For many international students planning to pursue long-term education abroad, the option to relocate with family members has become an important factor in choosing a study destination.
Countries with policies that allow students to bring spouses and children often provide family-friendly immigration pathways, including work and education opportunities for dependent.
Below is a curated list of the top 10 countries where international students can bring their dependents, according to a report from Nairametrics.
10. New Zealand: New Zealand offers one of the more flexible options for dependents. Under the Partner of a Student Work Visa, spouses or partners of students enrolled in eligible qualifications can live and work legally for the same duration as the main student visa.
9. Finland’s family members of international students to join them, provided the student holds a valid residence permit. Dependents must meet documentation and financial requirements, but the policy supports family reunification during study periods.
8. AustrAustralia’sent visa framework permits international students to include spouses and children. Eligibility depends on the level of the student’s programme, and spouses may have work rights in many cases.
7. ChinaChina offers dependent visa options — such as the S1 visa for longer stays and S2 for short visits — enabling spouses and children to stay with students during their education.
6. Hong KongFull-time international students in Hong Kong can bring their spouses and children under 18 through a dependent visa arrangement. Children can study locally, though work rights for dependents are typically restricted.
5. Swedish spouses, registered partners, cohabiting partners, and children under 18 to join international students. Family members must demonstrate proof of the relationship and financial capability.
4. Australia family reunification options for dependents of international students, subject to proof of funds, accommodation, and health coverage. Spouses may be allowed to work depending on permit conditions, and children can attend school.
3. Under Germany’s family reunification visa, international students can bring their spouses and minor children once they hold valid residence permits and meet financial and housing requirements.
2. The Netherlands allows international students to bring family members through a dependent residence permit. Students must show sufficient independent income to sponsor dependents, and children can attend school.
1.Denmarks the list. It permits spouses or partners and children under 18 to accompany international students enrolled in state-approved higher education programmes.
Dependents must show financial means and documentation, and spouses generally receive work rights while children can attend school.
What This Means for Students Dependent visas typically require:A valid student residence or study permit Proof of relationship (e.g., marriage and birth certificates) Sufficient funds and accommodation for the family Compliance with health insurance and other host-country requirements These policies vary by destination, and prospective students are advised to consult immigration authorities and embassy guidelines for the most accurate and current details before applying.
Image Credit: Nairametrics
Source : Nairametrics
