Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 30 October 2026
Who can bring a partner or child
You must be a government-sponsored student starting a course longer than 6 months, or a full-time postgraduate student on a course of 9 months or longer at RQF level 7 or above. If the postgraduate course starts on or after 1 January 2024, it must be a PhD or other doctorate or a research-based higher degree (gov.uk).
What dependants must show
A dependant is your husband, wife, civil partner or unmarried partner, or your child under 18. You need evidence of the relationship, such as a marriage certificate or birth certificate, and each dependant needs money on top of yours.
No English test is listed for partners or children. The student proves English separately, with a test or another accepted route.
| Where the course is | Money for each dependant (up to 9 months) |
|---|---|
| London | £845 a month |
| Outside London | £680 a month |
Need a SELT for a UK visa?
Where the Home Office asks for a Secure English Language Test, IELTS for UKVI and PTE Academic UKVI are approved. Practise the format free.
Free IELTS for UKVI practice →Practise before you book: free IELTS mock test, IELTS reading practice, IELTS listening practice and IELTS speaking predictions.
The student's English requirement
The student usually proves English with a UK school qualification, a UK degree, an English-taught degree assessed by Ecctis or an approved test, unless an exemption applies (gov.uk). See IELTS for the UK Student visa for scores.
Rules change, sometimes at short notice. Confirm the current requirement on the gov.uk Student visa guide before you book a test or apply. This guide restates the official page; it is not legal or immigration advice.
Frequently asked questions
Does my child need to speak English?+
No English test is listed for a dependant child. Gov.uk asks for proof the child is unmarried and lives with you, plus money for them.
Can a taught master's student bring a partner?+
Not if the course starts on or after 1 January 2024, unless the student is government-sponsored. It must be a PhD, other doctorate or research-based higher degree.
Does my partner need the money if they already live in the UK?+
Not if they have been in the UK with a valid visa for at least 12 months, gov.uk says.
Is this the same as the Skilled Worker dependant rule?+
It is a different visa, but neither lists an English test for dependants. See our Skilled Worker dependant guide.
Keep reading
Related
- IELTS for the UK Student visa
- Skilled Worker dependants and English
- UK Graduate visa and English
- All 3112 guides
Guide updated on 30 October 2026. Individual prices and policies may have earlier observation dates. Confirm current details on the linked official pages before you book or apply.
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