International Student Support

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Dependants

You may be able to bring your dependant family members to the UK with you. This is called a Student Dependant visa and there are strict eligibility and document requirements.

It’s important to read through the information below carefully and you can contact International Student Support for individual advice if you need it.

Eligibility and key facts

How do we apply? What application form do we use?

To apply from outside the UK you will need to complete an online application for each dependant before attending an appointment at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) where you can submit documents and biometrics.   

To apply from inside the UK we would strongly recommend that you use our service as we will check and submit your application and supporting documents. The application form you complete depends on your situation:  

  1. If you are applying at the same time as the student, you apply together on the student's online form.

  1. If you are applying for your baby, child or children only, at some time after the main applicant has been granted Student leave, complete the PBS Dependant – Child online application form.  

  1. If you are applying as a spouse or partner, with or without children, at some time after the main applicant has been granted Student leave, complete the PBS Dependant – Partner online application form. 

Evidence of money

Remember, if you qualify for differentiation arrangements, you do not have to submit evidence of money. Check whether this applies to you in the Differentiation section of our website.

Self-funded students: Bank statements 

Your bank statement should:

  • show the date it was issued. This must be no more than 31 days before the date of application
  • show the money has been held for 28 days
  • include at least your name or account holder's name, account number and transactions over the 28 day period
  • be on official stationary or electronic record and show the name of the bank
  • be in English – you will need an official translation in addition to the original if it is not
Example bank statement‌‌

Self-funded students: Bank Letters 

If your bank statement does not meet the above rules you can request a letter from the bank instead. A bank letter should:

  • include your name or account holder's name and account number
  • include the date of letter (no more than 1 month old)
  • include the bank’s name
  • clearly state the amount of money in the account
  • confirm that the required amount has been in the account for at least 28 days

Example Bank Letter

Officially sponsored students: Sponsor letter

The letter should: 

  • be dated and printed on official letterheaded paper
  • include the name and contact details of the sponsor
  • confirm the duration of the sponsorship or give a clear description of the course/s covered and their duration
  • confirm the amount of money provided or state that the sponsor will cover all the tuition fees and living costs for the programme (if specified)
  • list the name of the student and all family members covered by the funding

Example Sponsorship Letter

Full details on how to apply are on the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) website.