For many international students, especially Nigerians planning long-term studies abroad, relocating alone is no longer the ideal option.

With rising living costs, extended postgraduate programmes, and the need for family support, the ability to bring dependents such as a spouse or children has become a key factor when choosing a study destination.

In several countries, international students can apply to bring dependents either at the same time as their study permit application or after securing residence.

These dependent permits often allow spouses to live and work legally, helping households manage expenses and integrate more easily into the host country’s economy. Children, on the other hand, are typically granted access to public education and healthcare, reducing the overall cost of relocation for families.

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However, policies differ widely across countries. While some countries offer flexible rules and fast processing, others impose strict income thresholds, accommodation requirements, or limits based on the level of study.

For Nigerian students, understanding these differences is crucial to avoiding delays, refusals, or unexpected costs. Below is a curated list of the top 10  countries that allow international students to bring dependents, highlighting destinations that combine quality education with family-friendly immigration policies.

New Zealand

New Zealand offers one of the more flexible options for international students who want their spouses to work while they study. Under the Partner of a Student Work Visa, spouses or partners of students enrolled in eligible Level 7 or 8 qualifications (with specific criteria), or Level 9 or 10 qualifications on the New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework (NZQCF), can live and work legally in the country.

The visa is issued for the same duration as the student’s visa and currently costs from NZD 1,630, with about 80% of applications processed within six weeks. Applicants must prove they are in a genuine and stable relationship, live together, and show evidence of at least NZD 4,200 to cover living expenses. Importantly, applicants do not need a job offer to apply.

Holders of this visa can work in New Zealand without restrictions, study for up to three months, and travel in and out of the country freely. While dependent children cannot be included in the initial application, visa holders can later support visas for their partner and children, including visitor and student visas.

Finland

Finland issues residence permits, not visas, to non-EU students and their family members who plan to stay long term. For Nigerian students, understanding how these permits work is crucial because your study plans, work rights, and family relocation all depend on the type of permit granted.

  • When you apply for a first residence permit for studies, you must prove you can fund your stay without working.
  • This is why Finland requires evidence of €800 per month for living costs. If your course lasts one year or more, you must show €9,600 in your bank account, in addition to tuition fees. The money must be your own, not based on sponsorship letters.
  • Once the permit is granted, you are allowed to work up to an average of 30 hours per week. However, work must not slow down your studies. For extended permits, income from work can now be used to meet financial requirements.

A spouse applies separately under a residence permit based on family ties. This applies to married couples, registered partners, or cohabiting partners who have lived together for at least two years, or share custody of a child.

Requirements

The family must meet a combined income requirement, meaning Finland checks whether the household has enough money to support everyone. This amount depends on family size and location. Once approved, the spouse gets an unrestricted right to work, study, or run a business in Finland.

Spouses of degree-seeking university students usually receive an A permit (continuous), which counts toward permanent residence after four years. Spouses of other students may receive a B permit (temporary), which has more limits but can still be extended.

Australia

Australia allows international students to bring their spouse and children under 18 through the dependent visa programme. You can include your family when applying for your student visa or apply for their visas after starting your course. Proof of relationship—such as marriage or birth certificates, lease agreements, or registration documents is required.

Applicants must have at least 12 months’ validity on their visa, sufficient funds, and health insurance to cover all expenses. If applying after starting your course, documents such as Form 919, course confirmation from your university, financial proof, and school enrollment for children are needed.

One of the biggest advantages is that spouses can work while in Australia. Work rights depend on your level of study: spouses of undergraduate students can work 48 hours per fortnight, while those of postgraduate students can work without limitation.

This flexibility makes Australia highly attractive, especially compared to countries like the US, where spouses on F-2 visas are not allowed to work. Additionally, the Australian government has recently raised the base pay for skilled migrants from AUD 53,900 to AUD 70,000, further enhancing opportunities for families relocating for study.

China 

International students in China can bring their spouses and children under dependent visas, though detailed guidance from official government sources is limited. The Chinese Visa Application Service Centre (Visa for China) outlines two key visa categories: S1 for family members staying 180 days or longer, and S2 for those visiting less than 180 days.

The S1 visa covers spouses, parents, and children under 18 of foreigners residing in China for study, work, or other long-term purposes. The S2 visa is intended for short-term visits by family members.

While the rules around work rights for dependents are not clearly defined, these visas provide a legal route for families to live in China alongside international students, allowing children to attend school and spouses to accompany their partners during study periods. For prospective students from Nigeria and other countries, this arrangement ensures a degree of family stability while navigating life and studies in China.

Hong Kong 

Non-local students enrolled in full-time degree programmes in Hong Kong can bring their spouse and children under 18 under the city’s dependent visa programme, according to Study in Hong Kong, run by the Education Bureau of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. The policy also recognises same-sex marriages and registered partnerships as eligible for dependent status.

Dependents are allowed to study in Hong Kong but cannot work unless granted explicit permission by the Immigration Director. Only legally recognised spouses or civil partners qualify; cohabiting partners, fiancés, or informal arrangements are not eligible.

