The United Kingdom government has clarified that only international students pursuing Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) studies are permitted to bring their dependents into the country.
This revelation came from the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery, during an interview in Abuja on Sunday.
The policy change, implemented earlier this year, aims to restrict foreign students in higher education from bringing dependents to the UK.
Montgomery explained that the surge in dependence was straining universities, leading to challenges in accommodation, access to medical services, and schooling.
While acknowledging concerns from universities about student population pressures, Montgomery emphasized that the restrictions do not affect all categories.
Those undertaking long-term research degrees, such as PhDs, remain unaffected. He underscored the importance of understanding the rationale behind the policy change, particularly given the substantial presence of universities across the UK.
