Education

Five countries that allow you to study abroad without leaving your family behind

Published

1 year ago

July 14, 2025

Five countries that allow you to study abroad without leaving your family behind

Studying abroad can be life-changing, but for students with spouses or children, the emotional toll of leaving loved ones behind can be overwhelming, and in some cases, a deal breaker. While young, single students may find the separation easier to handle, those with families often face a tougher decision.

Thankfully, several countries understand the importance of keeping families together and offer dependent visa options for international students.

These programs not only allow spouses and children to join the student but often grant them the right to work, study, and fully engage in life abroad.

If you dream of earning a degree overseas without putting your family life on pause, here are five countries that make it possible to pursue your academic goals together.

1. Germany

Germany offers the full package: world-class education, strong family support, and solid career prospects. With its Family Reunion Visa, international students can bring their loved ones along while pursuing their degrees. Renowned for its affordability, robust economy, and high quality of life, Germany is also one of the top places in Europe to raise a family.

What you need:

* Proof of sufficient funds and accommodation

* Valid marriage license

* Partner must be over 18 and speak basic German (A1 CEFR level)

* Enrolled in a course of at least one year

Once approved, spouses can also work full-time if they meet eligibility requirements. Add in world-class healthcare, public transportation, and an excellent education system, and it’s no surprise that Germany is such an attractive option.

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2. Australia

Australia offers one of the most flexible dependent visa options for international students. Whether you include your spouse and children in your initial visa application or apply after your studies begin, the country’s student visa (subclass 500) allows dependents to join you.

Eligibility includes:

* Spouse and unmarried children under 18

* Proof of relationship (marriage/birth certificates, lease agreements)

* Evidence of sufficient funds and health insurance

* Children’s school enrollment documents (if applicable)

Dependents can work!

If you’re pursuing undergraduate studies, your spouse can work up to 48 hours per fortnight.

If you’re studying at the postgraduate level, there are no work limitations for your spouse.

With the Australian government raising the skilled migrant salary threshold to A$70,000, bringing your family might also lead to long-term opportunities.

3. Canada

A welcoming country that values family unity. Canada has long been a favourite among international students — and for good reason. In addition to top-ranked universities and a multicultural environment, Canada lets you bring your spouse and family through its spousal open work permit and dependent child visa options.

Requirements include:

* Valid student permit

* Marriage certificate (must have been married for at least one year)

* Language proficiency test (for spouse)

* Proof of funds and relationship documents

Spouses are granted an open work permit, allowing them to work full-time while you study. Children can also join and enrol in Canadian schools.

Canada’s Immigration Plan for 2024–2026 emphasises family reunification — a clear signal that you and your loved ones are welcome.

4. Finland

The happiest country in the world wants your family, too.

Finland is consistently ranked as the happiest and safest country in the world, and it offers a family-friendly approach to international students. If you’re studying there, your spouse and children can apply for a residence permit and join you during your studies.

What’s required:

* Valid passports and marriage/birth certificates

* Finnish residence application (PK1 Plus)

*Proof of finances and accommodation

Once granted, spouses can work full-time. Whether you’re enjoying Finland’s northern lights or its modern education system, your family can be right there with you.

5. New Zealand

Stunning landscapes, quality education and strong family support; New Zealand not only welcomes international students but also provides ample support for families. Through the Skilled Migrant Category and other visa streams, your spouse and children (up to 24 years old) can live, study, or work while you pursue your studies.

Key benefits:

Children are treated as domestic students in primary and secondary schools, meaning no tuition fees.

Spouses staying over six months can apply for the Partner of a Worker Work Visa, which comes with open work rights.

This means your spouse can work in any field or even run a business. A perfect mix of educational opportunity and family wellbeing.

* Studying abroad no longer means leaving your family behind. With the right destination, you can achieve your academic goals and keep your loved ones close. Whether it’s Australia’s generous work rights for spouses, Canada’s open work permits, or Germany’s supportive family reunification policies, these five countries show that you don’t have to choose between quality education and family life—you can have both.

