10 Student-Friendly Countries That Let You Bring Your Family

Going to school in another country can be exciting! But many international students feel sad about leaving their family behind. That’s why some countries offer dependent visa options so your spouse, children, or even parents can come with you while you study.

These family members are called dependents. Bringing them along can make you feel happier and stronger. They can help you with money and give emotional support. Plus, you get to enjoy your new life abroad together!

In this guide, we’ll look at 10 countries that allow international students to bring their dependents. We’ll also explain how long they can stay, what papers you need, and how much it costs.

1. USA

The USA lets international students on an F-1 visa bring their spouse and children under 21 using an F-2 dependent visa.

To qualify:

Must be the spouse or child (under 21) of an F-1 visa holder
Must have enough money to live in the U.S.

The F-2 visa depends on how long the F-1 visa is valid. The visa fee is $185 per person.

2. Canada

Canada allows students with an S-1 visa (18 years or older) to sponsor family members using the Family Class Sponsorship Visa. Dependents can include:

Spouse or partner
Children under 21
Parents or grandparents
Adopted children
Close relatives

Fee: $150 per child in the application

Needed documents:

Passport and travel history
Marriage certificate (for spouse)
Proof of funds
Completed visa forms

3. Germany

Germany is a student-friendly country that supports international students with dependents. If you’re on a student visa, you can apply for a Family Reunion Visa to bring close family like a:

Spouse (married and 18+)
Registered same-sex partner

Visa cost: €75 per person

Documents:

Marriage certificate
German language certificate
Proof of funds
Proof of enough space to live

Germany even has DAAD scholarships that help international students with family support.

4. Australia

Australia offers several dependent visa options for families. Students can bring:

Spouse or partner (same or opposite sex)
Children under 18 (or older if they rely on the student)

Partner visa fee: AUD 7,000
The dependent’s stay lasts as long as the student’s visa. Spouses may also work based on the student’s course level.

Documents needed:

Valid passport
Visa application form
Marriage certificate or proof of relationship
Bank statements or scholarship proof
Health insurance
Student’s Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)
Proof of housing

5. Austria

Austria welcomes families through dependent visas. This visa helps international students stay with their:

Spouse
Parents
Children under 18

Visa fee: €150 for long-term stays (90+ days)

Documents needed:

Visa application form
Passport
Marriage or birth certificates
Health insurance
Proof of money
Medical checkup records
Passport photo
Criminal record certificate

6. New Zealand

New Zealand allows dependents of international students to join them through special visas like:

Partner of a Student Work Visa
Dependent Child Student Visa

Fees:

NZD $700 for partners
NZD $395 for children

Spouses can work full-time if the student is in a program that leads to a post-study work visa. Children can attend school. This helps families stay happy and balanced while living abroad.

More Countries That Let International Students Bring Family

Many international students want to take their spouse, kids, or even parents with them while studying abroad. That’s why these next 4 countries also offer dependent visa options. Here’s how they help you stay close to your loved ones while you learn.

7. United Kingdom (UK)

The UK lets international students on a Student visa bring their partner and children with them on a Dependant visa.

You can bring family if:

You’re studying a postgraduate course (usually 9+ months)
You’re sponsored by the government or a recognized organization

Dependents include:

Husband or wife
Children under 18

Visa fee: About £490 per person

What you’ll need:

Passport
Proof of relationship (like a marriage or birth certificate)
Bank statements to show you can support your family
Student visa details

The UK also allows spouses to work full-time, and children can go to school.

8. Ireland

Ireland supports international students with dependent visa options, but mainly for those in advanced programs like a PhD or other postgraduate studies.

Family members you can bring:

Spouse or civil partner
Children under 18

Visa name: Join Family Member Visa (D Type)

Visa fee: €60–€100, depending on visa length

You’ll need:

Marriage or birth certificates
Proof you can financially support dependents
Proof of your study program

Note: The student must live in Ireland for 1 year first before dependents can join in most cases.

9. Netherlands

In the Netherlands, international students with a valid student residence permit can apply to bring their dependents.

You can bring:

Spouse or registered partner
Children under 18

Visa fee: €210 per person

Requirements:

Proof of relationship
Proof of enough money to support dependents
Proof of housing in the Netherlands

Dependents may be allowed to work if they apply for a separate work permit.

10. Norway

Norway offers a Family Immigration Permit for international students to reunite with family members.

Eligible dependents:

Spouse or partner
Children under 18

Visa fee: NOK 10,500 (~$950 USD), but may vary

Documents needed:

Valid passport
Marriage or birth certificate
Proof of funds
Proof of study in Norway
Housing confirmation

Spouses may also apply for a work permit, and kids can go to school for free.

10 Student-Friendly Countries That Let You Bring Your Family

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