International students with families
If you have your family with you here in the UK then you may find the following topics of interest. Please click on the links below for further information.
Childcare for pre-school children and childminders
Immigration
What do I need to know about immigration issues that affect my family?
If you have any queries related to your family’s immigration, please contact International Student Support to arrange to speak to an adviser.
UKCISA have produced an information sheet called 'Your family's immigration' for students holding a Tier 4 student visa (issued on or after 30th March 2009).
UKCISA have also produced an information sheet called 'Your family's immigration if you do not have Tier 4 leave' (this is relevant if you are holding a student visa issued prior to 30th March 2009).
Accommodation
What types of family accommodation is available at Cardiff University?
For information on accommodation available within the University for families please visit our website.
Where can I find privately rented family accommodation?
For information on how to find privately rented family accommodation please visit our website.
Council tax
What is council tax, and do I have to pay it?
You can find out more about the council tax and whether you and your family will have to pay it by downloading an information sheet which is available from our website.
You can also get information from Cardiff Council and from UKCISA.
Healthcare
Are my family entitled to receive healthcare in the UK?
Information is available from the Cardiff University Health Centre.
You can also get more information on health matters from UKCISA.
Working
Can my dependants work in the UK?
This will depend on the type of course you are studying and when you applied for your visa. For more information please download the UKCISA information sheet.
Schools
Can my children attend state schools in the UK?
UK state schools are run by the local education authorities and are free up to the age of 16.
If your child is under 16 and will be with you in Cardiff as your dependant for more than 6 months then they should be able to go to a state school free of charge.
The state system is divided into 3 types of school
Nursery School (3-5 years of age)
Primary School (5-11 years of age)
Secondary School (11-16 years of age)
How can I find a school?
For further information and a list of the state schools in and around the Cardiff area visit the Cardiff Council web pages or telephone: 02920 872837.
Children for whom English is a second language
If you think your child will need support with their English Language, then this is available through Cardiff Councils’ Ethnic Minority Achievement Service and children are supported in their own school. Your child’s school teacher should be able to access this additional English language support for your child.
Further information
For further information on schooling in the UK you can look at the British Council's Education Information note Choosing a state funded school.
Childcare for pre-school children and childminders
University facilities
The University Daycare Centre provides childcare for children aged 10 weeks – 5years. It caters for up to 64 children and demand for places is extremely high. For more information go to the Daycare Centre web pages
Family Information Service
Cardiff Council's Family Information Service is designed to make it easy for parents to find all of the information they need about a broad range of services for children including a searchable childcare database. The Family Information Service Team are on hand to provide additional information, advice, guidance and support if you cannot find what you are looking for on their website or you need more detailed information. You can contact them on 02920 351700.
Private nurseries
For a list of private nurseries in the Cardiff area please go to the Cardiff Nurseries website
Childminders
Childminders work form home providing childcare to children of various ages. Childminders must be registered and inspected regularly. For information go to the Cardiff Council website, or telephone 029 2035 1700.
Activities for children
Cardiff Council Family Information Service has details of a wide range of activities for children of all ages.
Classes for adults
English language classes
If your husband or wife’s first language is not English then they may be interested in taking classes to help them improve their skills through English for speakers of other languages (ESOL) classes
Other types of part time courses for adults
Cardiff University Centre for Lifelong Learning offers a wide range of part time courses aimed at personal and professional development.
Family activities
If you would like some ideas for family activities in the Cardiff area please go to the Visit Wales website
Exploring Cardiff and Wales
Please click on the links below for information on places to see and things to do.
Transport in Cardiff
Get all of the information you need about travelling to, from and around Cardiff here.
Sport and leisure
Find information on Cardiff University sports facilities here.
More information on sports and leisure facilities in the Cardiff area is available here.
Faith and Religion
Cardiff University Chaplaincy is a place of friendship, hospitality, reflection, support, and dialogue. They offer opportunities for students and staff to relax and unwind and to explore faith and spirituality.
A comprehensive list of places of worship for those of all faiths in the Cardiff area is available here.