Five countries that allow you to study abroad without leaving your family behind

Related Topics:Countries family study abroad

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Cross River Seals 58 Schools in Crackdown on Unapproved Education Centres

Published

3 days ago

October 10, 2026

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Cross Rivers Commissioner for Education, Stephen Odey

Cross River Seals 58 Schools in Crackdown on Unapproved Education Centres

The Cross River State Government has shut down 58 unapproved schools in an intensified statewide crackdown on institutions operating without the mandatory Approval to Operate (ATO), warning proprietors against reopening without official authorisation.

The enforcement exercise, being conducted by the state Ministry of Education through its Department of Quality Assurance, targets schools that have failed to meet the regulatory requirements for operating nursery, primary and secondary educational institutions.

The Commissioner for Education, Stephen Odey, said the exercise was aimed at enforcing education standards, protecting pupils and students, and ensuring that schools operate within the state’s approved regulatory framework.

The government said the inspections would continue across Cross River State’s 18 local government areas as authorities work to identify unapproved institutions and ensure compliance with existing regulations.

Odey warned that schools sealed during the operation must not resume activities until they have obtained the necessary approval from the relevant authorities. He also cautioned proprietors against violating closure orders, saying offenders could face further sanctions.

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According to the state government, the enforcement campaign is not intended to victimise school owners but to ensure that all educational institutions meet the minimum requirements for safe and effective teaching and learning.

Among the schools identified in the government’s October 10 announcement were Impact Group of Schools, Gospel Beacon Academy and Divvy Bliss Schools in Calabar Municipality.

Others included Warriors Seed Academy, Children of Promise Christian School and Future Amazing International Schools in Calabar South.

In Odukpani Local Government Area, the government listed De-Royal Academy School, Maria Assumpta Nursery/Primary School and Success Kids Nursery/Primary School among the affected institutions.

Five schools were also identified in Akamkpa Local Government Area: Creative Brain International School, St. Luck’s Anglican Nursery/Primary School, Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Hot Brain Academy and Armour Christian International School.

The latest closures followed earlier enforcement exercises announced by the government during the week. On October 9, authorities reported identifying 15 schools operating without approval in Calabar Municipality, Odukpani and Yakurr. On October 8, another nine schools were reported shut in Calabar Municipality, while 14 schools were identified in Calabar South on October 7.

The successive operations form part of the government’s effort to strengthen school regulation and quality assurance across the state. However, the individual batches should not be added together without a consolidated list confirming that no school has been counted more than once.

The government has urged proprietors of affected schools to approach the appropriate authorities to regularise their operations and obtain the necessary approvals before reopening.

Parents and guardians have also been encouraged to verify the approval status of schools attended by their children to ensure that the institutions comply with the state’s requirements.

The closures could disrupt learning for pupils and students whose schools have been affected, particularly where families need to find alternative institutions. The government has not provided a consolidated public list of all 58 schools in the reports reviewed or announced a common reopening date for the affected institutions.

The crackdown follows an earlier warning issued by the state government in August 2025, when it announced plans to close unapproved nursery, primary and secondary schools from September of that year.

The state government has maintained that compliance with school approval requirements is necessary to uphold educational standards and ensure that institutions operate within the law.

Cross River Seals 58 Schools in Crackdown on Unapproved Education Centres

Education

FG Releases Eight-Month Arrears After SSANU Strike Threat

Published

6 days ago

October 7, 2026

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FG Releases Eight-Month Arrears After SSANU Strike Threat

The Federal Government has released eight months’ salary arrears owed members of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), less than 48 hours after the union issued a 14-day ultimatum threatening an indefinite strike.

SSANU had issued the ultimatum over the implementation of the 2026 FGN/SSANU Agreement and demanded payment of outstanding entitlements, warning that failure to act would lead to a “total, comprehensive and indefinite strike action.”

