Japa: Top countries offering students spousal visas

Japa Nigerians

Family support is becoming a decisive factor for many Nigerians considering studying abroad.

Beyond tuition costs and global rankings, students increasingly consider whether their spouses can join them and whether those partners are allowed to live, work, or even study during the academic programme.

In 2025, several leading destinations have adjusted their dependent or spousal visa policies, reducing the strain of separation and easing financial pressure.

Below is a breakdown of how some countries support international students with family-inclusive options.

Australia

According to the Australian Department of Home Affairs, spouses can be included when applying for the Subclass 500 student visa or added later through a dependent visa route.

Spouses of postgraduate research students (Master’s by Research and PhD) are granted full-time work rights, while those of other students are typically capped at 48 hours per fortnight once the course has commenced.

Partners are also permitted to take short-term study programmes without applying for a separate visa.

This mix of work opportunities and family inclusion keeps Australia among the most flexible destinations for student couples.

Canada

As of January 21, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) updated eligibility for the Spousal Open Work Permit.

Only spouses of students enrolled in master’s programmes of 16 months or longer, doctoral programmes, or certain professional degrees are eligible. Most spouses of undergraduate students are no longer eligible.