter, scholarship letter, loan).
Work Rights for Dependants
Dependant
Work Rights
Spouse/Partner
Full work rights — any job, any skill level, self-employed (except professional sport/coach)
Child 16+
Part-time (term) / Full-time (vacation) — if allowed by school
Child under 16
No work rights
Spouse advantage: Can work immediately — no sponsor, no salary threshold, no skill level requirement. This is a major financial benefit for PhD families.
Application Process
When to Apply
Same time as Student visa (recommended) — single biometric appointment
After Student visa granted — separate application, same requirements
Must apply before Student visa expires
Documents for Each Dependant
Document
Details
Passport
Valid for stay + 6 months
Relationship proof
Marriage cert (spouse), Birth cert (child), Cohabitation evidence (unmarried partner)
TB test
Required for Pakistani nationals (UKVI-approved clinic)
Photos
45mm × 35mm, white background
Application fee
£490 each
IHS
£776/year each
Unmarried partner evidence (2+ years):
Joint tenancy/mortgage
Joint bank account / bills
Correspondence at same address
Photos together over time
Statements from friends/family
Cost Summary (Per Dependant)
Item
Cost
Visa fee
£490
IHS (per year)
£776
TB test
~PKR 5,000–8,000
First year total
~£1,756 + TB
Timeline
When
Action
With Student visa application
Best — single biometric, single decision
After Student visa granted
Within validity, before Student visa expires
PhD year 2+
Can apply for dependants later if circumstances change
Common Questions
Q: My spouse wants to study too. Can they?
A: Yes, dependants can study (part-time or full-time). But if they want a Student visa later, they'd need to switch.
Q: Can my child attend state school?
A: Yes, children on dependant visas can attend UK state schools for free (ages 5–18).
Q: What if my child turns 18 during my PhD?
A: They can stay as dependant if they were granted leave as a child dependant before 18. They can apply to extend as adult dependant if still financially dependent.
Q: Can my parents visit?
A: Parents need a Standard Visitor visa (6 months). They cannot come as dependants.
Q: What if my relationship ends?
A: Dependant must leave UK or switch to another visa (e.g., Skilled Worker) within 60 days (or before visa expires).
Q: Can I bring dependants for a 1-year Master's by research?
A: Yes, if the course is classified as "research" (>50% research) and leads to MPhil/MRes. Check with university — some MRes are taught-heavy.
At OE Consultants, we guide PhD students and their families through the entire dependant visa process — from financial planning to document preparation and biometric appointments. Contact us for a free consultation.
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