Legal Requirements for Under-18 Students in Australia
Australia's Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) framework, enforced through the National Code of Practice, requires CRICOS-registered providers like UEC to ensure that every under-18 student has approved welfare and accommodation arrangements in place before the student arrives in Australia.
This means that families must arrange either: a parent or legal guardian living in Australia who accepts responsibility for the student; a relative over 21 years of age who has been approved by both the student's parents and the education provider; or approved welfare and accommodation arrangements with the education provider (meaning the school takes on the responsibility).
Students under 18 must have these arrangements formally documented and confirmed before a Student Visa is granted. Visa applications for under-18 students must include a Parental/Guardian Declaration supporting the welfare arrangement.
Accommodation Arrangements for Under-18 Students
Approved homestay is the most common and recommended accommodation option for under-18 students. UEC works with approved homestay placement agencies that specifically vet and prepare families to host junior students. These families undergo background checks and receive guidance on the care standards expected for younger international students.
The homestay arrangement provides a structured, supervised environment — the student lives as a member of the family, with meals provided, curfews appropriate for their age, and an adult present who can provide day-to-day care and emergency support.
Under-18 students who are accompanied to Australia by a parent or legal guardian may live with that parent. In this case, formal homestay arrangements are not required, but the accommodation must be stable and appropriate.
Student residences designed for adults are generally not appropriate for students under 18 and would not meet the welfare arrangement requirements of the National Code.
UEC Welfare Support for Junior Students
UEC designates welfare officers responsible for the care and wellbeing of under-18 students enrolled at the college. The welfare officer is the primary contact for any welfare concerns, accommodation issues, or emergency situations involving a junior student.
Under-18 students and their homestay families are provided with UEC welfare contact details from their first day. Welfare officers conduct regular check-ins with junior students and maintain communication with homestay families throughout the program.
UEC welfare officers can assist with: accommodation concerns or changes; attendance and academic issues; health and medical situations; communication with parents and guardians; and referral to external support services (medical, counselling, or emergency services) where required.
Student Visa Considerations for Under-18 Students
Under-18 students applying for an Australian Student Visa (subclass 500) must provide evidence of their welfare and accommodation arrangements as part of the visa application. This includes the Parental/Guardian Declaration (Form 157A) completed by the student's parents or guardian, and the education provider's confirmation of accommodation arrangements.
The visa is typically granted to cover the duration of the enrolled course. Unlike adult students, under-18 students' visa conditions include the requirement to maintain approved accommodation and welfare arrangements at all times while in Australia.
Parents should be aware that changes to accommodation or welfare arrangements during the student's stay must be approved by UEC and notified to the Department of Home Affairs. Students cannot independently change their accommodation to an unapproved arrangement.
Staying Connected with Family
Regular communication between the student and their family at home is important for the wellbeing of junior students. Establishing a regular call schedule — for example, a video call every Sunday — gives the student something to look forward to and helps parents maintain awareness of how their child is settling in.
WhatsApp, WeChat, FaceTime, and Zoom are all widely used for international video calls and are practical choices for family communication. Ensure the student has access to reliable internet (typically provided through homestay or student residence) from their first day.
Encourage students to be honest with their parents about how they are feeling, particularly in the first few weeks of adjustment. Homesickness is common and normal — it does not indicate a problem with the program or the student. UEC welfare officers are experienced in supporting students through adjustment periods.
Provide the student with an Australian prepaid SIM card from their first day in Australia so that emergency contact is always possible. Ensure parents have the student's Australian mobile number and the UEC welfare contact number from the start.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum age for studying at UEC?
UEC accepts junior students from age 12. Contact UEC student services for details on age-appropriate programs and welfare arrangements for younger students.
Do parents need to come to Australia when their child starts at UEC?
Not necessarily. If approved homestay arrangements are in place and UEC has accepted welfare responsibility for the student, a parent does not need to be present in Australia. However, many families find it reassuring to accompany the student for the first week of settlement.
What happens if a junior student has a medical emergency?
UEC welfare officers are the first point of contact for medical emergencies during school hours. Homestay families are the first point of contact outside school hours. All junior students should have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) which covers emergency medical treatment in Australia.
Is OSHC (health insurance) required for junior students?
Yes. Overseas Student Health Cover is a visa requirement for all Student Visa holders studying in Australia, including under-18 students. UEC assists students with arranging OSHC as part of the enrolment process.
Can parents visit while their child is studying in Australia?
Yes. Parents can obtain tourist visas to visit Australia. There are no restrictions on parents visiting their child during the study program, and many families choose to combine the student's study period with a family holiday in Sydney or Australia.