Visa changes for future Master's students with dependants

International students are a vital part of our diverse vibrant community, and we are incredibly proud of the students and staff who come to call Bournemouth their home while they are with us. 

Recent UK Government changes mean that international postgraduate taught students beginning their studies in January 2024 will no longer be allowed to bring dependants while studying on a Master’s level programme. 

BU will continue to recognise and appreciate the hugely positive impact all international students have on our student population, the local community and the wider economy in the UK. We remain committed to working to ensure that everyone who comes to study has the most positive experience while with us and beyond as alumni.  

The UK Higher Education sector continues to show our support for international students, and all that they bring to our universities and the UK. You may find the #WeAreInternational tag an encouraging place to look for all the messages and examples of amazing international stories where universities, including BU, share their stories of pride in international students. 

This change to visa regulations by the UK Government does not affect current Master’s students’ ability to have dependants in the UK while studying or those planning to start their course in September 2023. Therefore, if you are currently on one of our postgraduate taught courses and have members of your family here with you, you will not be affected. The change also does not impact current or future students studying, or interested in, postgraduate research degrees such as a PhD. 

If you have any questions about this announcement, and what this might mean for you, please contact our Future Students team.