Under 18 (U18) Students Visa Requirements and Care Arrangements 

Under 18 students applying for a student visa in addition to providing a valid Confirmation of Enrolment (COE) from their Education Provider must demonstrate that they have adequate welfare arrangements in place.  

How can U18 students satisfy this requirement?  

Students can choose from two available options:  

Option 1

Request that their Education Provider takes on the responsibility for the student’s welfare arrangements. This includes provision of accommodation and welfare monitoring and support for an Under 18 student.  This means the provider must issue a Confirmation of Appropriate Accommodation and Welfare (CAAW).  Students who are issued with CAAW by UNSW College must live in UNSW approved accommodation as well as pay CAAW administration fee and weekly welfare monitoring fees. 

Option 2

Nominate a parent, legal custodian or a relative over 21 to be a student guardian. Students choosing this option must apply directly to Department of Home Affairs for approval. The student’s guardian is required to have a valid visa to lawfully reside in Australia and student must live with the guardian (No CAAW is required if the student is choosing this option).  

For more information about Under 18 students visa requirement refer to the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) website.

Below is a summary of the steps involved from the application stage, through course acceptance until the commencement of the program.   

If you are choosing Option 1: Requesting CAAW   

Step 1

Apply for your UNSW College English course, Foundation Studies program or Diploma program.   

Step 2

UNSW College will assess your eligibility for a chosen program and, if you meet entry requirements, you will be issued with a Letter of Offer. If you are Under 18 at commencement of your chosen program your Letter of Offer will also include the following U18 Student related fees:  

• CAAW Administration Fee of $150  
• Under U18 Student Weekly Monitoring Fee (this is calculated from the start date of your program until you turn 18 years old or complete your program whichever comes first) of $49 per week 

Step 3

Arrange accommodation with a UNSW College Approved Accommodation Provider. Allowing at least two weeks to have accommodation confirmed is a reasonable timeframe.   

Step 4

Accept your Offer by providing all documents listed in the checklist below:  

Student’s location at time of acceptance	Required Documentation to Accept the Offer
Outside Australia (in students’ home country)	1. Under 18 Students Care Arrangement Form 2. Confirmation of Accommodation Booking with UNSW College U18 Student Approved Accommodation Provider  3. Certified copy of Parent/Legal Guardian identity document which includes a photo and a signature (for example copy of passport or driver’s licence)  4. Acceptance Agreement   5. Receipt for Tuition Fee Payment
In Australia	1. Under 18 Students Care Arrangement Form 2. Confirmation of accommodation booking with UNSW College U18 Student Approved Accommodation Provider  3. Certified copy of Parent/Legal Guardian identity document which includes a photo and a signature (for example copy of passport or driver’s licence)    4. Evidence of current guardianship arrangements:  – Confirmation of DHA approved guardian or  – Copy of CAAW from current education provider  5. Acceptance Agreement   6. Receipt for Tuition Fee Payment

Step 5

UNSW College will issue you with:  

• Confirmation of Enrolment (COE) and   
• Confirmation of Appropriate Accommodation and Welfare Letter (CAAW).

Step 6

Apply for your student visa.

Step 7

Before you arrive: Arrange airport pick-up service.

Airport reception service is compulsory for U18 students who have been issued with CAAW:   

• If you have chosen to live in homestay, book your Airport Reception with the homestay agency  
• If you have chosen to live in a residential college (New College, Urbanest) or booked accommodation via UNSW College, please click here to submit a form for an airport pick-up service.  

Step 8

Attend Orientation.

You will receive your Orientation Information via email, so it is important that you check your email account regularly. Orientation information is also available on our Current Students Website. 

As an Under 18 Student you will attend all student orientation sessions but also an additional U18 Students Information Session in which you will meet with the Student Wellbeing Advisers who will be providing support to you.   

Step 9

Start attending your classes.

• Foundation Studies and Academic English students: You will receive your class timetable at Orientation.
• Diploma students must follow the enrolment guide that they will receive via email, advising them to enrol in courses online (via myUNSW).

If you are choosing Option 2: Living in Australia with your parent or guardian (No CAAW required) 

Step 1

Complete UNSW College Online Application Form.

Step 2

UNSW College will assess your eligibility for a chosen program and, if you meet entry requirements you will be issued with a Letter of Offer.  Please note that your letter of offer will automatically include the following U18 Student related Fees:  

• CAAW Administration Fee and
• Under U18 Student Weekly Monitoring Fee (this is calculated from the start date of your program until you turn 18 years old or complete your program whichever comes first)  .

If you are nominating your own guardian, which requires DHA approval, you do not need to pay the above fees.  

