If you want more information about coming to study at Deakin before you are 18 years old, please contact us.
Phone: +61 3 9918 9188
Students under 18
If you are under 18 and want to study your degree at Deakin University, we will make sure you are safe, supported and ready to enjoy your studies in Australia.
Guidelines for students under 18 studying in Australia
According to Australian immigration regulations, students under 18 years of age coming to study in Australia must either:
- be accompanied by a parent or legal custodian or
- live with a suitable relative or
- have your accommodation, support and general welfare arrangements approved by the university.
You will need to remain in approved accommodation and have care arrangements until you turn 18, including any period of non-enrolment.
Welfare requirements
You will need to demonstrate you have welfare arrangements in place before you can be granted a student visa. To fulfill these requirements, you can either:
- nominate a parent/legal custodian or relative over 21 years to be your guardian, which the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) will assess or
- arrange for Deakin University to approve your welfare arrangements in accordance with the guidelines. Deakin will issue a Confirmation of Appropriate Accommodation and Welfare (CAAW) letter, required for your visa application.
How to nominate a legal guardian with the Department of Home Affairs
To have a parent, legal custodian or eligible relative approved as your guardian, you will need to follow these steps:
- Complete and submit the 157N Nomination of a Student Guardian form (PDF, 291KB). This person must be over 21 years of age and have either Australian citizenship, permanent residency or be on a temporary visa. They must remain in Australia for the duration of your student visa or until you turn 18. If the guardian needs to leave Australia during this time, you will need to make alternative welfare arrangements.
- Submit a completed Parents Declaration form (PDF, 177KB) and identity documents to Deakin. The identity documents must have a signature that matches the signature on the declaration.
- On arrival in Australia, you will be contacted by an international student support officer at the campus where you will be studying.
- You will need to notify Deakin if there are any changes to your parent or guardian contact details.
Full details about welfare requirements for under 18 student visa applicants can be found on the Department of Home Affairs website.
How to arrange Deakin-approved welfare
If you are not nominating a guardian, Deakin will need to approve your welfare and accommodation before you can get your student visa.
You will need to make arrangements with one of the Deakin-approved caregiver services and have accommodation arranged through Australian Homestay Network (AHN). On approval, we will issue a CAAW, allowing you to apply for a visa to enter Australia.
- Complete the relevant sections on the Confirmation of Appointment of Carer form (PDF, 155KB) and send a copy to both your nominated caregiver service and send an email to Deakin International Admissions. The caregiver service will return the completed form to you or your nominated agent.
- Complete the Homestay Application for Deakin students.
- Complete the Parents Declaration form (PDF, 177KB) and attach identity documents. The identity documents must have a signature that matches the signature on the declaration. Email the completed form to Deakin International Admissions.
- Once Deakin has received the completed documentation, the Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and Confirmation of Appropriate Accommodation and Welfare (CAAW) letter will be issued and you apply for your visa.
- On arrival in Australia, immediately contact the caregiver service.
- In the first week of studies, meet with your international student support officer who will explain your obligations as an international student under 18 years of age.
- You will need to notify Deakin if there are any changes to your parents' contact details.
#1 university in Melbourne for student support
Deakin is committed to the wellbeing and success of all our students. From advice on settling into Australia to tutoring and healthcare services, our friendly team is here to help.
Being under 18 at the time, I had several requirements regarding guardianship and accommodation. My education agent was very knowledgeable and gave me the guidance I needed.
Bachelor of Psychological Science
Deakin approved homestay accommodation service
The Australian Homestay Network (AHN) is the approved accommodation service for Deakin international students who are under 18.
AHN Webpage for Deakin Students
Phone: (03) 9458 9000
Email Australian Homestay Network
Deakin approved caregiver services
Your local guardian will meet with you regularly. You can talk to them about any concerns and contact them for help with things like opening a bank account or visiting a doctor. If you have any concerns or issues with your carer, please email our team.
The following agencies are authorised to provide caregiver and welfare services for Deakin students.
Professional Student Care (Australia)
Ms Kathy Liu
Phone: 03 8863 0096
Mobile: +61 438 686 699
Email Professional Student Care Australia
Visit website
A&J Student Care Services
Mr Jessy Kakerissa
Phone: +61 3 9795 7767
Fax: +61 3 9801 2253
Mobile: +61 419 319 633
Email A&J Student Care Services
Visit website
ISA Student Advocates
Mr Ivan McKinney
Phone: +61 3 9663 2887
Fax: +61 3 8678 1317
Mobile: +61 401 995 900
Email ISA Student Advocates
Visit website
Information for parents and families
You want to be confident that your child will be safe in Australia. You also want to know that the university provides support to help them succeed.
Information for students in a Deakin-approved arrangement
Changing your homestay or local carer
You cannot change your accommodation without prior approval from Deakin. Changing your accommodation without approval may result in cancellation of CoE and CAAW by Deakin.
If you experience issues with your homestay and/or local carer, please contact your international student support officer who can help you address the issue in a timely and sensitive manner.
If you would like to live with a relative as a Deakin-approved homestay, this must be approved in accordance with Deakin’s guidelines for appropriate accommodation for under-18 students.
If you would like to change from Deakin-approved arrangements to Department of Home Affairs approved arrangements, please refer to the Department of Home Affairs website for further details.
You will also need to speak with your international student support officer for further information.
Requesting a short-term change of accommodation
You will need to obtain pre-approval from Deakin for an overnight stay of any length outside your approved homestay.
Before any overnight stay outside of your homestay, including field trips as part of your course, you must first discuss your plans with your international student support officer and then formally submit your request using the short-term change of accommodation form.
Nominating a relative for a short-term stay
If you have a blood relative in Melbourne and would like to be able to have occasional short stays with them, your parent can nominate this relative by completing the parent nomination of relative for short-term stay.
Your safety on and off campus
The safety of our students is extremely important at Deakin. Our campuses and the communities they are in are safe and welcoming.
In the event of something unexpected on campus, if you or anyone is in immediate danger, you can contact Deakin's Security Services on 1800 062 579 or through our SafeZone app 24 hours a day. For emergencies on or off campus, you can reach Victoria Police by calling 000.
Your carer (guardian) should be informed about all emergencies or situations where you feel uncomfortable or in danger.
