E-Learning

Students Under 18

Under 18 Students

Sydney Metro College enrols international students under the age of 18 where acceptable living arrangements have been made as outlined below.

These information are explained in Part D Standard 5 of the National Code, which requires that:

  • students aged under 18 must have appropriate accommodation and welfare arrangements in place prior to applying for a student visa
  • the arrangements must be approved by the University/College
  • the arrangements must remain in place for the duration of the period of enrolment plus seven days or until the student turns 18.

Guidelines for Under 18 Students

International students under 18 years of age must maintain adequate welfare arrangements in place before they can be granted a student visa. The options are:

  1. Nominate a parent/legal custodian or a relative over 21 years to be your student guardian. The Department of Home Affairs (DHA) will assess this arrangement, or
  2. Arrange for SMC to approve your welfare arrangements in accordance with the SMC approved guidelines for acceptable welfare and accommodation arrangements. SMC will issue a Confirmation of Appropriate Accommodation and Welfare (CAAW) letter and the nominated start date and end date of your welfare arrangements.

Click here for information about the Department of Home Affairs welfare requirements for under 18 student visa applicants.

Students must stay in approved accommodation and have care arrangements in place until they turn 18, including any period of non-enrolment. Any changes to welfare arrangements must be approved by SMC.

Under 18 welfare arrangements

  1. If you are able to nominate a parent/legal custodian or a relative over 21 years to be your student guardian, complete the 157N Nomination of a Student Guardian form if a visa is required. This person must have either Australian citizenship / permanent residency status or a temporary visa. Remain in Australia for the duration of the student visa or until the student turns 18. If the student guardian needs to leave Australia during this time, alternative welfare arrangements will need to be put in place.
  2. Complete the PLCCAC Form. Return this form and identity document/s to SMC. The identity documents must have a signature that matches the signature on the declaration.
  3. Upon arrival in Australia, the student should contact the International Student Adviser at the campus where they will be studying.
  4. We also provide international student’s accommodation and welfare arrangements through our partner organization (Global Experience), checking and monitoring the suitability of a student’s accommodation, support and general welfare arrangements.
  5. Notify SMC if there are any changes to the parents or guardian contact details.

Changing your Homestay or Local Carer

If you’re under 18 and would like to change your accommodation, you must get written permission from your parents and approval from an Student Service before you move – otherwise your enrolment with SMC might be terminated.  Once approval is granted, SMC will then notify Department of Home Affairs about any changes and whether or not it approves.

For full details of the requirements please read the Welfare arrangements for students under 18.
Please contact an Student Service Officer if you have any questions.