Only PhD students eligible to bring dependents to UK – Envoy

The UK says only international students coming in for their Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) studies are eligible to bring in dependents to the country.
Dr Richard Montgomery, the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Abuja.
He said that the educational system policy, which changed early 2024, for international students in higher education not to bring dependents into the UK, was to curb the increase of foreign student bringing in dependents.
He explained that the huge surge in dependence was putting an unsustainable pressure on many universities, adding that it was the reason these changes were introduced.
Montgomery added that before his posting as High Commissioner to Nigeria, he had spoken to some of the universities on the policy change, of which had been in the pipeline for some time.
He noted that the Chancellors of the universities had complained of the huge student populations, highlighting that accommodation was a huge challenge, including access to medical services under the National Health Service and access to school if they brought in dependents.
According to him, the restrictions do not apply to all categories, adding that those doing a long term research degree, like a PhD or doctorate are not affected.
“Those coming to the UK for doctorate can still bring their dependents but if you are coming to the UK with a study visa for an undergraduate degree, or short term master’s degree, I’m afraid the rules have been changed.”