Can I take my spouse on a student visa? 2026 rules by country
The UK, Australia, Canada and Ireland have all tightened family rules for students. Here's who can still bring a partner or children, from each government's own pages.
Most taught master's students can no longer bring a spouse in the UK, Australia or Ireland. The UK allows dependants mainly for PhD and research students and government-sponsored students. Australia's new rules from 2 October 2026 say student visa applicants must not bring family members unless exempt. Ireland says students typically can't bring family. Canada still lets a spouse get an open work permit if you're in a master's programme of 16 months or longer, a doctorate or certain professional programmes.
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Which countries let students bring a spouse?
| Country | Can a student bring a spouse? | Key condition |
|---|---|---|
| UK | Only some students | PhD, other doctorate or research degree, or government-sponsored |
| Australia | Restricted from 2 Oct 2026 | Must not bring family members unless exempt |
| Canada | Yes, for some programmes | Spouse open work permit: master's 16+ months, doctoral or select professional programmes |
| Ireland | Typically no | Only in very exceptional circumstances |
Sources: GOV.UK, Australian Department of Home Affairs, IRCC and Irish Immigration Service, checked 23 October 2026.
UK: who can bring dependants?
Your partner and children can come as dependants if you are a government-sponsored student on a course longer than 6 months, or a full-time postgraduate on a course of 9 months or longer that is a PhD, other doctorate or research-based higher degree (for courses starting on or after 1 January 2024). Taught master's students can't bring dependants. Each dependant must show £845 a month in London or £680 elsewhere, for up to 9 months. See our UK student visa guide.
Australia: what changed on 2 October 2026?
New rules from 2 October 2026 change whether family members can be included in a Student visa (subclass 500). The Home Affairs page now says applicants must not bring family members (partners and children) to Australia unless they are exempt. Check the official decision tree “Can I include family” before you accept an offer. Details are in our Australia student visa guide.
Canada: can my spouse work?
Since 21 January 2025, a student's spouse or common-law partner can get an open work permit only if the student is in a master's programme of 16 months or longer, a doctoral programme, or certain professional programmes. Spouses of students in shorter master's or most college programmes no longer qualify, though permits issued under the old rules stay valid until they expire. See our Canada student visa guide.
Ireland: can family come with a student?
The Irish Immigration Service says students are typically not permitted to bring family members with them, except in very exceptional circumstances. Plan to study alone, or look at the Stamp 1G stay after graduating, when other options open. See Ireland student visa from India.
We're married. How should we plan?
- Pick the programme with the rules in mind: a 16-month-plus master's in Canada keeps the spouse work permit open.
- Consider both partners studying, each on their own student visa, if both qualify.
- Plan the reunion for after graduation: post-study work visas often have different family rules. Compare in our post-study work comparison.
- Never travel on the wrong visa or rely on agent promises; refusals stay on record.
Official sources
Figures on this page were checked on 23 Oct 2026. Rules and fees change, so always confirm the current numbers on the official site before you pay or apply.
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Frequently asked questions
Can I take my wife on a UK student visa?
Only if you are a government-sponsored student or a postgraduate on a PhD, other doctorate or research-based degree of 9 months or longer. Taught master's students can't bring dependants for courses starting from 1 January 2024.
Can I take my spouse to Australia on a student visa in 2026?
New rules from 2 October 2026 say Student visa applicants must not bring family members unless exempt. Check the Home Affairs decision tree before you apply.
Can my spouse work in Canada while I study?
Only if you are in a master's programme of 16 months or longer, a doctoral programme or certain professional programmes. Then your spouse can apply for an open work permit.
Can I bring my family to Ireland as a student?
Typically no. The Irish Immigration Service says students are generally not permitted to bring family members, except in very exceptional circumstances.
Which country is best for studying with a spouse?
Canada, if you choose a master's of 16 months or longer, because your spouse can then get an open work permit.
Can Abbacy advise couples planning to study abroad?
Yes. We plan courses and countries around your family situation, free of charge.
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