Step 3

Accept your offer by providing all documents listed in the checklist below: 

Student’s location at time of acceptance	Required Documentation to Accept the Offer
Outside Australia (in students’ home country)	1. Under 18 Students Care Arrangement Form 2. Student Guardianship Declaration  3. Certified copy of Parent/Legal Guardian identity document which includes a photo and a signature (for example copy of passport or driver’s licence)  4. Acceptance Agreement   5. Receipt for Tuition Fee Payment
In Australia	1. Under 18 Students Care Arrangement Form 2. Evidence of current guardianship arrangements as approved by DHA 3. Certified copy of Parent/Legal Guardian identity document which includes a photo and a signature (for example copy of passport or driver’s licence)   5. Acceptance Agreement   6. Receipt for Tuition Fee Payment

Step 4

UNSW College will issue you with Confirmation of Enrolment (COE).

Step 5

Apply for your student visa.

Step 6

Attend Orientation.

You will receive your Orientation information via email, so it is important that you check your email account regularly. Orientation information is also available on our Current Students Website.  As an Under 18 Student you will attend all student orientation sessions but also an additional U18 Students Information Session in which you will meet with the Student Wellbeing Advisers who will be providing support to you.   

Step 7

Start attending your classes.

• Foundation Studies and Academic English students: You will receive your class timetable at Orientation  
• Diploma students must follow the enrolment guide that they will receive via email, advising them to enrol in courses online (via myUNSW). 

Under 18 Students who have been issued with Confirmation of Appropriate Accommodation and Welfare (CAAW) are automatically enrolled in UNSW College Under 18 Care Program. As part of this program, Under 18 students are offered a range of support. Students must also follow certain rules which have been put in place to ensure that they have a safe and rewarding study experience.   

What supports are offered to Under 18 (U18) students:

Regular Meetings with Student Wellbeing Advisers

During these meetings, Student Wellbeing Advisers will discuss with students all matters related to their studies, their health and wellbeing, social life and accommodation. These meetings are also an opportunity for students to ask any questions or raise any concerns they may have. Student Wellbeing Advisers can also refer students to other support services such as doctor or a counsellor. Student Wellbeing Advisers work closely with academic and student accommodation providers.  

Liaising with Parents

Student Wellbeing Advisers will liaise with parents regrading important matters related to student’s course progress and attendance as well as any health and welfare related issues as well as accommodation matters. Parents wishing to contact Student Wellbeing Advisers should email [email protected].

Parent Information Sessions

All parents of U18 students are invited to attend a Parent Information Session together with our Student Wellbeing team and our Academic Heads. The purpose of this session is to inform parents about their child’s learning journey as well as academic and welfare support offered throughout their program. During this session, parents have the opportunity to ask lots of questions.

Accommodation Assistance

U18 Students issued with CAAW can only stay in Accommodation approved by UNSW College. However, if students are not satisfied with their current accommodation or are experiencing any issues, our Accommodation Team can assist in resolving those issues and if required, assisting with changing accommodation.

Transition to UNSW Process

U18 students who remain under 18 at commencement of their UNSW program will be provided with assistance with planning for the gap between programs, securing approved accommodation for the commencement of University and providing students with information regarding any seminars they need to attend before commencing at UNSW as an Under 18 student.  

After Hour Emergency Support

All Under 18 students can access support not only during business hours but also after hours. Students requiring emergency support after hours are advised to contact their accommodation provider emergency number. If the matter is serious, the accommodation provider will contact a member of UNSW College Student Support Staff who is on call so comprehensive support can be provided to the student in need.  

We understand that sending your child overseas to study, particularly while they are still under 18, is very exciting but can also be stressful. This is why we have a dedicated Student Support team to provide care and support to our students and assist parents with necessary information and advice.  

We value the opportunity to communicate with parents of our Under 18 Students. There are opportunities for parents to meet with Student Support Team both in a group setting as well as individually.  

Parent Information Sessions

All parents of U18 students are invited to attend a Parent Information Session at the start of term, together with our Student Wellbeing team and our Academic Heads. The purpose of this session is to inform parents about their child’s learning journey as well as academic and welfare supports offered throughout their program. During this session parents have the opportunity to ask lots of questions.  

Liaising with Parents Individually

Student Wellbeing Advisers will liaise with parents regrading important matters related to student’s course progress and attendance as well as any health and welfare related issues as well as accommodation matters. Parents wishing to contact Student Wellbeing Advisers should email [email protected].

For questions regarding your application and acceptance process:

UNSW College Admissions: [email protected]

For issues related to welfare support, disability and any additional student needs:

Student Support Team: [email protected]

For accommodation support:

Accommodation Team: [email protected]

For general enquiries:

Student Enquiries: [email protected]