Moving your family to the UK requires careful planning. This information will help you decide if it's the right choice for them.
Along with practicalities like immigration, finances and schooling, you'll need to arrange childcare and suitable housing in the UK.
Before making plans, check if your course allows bringing dependants.
Immigration matters
Some students will be eligible to bring their partner and children to the UK as dependants. This will depend on several factors including course level.
What do I need to consider?
Bringing dependants to the UK while you study raises the cost of living. Consider if it's financially viable, or if studying while they stay home might be an option.
The University does not offer family accommodation so you will need to find private accommodation to rent. It can be competitive, so plan temporary options (friends, family, Airbnb, hotels) while searching for a long-term family-friendly fit. Use local agents or online listings but be cautious: don't pay or sign a tenancy agreement before viewing the property. The Students' Union Advice Hub can also help assess the legitimacy of rental contracts. Be upfront with landlords - some places aren't child-friendly. Expect to pay 1200-1800 GBP/month for a 2-bedroom in the city centre (excluding bills). Some places may be unfurnished.
Consider location based on budget, university distance, schools/childcare, amenities, and your lifestyle (city vs. suburbs). Options outside the city centre include Paisley, Newton Mearns, Bishopbriggs, and Cumbernauld.
Children between the ages of 5 and 16 must attend school.
The following guidance relates to dependant children of Student visa holders. Children visiting you with a Standard Visitor Visa for up to 6 months have no access to public schooling or childcare.
Your child will be accepted into a local state school at no charge. You can find details of enrolling your child in school on Glasgow City Council's website. You can use registered childminders for before and after-school care, there is a fee for this payable directly to the childminder. You should use a childminder who is registered with the Scottish Childminding Association.
All formal childcare in Scotland is regulated by the Care Inspectorate.
If your child is under school age, you may be able to access local authority nursery provision. You may also consider applying for a place at the University Nursery places are limited and you will have to pay for this; the University does not allocate funds to international students to pay for childcare.
If you must pay for childcare for your child, you should expect to pay upwards of £200 per week and up to £1400 per month. The best option for childcare is for your partner to look after the children when you are in class. Obtaining a dependant visa for your child will be based on confirmation by you that there will be suitable arrangements for the child's care and accommodation in the UK. These arrangements must comply with relevant UK and Scottish Government legislation.
All formal childcare in Scotland is regulated by the Care Inspectorate.
Please note that you must not bring your child to campus while studying. Details can be found in the University's Access to University Premises policy.
