Changes to dependant visas for international students

The UK Government announced on 23 May 2023 that they intend to introduce changes that will affect the ability of some students to bring dependants to the UK.

As part of the announcement by the Government, the right for international students to bring dependants will be removed, unless they are on postgraduate courses currently designated as research programmes. 

We understand that this change may come into effect in January 2024, although Oxford Brookes and the higher education sector in the UK is awaiting written confirmation of this. 

It is also our current understanding that this change will not impact those already in the UK on a Student or Dependant visa or those who wish to study a postgraduate research degree. 

We recognise that this announcement will be disappointing for international students wishing to study at universities in the UK. We wish to reassure you that Oxford Brookes will continue to be an inclusive university with a truly international outlook. 

Although the rules may be changing, we will continue to be a welcoming destination for students from around the world and will provide ongoing support and guidance for those wishing to study with us.

We await further details of these changes and updates will be made to our Dependant Visas webpage once more detailed guidance is released.

If any current students have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact the International Student Advice Team via the contact details found on our website.