UK Student Dependant Visa Rules for Nepali Students 2026

Most students starting a taught master’s cannot bring new dependants under the current Student route rules. Eligibility is now concentrated on qualifying research programmes and government-sponsored study.

Quick answer: This guide is for Nepali applicants and was checked against official information available in July 2026. Always confirm the conditions printed on your visa and the latest government guidance.

Which students may bring dependants?

You may qualify if you are government-sponsored on a course longer than six months, or a full-time postgraduate student on a course lasting nine months or more. For courses starting on or after 1 January 2024, the postgraduate course must generally be a PhD/doctorate or a research-based higher degree.

What is a research-based higher degree?

The research component, including original work, must be larger than any taught component when measured by student effort. A course title containing “master’s” does not itself establish eligibility. Ask the university to confirm how the course is recorded for sponsorship before including family plans in the application.

Who counts as a dependant?

An eligible dependant may be a husband, wife, civil partner, qualifying unmarried partner or child under 18. Evidence can include a marriage or civil-partnership certificate, birth certificate and other proof required to demonstrate a genuine relationship and family circumstances.

Separate applications and costs

Each dependant makes an application, pays the applicable visa fee and normally pays the Immigration Health Surcharge. Additional maintenance funds may be required. A dependant coming from Nepal for more than six months may also need a valid TB certificate from an approved clinic.

Avoiding common planning errors

Assuming every postgraduate course permits dependants.
Paying deposits before the university confirms the course category.
Using weak or inconsistent relationship evidence.
Ignoring separate fees, healthcare charges and maintenance funds.
Submitting different addresses or timelines without explanation.

Practical checklist

Confirm the exact rule for your course, sponsor and application date.
Keep the CAS, passport, financial evidence and submitted application consistent.
Save official evidence and payment receipts in one application folder.
Do not make travel, work or family plans from social-media advice alone.
Ask MKS Education to review your study-plan sequence before final submission.

Frequently asked questions

Can a taught MSc student bring a spouse?

For a new course starting after the rule change, a standard taught master’s normally does not meet the dependant-course requirement.

Can a PhD student bring children?

A qualifying PhD student may be eligible, subject to the full dependant rules and evidence.

Does each family member apply separately?

Yes. Each dependant has an application and associated evidence and costs.

Official sources checked

General educational information only; UKVI and the education provider make the final decision.

MKS Education support

Plan your application with MKS Education

MKS Education is a study abroad consultancy opposite Shankerdev Campus in Putalisadak, Kathmandu. We help Nepali students review profiles, shortlist universities and courses, prepare applications, organise documents, research scholarships, and plan CAS and visa-file stages using current official sources. Universities and immigration authorities make all admission and visa decisions.

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