The union’s demands included payment of outstanding Consolidated University Teaching and Tertiary Institutions Salary Structure (CONTTA) arrears calculated from January 1, 2026.

It also demanded payment of two months’ salaries withheld during the 2022 industrial action, as well as one-year arrears arising from the approved 25 per cent and 35 per cent salary increases.

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Confirming the release, SSANU National President, Mohammed Haruna Ibrahim, said members would begin receiving alerts reflecting the payment.

Ibrahim commended the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, for intervening in the matter and facilitating the release of the funds.

However, the payment does not resolve all of the union’s outstanding demands. SSANU has maintained that the government must settle the remaining arrears and ensure full implementation of the 2026 agreement.

The development has nevertheless eased an immediate threat of disruption in the Nigerian university system, coming just days after the union warned of a nationwide industrial action.

SSANU has urged affected members to liaise with their respective university managements to ensure that the released funds are properly and promptly paid.

The latest development comes amid continuing concerns over university workers’ salaries, arrears and welfare, as well as the implementation of agreements between the Federal Government and university-based unions.

FG Releases Eight-Month Arrears After SSANU Strike Threat

Education

Why JAMB Is Taking UTME To Canada — Registrar Explains

Published

1 week ago

October 6, 2026

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JAMB Registrar Professor Segun Aina

Why JAMB Is Taking UTME To Canada — Registrar Explains

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has explained why it is taking the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) to Canada, saying the move is aimed at expanding access to Nigerian tertiary education rather than making money.

JAMB Registrar, Professor Segun Aina, said the board is working to establish a UTME examination centre in Ottawa, Canada, from 2027 to enable eligible Nigerians living in Canada and other parts of North America to sit the examination without travelling to Nigeria solely for the exercise.

The planned centre followed Aina’s visit to the Nigerian High Commission in Ottawa, where discussions were held on arrangements for conducting the examination.

JAMB said the initiative is part of its effort to make the Nigerian university admission system more accessible to Nigerians in the diaspora, particularly those seeking admission into universities and other tertiary institutions in Nigeria.

“For Nigerians in Canada, the UTME is coming closer to home,” the board said while announcing the plan.

However, the decision has generated questions over the likely number of candidates who would use the centre and whether establishing an examination facility in Canada would be financially viable.

Responding to such concerns, Aina said the number of candidates was not the primary consideration for establishing foreign examination centres.

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He explained that JAMB currently conducts the UTME in about 10 foreign countries as a service to improve access to education, adding that the board also conducts examinations in correctional service centres for the same reason.

According to the registrar, Nigerians relocate abroad for different reasons, while children of Nigerian public servants posted overseas may also need to sit the UTME without returning to the country specifically for the examination.

Aina said the absence of a JAMB examination centre in North America had previously made it difficult for prospective candidates in the region to participate in the UTME locally.

He added that JAMB does not necessarily need to acquire or rent a permanent building or employ a new workforce to establish the Ottawa centre.

The registrar explained that the board works with Nigerian diplomatic missions in countries where it conducts overseas examinations, using temporary spaces within high commission premises and relying on diplomatic mission staff to assist with the exercise.

Aina also said no money had been spent on the proposed Canadian centre so far.

He explained that his visit to Canada coincided with a conference and that he used the opportunity to initiate discussions with the Nigerian High Commission about the proposed examination arrangement.

JAMB‘s spokesperson, Fabian Benjamin, also defended the initiative, saying more than 100 prospective candidates in Canada had already indicated interest in sitting the examination there.

The proposed Ottawa centre is expected to serve eligible Nigerians in Canada as well as those in other parts of North America who wish to gain admission into Nigerian tertiary institutions.

JAMB said the move would reduce the barriers faced by Nigerians abroad and strengthen their connection with the country’s education system.

The board also said the initiative would provide an opportunity to showcase Nigerian tertiary education internationally and create more pathways for Nigerians in the diaspora to pursue higher education in Nigeria.

The proposed JAMB Canada centre is expected to commence operations with the 2027 UTME.