It has been stated by the United Kingdom (UK) that only international students enrolling in their Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programs are permitted to bring dependents to the country.
The British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery, revealed this information during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Sunday.
He mentioned that the alteration in the education system policy earlier this year which restricts international students in higher education from bringing in dependents was implemented to control the rising number of foreign students arriving with dependents.
The ambassador emphasized that the significant increase in dependents was creating excessive pressure on many universities, and therefore, these modifications were necessary.
Prior to his role as High Commissioner to Nigeria, Montgomery had discussions with universities regarding this policy amendment, which had been in the works for some time.
Montgomery highlighted that the university Chancellors had expressed concerns about the large student populations, citing challenges such as accommodation, access to healthcare services through the National Health Service, and schooling if dependents were brought along.
He clarified that these restrictions do not impact all categories, stating that individuals pursuing long-term research degrees like a PhD or doctorate are exempted.
“Those arriving in the UK for a doctorate can still bring their dependents, but if you are entering the UK on a study visa for an undergraduate degree or a short-term master’s degree, unfortunately, the rules have been revised,” he explained.
“It is essential for people to comprehend the reasoning behind this modification, as it is a logical decision considering the extensive higher education sector with numerous universities located in towns nationwide,” he added.