The dependent visa ensures that families can stay together while students pursue higher education at institutions such as the University of Hong Kong or Hong Kong Baptist University. While work rights are restricted, the programme provides a legal pathway for spouses and children to live alongside students, maintaining family stability during their stay in the city.

Sweden 

International students in Sweden can bring their spouse, registered partner, cohabiting partner, or children under 18 through a dependent residence permit. Citizens from outside the EU/EEA generally need a permit to live with someone in Sweden.

Family members can apply at the same time as the student or retroactively if the student has already been granted a residence permit for first- or second-cycle studies, doctoral studies, or to look for work after completing studies.

Applicants must have a valid passport, provide proof of the family relationship, and demonstrate sufficient funds for the entire stay—currently SEK 4,440 per adult and SEK 2,664 per child per month. Families are required to live together in Sweden for the duration of the permit.

Processing times vary depending on application completeness and verification requirements, but statistics show that 75% of recent cases are decided within five months. Application fees are SEK 1,500 for adults and SEK 750 for children under 18, with no refund if the application is rejected.

Spouses on dependent permits are generally allowed to work in Sweden if the student’s residence permit exceeds three months, giving families stability while the student pursues their studies. The policy ensures that international students can focus on their education without leaving loved ones behind.

Austria 

International students in Austria can bring dependents (spouses and children) by applying for separate residence permits (Family Reunification Visa). This requires proof of sufficient funds, adequate housing, health insurance, and a secure livelihood.

The main student must already hold a valid residence permit, and dependents apply through Austrian representation abroad. Children can attend school, and spouses may be allowed to work.

For other third-country nationals, family members can join depending on the main applicant’s residence permit. If the main applicant holds a Red-White-Red Card, EU Blue Card, Settlement Permit –Researcher, Red-White-Red Card Plus, or Long-Term EU Permit, family members can apply for a Red-White-Red Card Plus, allowing spouses and children to live in Austria.

If the main applicant has a Settlement Permit (self-employed, artist, special employment, or relative), family members may apply for a Settlement Permit, but only if a quota place is available.

For short-term permits like Student, ICT, Mobile ICT, Researcher Mobility, or special employment, family members can obtain a Residence Permit – Family Reunification.

Family members can also apply independently if they have a job offer. Other relatives may qualify for a Settlement Permit Gainful Employment Excepted, subject to quotas. Residence permits generally last 1–5 years and can be renewed if conditions continue to be met.

Germany 

International students in Germany can bring dependents (spouse and minor children) through Family Reunification Visas. The main student must hold a valid German residence permit, have sufficient funds and accommodation, and the marriage must have existed when the permit was granted.

Spouses generally need A1 German language proficiency, although exemptions may apply, while children can attend public school. Applications must be submitted at the German embassy or consulate abroad.

You can also immigrate to join your spouse or life partner living in Germany, or marry your fiancé(e) in Germany. If the reference person is not a German national, their German residence permit must be presented. If they do not yet have a residence permit, they must hold at least a long-term visa or have submitted a visa application.

In principle, a visa is required to enter Germany for family reunification, though some exemptions exist (details on the Federal Foreign Office website). Minor children can join a parent with custodial rights if the requirements are met, and the custodial parent submits the application.

Some German missions collaborate with service providers to process applications faster; these providers may charge a fee. Applications governed by EU free movement law currently cannot be submitted online, so you must contact the relevant German mission for guidance.

Netherlands 

International students in the Netherlands can bring family members—such as a partner or minor children by applying for a residence permit for dependents. To do this, the student must be able to act as a sponsor, demonstrating sufficient, independent, and ongoing income to support the family.

If a partner obtains a residence permit through the student, they generally cannot work. The duration of the family’s permit usually matches the student’s residence permit. Proof of relationship is required, including marriage certificates, registered partnership documents, or birth certificates for children.

For children under 18, a residence permit allows them to live with their parents in the Netherlands. Partners and other relatives must also hold a residence permit to stay in the country legally.

Short-stay and regular residence permits are available depending on the length of the student’s program. Applications for family members are typically made through the Dutch immigration authorities (IND), and the student’s permit must already be valid before dependents can apply.

By meeting these requirements, international students can ensure their spouses and children live with them in the Netherlands during their studies while children can attend school and family life is legally supported.

Denmark 

International students in Denmark can bring dependents (spouse/partner and children under 18) if they are enrolled in a state-approved higher education program.

As of May 2025, students in non-approved programs are restricted from bringing family. Dependents must meet requirements for financial support, adequate documentation, and age/relationship criteria.

Students must demonstrate sufficient funds to support their family, typically around DKK 7,426 per month per person (2026 levels). Documentation can include bank statements, employment contracts for working professionals, or proof of PhD funding. Dependents must not rely on social benefits.

Spouses generally receive full work rights, while children can attend public schools. The sponsor must provide proof of relationship through marriage or birth certificates. Financial thresholds vary depending on the sponsor’s age, number of dependents, and whether they travel together.

Applicants join their sponsor in Denmark by applying for family reunification residence permits through Danish immigration authorities. Special rules apply for sponsors seeking authorisation as doctors or nurses, as quotas currently restrict permits.