Table of Contents
Not every student is 18 years old. At KOM Consultants, a significant number of our applicants are Mature Students. You are professionals. You are career-switchers. You have mortgages, spouses, and children.
When you decide to study Law, Medicine, or Physiotherapy abroad, you aren’t just moving yourself, you are moving a household. The question isn’t just “Can I get in?” It is: “Can they come with me?”
In 2026, the answer depends entirely on where you go. The rules for bringing dependents have tightened globally. Here is the honest breakdown of the UK vs. Australia for families.
1. The UK: The Hard No (For Most)
We need to rip the band-aid off immediately. If you are planning to do a 2-Year Senior Status LLB, a Master of Physiotherapy, or any other Taught Master’s in the UK, you generally cannot bring your family.
As of the strict immigration rule changes (effective since 2024), international students on standard taught courses are banned from bringing dependents.
The Exception: You can only bring family if you are studying a PhD or other Research-based Higher Degree.
-
KOM Reality Check: 95% of our Canadian applicants are doing coursework (Law, Physio, OT, Teachers College). Therefore, for most families, the UK is a solo mission.
-
The Solo Strategy: Many of our mature students choose the UK specifically because the degree is shorter (1-2 years). They treat it like a deployment, they go solo, live cheaply, and fly home during breaks, rather than uprooting the whole family for such a short time.
2. Australia: The Yes (But it Costs)
Australia is much more welcoming to families. If you are studying a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctorate, you can include your family members (spouse and unmarried children under 18) as Secondary Applicants on your Subclass 500 Student Visa.
However, just because you can doesn’t mean it’s cheap. You need to budget for four massive line items.
Cost #1: School Fees for Kids (The Hidden Trap)
This shocks parents every year. In Canada, public school is free. In Australia, if you are on a temporary visa (like a Student Visa), public school is NOT free. State governments charge International Student Fees for dependents to attend public schools.
-
NSW (Sydney): Approx. $14,000 – $18,000 AUD per child, per year.
-
Queensland (Gold Coast): Approx. $12,000 – $16,000 AUD per child, per year.
The Western Australia Exception (The Hack): If you are looking to save money, look at The University of Western Australia (UWA) in Perth. Western Australia is unique. They often allow the children of Master’s and PhD students to attend public schools for the local domestic fee (which is negligible) rather than the international fee. This can save a family with two kids over $30,000 per year.
Cost #2: Family OSHC (The Upfront Shock)
You cannot get a visa without Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).
-
Single Student: Approx. $1,500 AUD for a 2-year degree.
-
Family Policy: Approx. $15,000 – $25,000 AUD for a 2-year degree.
Why is it so high? Family policies cover pregnancy, delivery, and child health services. The Kicker: You usually have to pay this upfront in one lump sum before your visa is granted. You cannot pay it monthly. This is often the biggest hurdle for family cash flow.
Cost #3: Partner Work Rights (The Cap)
Many families plan to survive on the partner’s income. “I’ll study, and my husband/wife will work full-time to pay the rent.”
Be careful. Under the 2026 rules, the work rights for partners depend on your degree level.
-
If you study a Masters by Coursework (e.g., JD, MD, DPT): Your partner is generally capped at 48 hours per fortnight (approx. 24 hours/week). They cannot work full-time.
-
The Reality: It can be hard to find professional corporate jobs that accept part-time hours. Partners often end up in hospitality or gig work.
Cost #4: Housing (The De Facto Rule)
You will be entering the private rental market. But before you even rent, you need to prove your relationship to the Immigration Department. If you are not married, Australia requires strict proof of a De Facto relationship.
-
The Rule: You must usually prove you have lived together for 12 months prior to application.
-
The Proof: Joint bank account statements, joint utility bills, or a joint lease.
-
Warning: If you have been dating for 2 years but living separately, your partner may be denied a visa.
Read More: Worried about finding a family-friendly neighborhood? Check our Parent’s Guide to Safety and Housing from last year.
The Verdict?
-
Choose the UK if: You want a fast, cheaper degree and can handle 1-2 years of long-distance.
-
Choose Australia if: You have significant savings (approx. $50k+ liquid) to cover the upfront OSHC and school fees. It offers an incredible lifestyle for families, but you pay a premium for it.
We Help Families, Not Just Students
Moving a family is complex. We can help you identify which universities (like UWA in Perth or Flinders in Adelaide) offer the best financial environment for parents.
Need a Family Budget Assessment? Contact us. We can walk you through the visa costs for primary and secondary applicants so there are no surprises.
Contact the KOM Admissions Team
For the destination details, our Living in Australia guide and our Living in the United Kingdom guide cover visas, costs, and setup for the whole household.
Disclaimer: Content on the KOM Consultants blog is for informational purposes. Visa rules, work rights, and dependent fees are subject to change by the Australian Department of Home Affairs and UK Visas and Immigration. Always verify the latest information directly with a Registered Migration Agent or the official government website.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE
