Countries Where International Students Can Still Bring Their Families

The UK's Dependant Ban: A Watershed Moment in International Education

On 1 January 2024, the United Kingdom implemented one of the most significant policy shifts in recent international higher education history. The government banned most international students from bringing family members to the UK, a change that sent shockwaves through universities, student communities, and competing destination countries alike.

The policy was first announced in May 2023 and framed as a response to a dramatic surge in students’ dependants. According to the UK Home Office, the number of dependants accompanying overseas students had risen by more than 930% in four years, from 14,839 visas issued in the year ending September 2019 to 152,980 in the year ending September 2023. The government estimated that around 140,000 fewer people would come to the UK as a result of the combined restrictions.

Under the new rules, only two categories of students remain eligible to bring dependants to the UK: those enrolled in postgraduate research programmes (such as PhDs, Master of Research degrees, and research-based postgraduate qualifications), and those funded by a full national government scholarship covering both tuition and living costs. Undergraduate students, taught master's students, and all other international students are excluded.

The political and economic ramifications have been substantial. Applications for sponsored study visas fell by 31% from 2023 to 2024, according to Home Office figures, with particularly sharp declines recorded from Nigeria, India, and Pakistan, countries that represent some of the UK's largest sources of international students. UCAS data confirmed a 17% drop in international applicants for the 2024/25 academic year, while postgraduate taught enrolments fell 17% compared to a 22% rise in Master of Research enrolments, an unintended consequence of students exploiting the MRes exemption to retain family eligibility.

Crucially, the subsequent Labour government, despite publicly welcoming international students, confirmed it would not reverse the ban. The policy therefore reflects a bipartisan political consensus in the UK that student dependant numbers must be controlled, regardless of the economic costs to higher education.

The scale and speed of the UK's decline prompted students with families to look elsewhere.

14 Countries Where International Students Can Bring Their Families

Against the backdrop of the UK's restrictions, the following 14 countries maintain clear and documented pathways for international students to be accompanied by their dependants, typically a spouse or partner and unmarried children under 18. Each country's policy is presented with eligibility criteria, work rights for dependants, and key documentary requirements, based on publicly available official and institutional sources.

1. Australia

Eligibility: All international students on the Subclass 500 Student visa, undergraduate and postgraduate, may bring their spouse/partner and unmarried children under 18. There are no course-level restrictions.

Work Rights for Dependants: Spouses may work up to 48 hours per fortnight for undergraduates; unlimited hours for postgraduate research students.

Key Requirements:

• Minimum funds of AUD$29,710 for the main applicant, plus AUD$10,395 per accompanying partner and AUD$4,450 per child
• Proof of relationship (marriage or birth certificate)
• Evidence of health insurance for the full period
• Form 919 (nomination of student dependants) and Form 157A

2. Canada

Eligibility: All study permit holders enrolled full-time may bring spouses/common-law partners (cohabiting for at least one year) and dependent children. Spouses of master's and PhD students qualify for a Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP).

Work Rights for Dependants: Spouses of master's and doctoral students receive an open work permit valid for the same duration as the student's permit, with no restriction on employer or sector.

Key Requirements:

• Proof of enrolment in a full-time programme at a designated learning institution
• Marriage certificate or proof of cohabitation of at least one year
• Language proficiency evidence for the spouse
• Proof of sufficient funds (based on Low Income Cut-Off for family size)
• Apply simultaneously to avoid delays; processing can take up to three months

3. Germany

Eligibility: International students enrolled in a recognised programme of at least one year may bring their spouse and minor children under 18 through the Family Reunification Visa (Familiennachzug).

Work Rights for Dependants: Family visa holders of working age may apply for work authorisation and take up full-time employment.

Key Requirements:

• Proof of sufficient funds to cover the entire study period for the whole family
• Proof of adequate accommodation
• Valid marriage licence
• Spouse must be over 18 years of age
• A1 level of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) in German for the spouse
• Enrolment in a programme of at least one year's duration

4. United States

Eligibility: Spouses and unmarried children under 21 of F-1 visa holders may apply for F-2 visas. Dependants of J-1 exchange students may apply for J-2 visas.

Work Rights for Dependants: F-2 visa holders are not permitted to work. J-2 dependants may apply for Employment Authorisation Documents (EAD) from USCIS after arrival; processing can take up to four months.

Key Requirements:

• Valid F-1 or J-1 visa for the primary student
• Proof of relationship (marriage or birth certificate)
• Demonstration of sufficient financial support for the entire family
• Dependants may apply simultaneously or after the student's visa is granted

5. New Zealand

Eligibility: International students enrolled in postgraduate qualifications may bring their partner and school-aged children. Partners of eligible students may receive open work visas.

Work Rights for Dependants: Partners in eligible programmes may apply for open work visas with no restriction on employer. School-age children attend public schools as domestic students, saving substantially on tuition.

Key Requirements:

• Enrolment in an eligible postgraduate programme
• Proof of a genuine relationship with the partner
• Adequate financial resources to support the family
• Appropriate accommodation arranged before arrival

6. Sweden

Eligibility: International students with a valid Swedish residence permit may bring their spouse, registered cohabiting partner, and unmarried children under 18.

Work Rights for Dependants: Spouses receive a residence permit that includes full, unrestricted work rights; they may work in any sector without a separate work permit.

Key Requirements:

• Valid Swedish student residence permit for the primary student
• For cohabiting (non-married) partners: proof of cohabitation of at least six months
• Proof of sufficient financial means to support the family
• Evidence of relationship (marriage certificate or proof of cohabitation)

7. Finland

Eligibility: International students holding a valid Finnish residence permit for study may apply to bring their immediate family members, including spouse and dependent children.

Work Rights for Dependants: The spouse is eligible to work without any restrictions once a residence permit is granted.

Key Requirements:

• Valid Finnish residence permit for study
• Sufficient funds and health insurance covering the entire stay for all dependants
• Proof of family relationship
• Visa fee: €90 for adults, €45 for children

8. Denmark

Eligibility: International students with a valid Danish residence permit for study may bring their spouse/partner, children, and parents to Denmark under a Family Reunification Visa.

Work Rights for Dependants: Dependants are permitted to work or run a business for as long as their residence permit remains valid. The residence permit is typically granted for two years.

Key Requirements:

• Valid Danish residence permit for study
• Proof of relationship (marriage/birth certificates)
• Online application with a fee of approximately €80
• Adequate financial resources and accommodation

9. Netherlands

Eligibility: International students enrolled in a recognised Dutch institution and holding a valid residence permit may apply for family members to join them via a Certificate of Lawful Residence (Verklaring van rechtmatig verblijf).

Work Rights for Dependants: Spouses who obtain a residence permit are generally permitted to work. Non-EU students can work up to 16 hours per week during the academic year, or full-time in summer (June–August).

Key Requirements:

• Valid Dutch residence permit (VVR) for the primary student
• Family members must apply for their own certificate of lawful residence
• Proof of relationship and sufficient financial means
• Minimum living expenses of approximately €1,094 per month (2024/25 academic year)

10. Austria

Eligibility: International students in Austria may bring their spouse and unmarried children under 18 through the Austrian dependant visa for long-term stays.

Work Rights for Dependants: Dependants are generally permitted to seek employment once their residence permit is granted.

Key Requirements:

• Valid Austrian student residence permit
• Proof of family relationship (marriage or birth certificate)
• Proof of adequate accommodation and financial means
• Visa fee for long-term stay (over 90 days): €150 (subject to change)

11. Hong Kong

Eligibility: Non-local students enrolled full-time in local degree programmes at recognised Hong Kong institutions may bring their spouse (including same-sex registered partners) and children under 18.

Work Rights for Dependants: Dependants may study in Hong Kong but are not permitted to work without explicit permission from the Director of Immigration.

Key Requirements:

• Enrolment in a full-time local degree programme
• Civil partnership must be formally registered, cohabitation and unmarried partnerships are not recognised
• Proof of a genuine relationship and financial means
• Immigration application submitted through the Hong Kong Immigration Department

12. China

Eligibility: China issues two categories of dependent/family visas under the S-visa route for family members of foreigners residing in China for study purposes.

Work Rights for Dependants: Work rights vary and are subject to additional permits. Dependants should confirm work authorisation with the local Public Security Bureau.

Key Requirements:

• S1 visa: for visits of 180 days or more (spouse, parent, child under 18, or parent-in-law)
• S2 visa: for visits of fewer than 180 days (broader family members)
• Proof of relationship with the primary student
• Evidence of the student's valid study residence

13. Japan

Eligibility: International students in Japan may apply for a Dependent Visa for their spouse and unmarried children under 18.

Work Rights for Dependants: Dependants are not automatically permitted to work; they must apply for work permission separately. Once granted, they may work up to 28 hours per week.

Key Requirements:

• Valid Japanese student visa and Certificate of Eligibility for the primary student
• Proof of adequate accommodation and financial means
• Documentation proving family relationship (marriage or birth certificate, authenticated as required)
• Dependants must apply at a Japanese consulate in their home country before arrival

14. Malta

Eligibility: International students studying in Malta may bring their spouse and children through the family visa route as Malta grows as an emerging education hub.

Work Rights for Dependants: Spouses may apply for work rights after obtaining a residence permit.

Key Requirements:

• Valid student residence permit in Malta
• Proof of relationship (marriage or birth certificate)
• Proof of funding and suitable housing
• Application submitted to Identity Malta (now Identità)

Comparative Summary: Dependant Visa Policies at a Glance

* Australia: 48 hrs/fortnight for undergrads; unlimited for postgraduate research students.

Family Matters in the Global Race for Students

The UK's January 2024 dependant ban has become a case study in the unintended consequences of using student immigration as a lever for reducing net migration. While the policy succeeded in reducing overall migration numbers, it has made the UK demonstrably less competitive as a destination for international students with families,  a cohort that includes many of the world's most experienced, motivated, and high-spending postgraduate learners.

The 14 countries profiled in this guide demonstrate that family-inclusive immigration policies are not merely a niche consideration; they are a key competitive differentiator. Countries like Australia, Canada, Germany, and the Nordic nations have recognised that welcoming students' families contributes to economic productivity (through spousal employment), social integration, and long-term settlement, often the very outcomes that immigration systems are designed to achieve.

For prospective international students weighing up study destinations, the availability and scope of dependant visas should be treated as a material decision factor, alongside tuition fees, post-study work rights, and scholarship opportunities. Policies can and do change rapidly, as the UK experience demonstrates. Students are advised to verify current requirements directly with official government immigration websites before submitting any application.