Studying abroad with family: going with a spouse and children, visa, budget and school

Short answer: Master's and doctoral students in particular often plan to go abroad with their spouse and children. Some countries issue visas to accompanying family members, while others have restricted this. Going with family significantly changes the budget, the housing search and the visa process.

General picture by country

• UK: after recent changes, most master's students cannot bring dependants; exceptions are mainly research programmes. Check the current rule.
• Canada and Australia: dependant visas are possible, but conditions and work rights have changed.
• European countries: family reunification rules vary; there may be financial and housing space requirements.
• USA: an F-1 student's family can come on F-2 status, but the spouse has no right to work.

Budget

The proof-of-funds requirement increases with the number of family members. Rent, childcare and insurance are the main costs. More: housing abroad and student insurance.

Spouse's right to work

In some countries an accompanying spouse gets full work rights, in others they cannot work at all. This directly affects budget planning, so check in advance.

School and kindergarten for children

Public schools in many countries are open to student families too, but enrolment rules differ. Kindergarten is usually fee-paying and has waiting lists. Allow time for your child's language adaptation.

Documents

• Marriage certificate and children's birth certificates (with translation and apostille). See: document translation and apostille.
• Additional proof of funds for family members.
• Insurance policies.

Going alone first

Some families choose for the student to go alone first and for the family to come after finding housing. This can reduce the stress of the first months, but check that visa rules allow it.

Frequently asked questions

Can State Programme students take their family?

This depends both on the study country's visa rules and on the programme's conditions. Confirm with the official body.

Does going with family increase the risk of visa refusal?

Yes, if proof of funds is insufficient or the intention to return looks weak. See: reasons applications are rejected.

Note: dependant visa and work-right rules change frequently. Check the target country's official immigration website before planning.

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