PhD students can bring dependants to UK – Envoy

The United Kingdom (UK) has announced that only international students enrolling in Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programs are permitted to bring dependents into the country.

Richard Montgomery, the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, revealed this information during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Sunday.

Montgomery explained that the recent policy shift in the educational system, implemented earlier this year, restricts international students in higher education from bringing dependents to the UK. This decision was made to address the rising number of foreign students bringing dependents, which was placing unsustainable pressure on many universities.

He emphasized that the significant influx of dependents was straining university resources, particularly in terms of accommodation, access to healthcare services provided by the National Health Service, and availability of school placements for dependents.

Montgomery stated that the policy change had been under consideration for some time, and he had engaged with university Chancellors regarding the matter prior to his appointment as High Commissioner to Nigeria. University Chancellors had expressed concerns about the challenges posed by the growing student population.

He clarified that the restrictions do not apply to all categories of students. Those pursuing long-term research degrees, such as a PhD or doctorate, are exempt from the restrictions.

“Individuals coming to the UK for a doctorate program can still bring their dependents. However, if you are arriving in the UK with a study visa for an undergraduate or short-term master’s program, I’m afraid the rules have changed,” Montgomery explained.

He stressed the importance of understanding the rationale behind the policy change, noting that it was a sensible decision given the UK’s large higher education sector, with universities located in towns across the country.