Families and childcare
Oxford University offers a comprehensive range of childcare options and provision for families, as well as support to help you settle in and get the most out of your studies. Below you can find an introduction to just some of the services on offer.
International students
Advice and support are available for international students who would like to bring family members with them as dependants when they come to Oxford: visit our family visas page. Following a rule change on 17 July 2023, family members of students will only be able to join students who are studying a DPhil or a Masters by Research course. For information about visas for your family, visit the Student Immigration pages. The UK Council of International Student Affairs (UKCISA) website also offers detailed advice about bringing family members with you to the UK.
Childcare and schools
There are five University nurseries, and University of Oxford places are also available in community nurseries located throughout Oxford and beyond. Five colleges have their own nurseries: Balliol, St John’s, St Anne's, Somerville and Wolfson. These are separate from the University’s Childcare Services, with priority usually given to members of the college. Find out more about nursery options.
Oxford also has highly-regarded schools. The Oxford Welcome Service and Oxfordshire County Council have more information about childcare and schooling in Oxford.
Financial support for student parents
You may be able to access financial support from the UK government if you are a parent who is in full-time education. You can find out more information on the gov.uk benefits webpages.
Information and advice on living costs for students with dependants is available on our living costs page.
Accommodation for families
The University has a range of accommodation options for full-time graduate students, including some accommodation for couples and families. There are a range of rooms, flats and houses in and around Oxford, on sites owned and managed by the University as well as private accommodation options. If you are considering private accommodation, please be aware that the University's residence requirements apply to all full-time students.
Parental leave
The University's Student Maternity, Paternity and Adoption Leave Policy is available on the student parents page and gives details of the arrangements for students who are about to have or adopt a child. There are particular requirements for graduate research students applying for parental leave, including the forms required and timings, and notifying your college, supervisor and director of graduate study.
Young adult carers
The University of Oxford is committed to supporting students who are young adult carers to ensure you receive the help you need for a successful university experience. Find out more about the support available for young adult carers.
Support and community
The University's Newcomers' Club is a volunteer-run organisation, aiming to help newly-arrived spouses or partners of graduate students and other members of the University to settle in, by organising a regular programme of social events in Oxford.
For more detailed information on the support available, visit the Oxford Students website and the Oxford University Student Union (Oxford SU) website.