Understanding the Spouse Visa
A UK Spouse Visa (formally called the Family visa as a partner) allows the husband, wife, civil partner, or long-term partner of a British citizen or a person settled in the UK to live in the country for an extended period usually 2.5 years initially.
Many people assume this visa only allows residence and employment. In reality, it also gives broad permission to study in the UK — including university, college, or short-term courses — without switching to a Student visa.
Can You Study on a Spouse Visa?
Yes. Holders of a UK spouse or dependant visa are legally allowed to enrol in:
- Undergraduate or postgraduate degrees at recognised universities.
- Professional or technical qualifications.
- Short courses, CPD programmes, and English-language courses.
You do not need separate sponsorship under the Student Route, nor do you have to meet additional financial requirements for tuition and living costs under that route.
This makes studying on a spouse visa often simpler and more flexible than applying for a Student visa from abroad.
How It Differs from a Student Visa
| Feature | Spouse Visa | Student Visa |
| Purpose | Family reunion / residence | Full-time study |
| Need for CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) | Not required | Mandatory |
| Work rights | Full-time permitted (subject to conditions) | 20 hrs/week during term |
| Dependants | Already part of the visa | Only for postgraduates or government-sponsored students |
| Study restrictions | None (unless course requires ATAS clearance) | None beyond visa terms |
Because you’re not under Tier-4/Student Route sponsorship, your university doesn’t carry immigration compliance duties for you — which means greater independence in switching courses or studying part-time.
Important Conditions to Check
- ATAS Requirement
If your chosen programme is in certain sensitive research areas (for example, engineering, aerospace, nuclear physics), you may still need an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate before starting. This applies regardless of visa type. - Course Eligibility
Always confirm that your university accepts students on family visas. Most do, including public universities such as the University of the West of Scotland (UWS London), but it’s worth informing the admissions team early so your status is recorded correctly. - Tuition Fees
Your visa category doesn’t automatically make you a “home” student. Unless you meet UK residency requirements (usually 3 years of lawful residence), you’ll still pay international fees.
For instance, at UWS London, tuition for full-time postgraduate degrees like the MBA in Luxury Brand Management or MSc Cyber Security typically starts around £13,500 after bursary for international students. - Switching Visas
If your spouse visa later expires or your relationship status changes, you may need to switch to a Student visa to continue your studies legally.
Can You Work While Studying on a Spouse Visa?
Yes. One of the key advantages of a spouse visa is that it grants full work rights (unlike the Student visa, which limits you to 20 hours per week in term time).
You can:
- Work full-time or part-time in most roles.
- Pursue paid internships or professional placements.
- Be self-employed or start a business (if not restricted by your visa conditions).
This flexibility allows many spouses to study and work simultaneously, supporting themselves financially or gaining UK work experience while pursuing higher education.
Benefits of Studying on a Spouse Visa
- No separate sponsorship or visa application for education.
- Freedom to work full-time while studying.
- Flexibility to study part-time or switch courses without reapplying for a new visa.
- Lower overall cost and paperwork compared with obtaining a Student visa.
- Ability to remain with your partner while continuing your professional or academic development.
Common Scenarios
- Example 1:
A marketing professional moves to London on a spouse visa and enrols in the MBA in Luxury Brand Management at UWS London while working part-time in retail to gain UK experience. - Example 2:
A dependent of a skilled worker in the UK decides to pursue an MSc in Cyber Security to transition into the tech sector — fully permitted under the dependant visa route.
Both cases demonstrate how spouse or dependant visa holders can use UK study opportunities strategically to build long-term careers.
Points to Remember
- You still need to meet the academic entry requirements of your chosen university.
- Tuition fees are paid directly to the university — the visa doesn’t provide funding.
- You can apply for university bursaries or scholarships (for example, UWS London’s up to 40% bursary) even as a spouse-visa holder.
- Ensure your visa duration covers your full course length; if not, apply for an extension before your studies end.
How Erudmite Helps
At Erudmite, we’ve advised many international professionals and partners already living in the UK who want to continue their education.
Our role includes:
- Checking your visa status and eligibility to study.
- Matching you with suitable UK universities and courses (such as UWS London programmes).
- Advising on bursary opportunities and part-time work options.
- Offering career counselling to align your studies with long-term UK or international goals.
Because we believe education should remain accessible regardless of where life takes you.
FAQ
1. Do I need a separate Student visa if I already have a UK spouse visa?
No. You can study on your existing spouse or dependant visa without applying for a Student visa.
2. Can I work while studying on a spouse visa?
Yes. Spouse-visa holders can usually work full-time in the UK while studying.
3. Am I eligible for university bursaries or discounts?
Yes. You can apply for university-specific bursaries, such as the up to 40% bursary at UWS London, subject to meeting academic criteria.
4. Will I pay home or international tuition fees?
Unless you have lived lawfully in the UK for at least three years, you’ll generally pay international tuition rates.
5. Can I switch from a spouse visa to a Student visa later?
Yes, if your circumstances change or you wish to continue studying after your spouse visa expires.
