Visa and welfare requirements for minors
Moving to a new country as an international student is a big step - and if you’re under 18, we want you (and your family) to feel confident that you’ll be safe, supported and well cared for every step of the way.
At UTS, we welcome international students aged 16 and over, and we have clear welfare and accommodation arrangements in place to make sure you’re looked after while you study in Sydney. To gain entry into a UTS course, you will need to meet the admission requirements for international students and proof that you have approved accommodation and welfare arrangements in place.
What does “welfare arrangements” mean?
Welfare arrangements are simply the living and support arrangements that make sure you’re safe, cared for and supported while living in Australia and under the age of 18.
Australian visa conditions require these arrangements to be approved before you can receive your student visa.
Your accommodation and welfare options
If you are under 18, you must have approved accommodation and welfare arrangements before your student visa can be granted. While studying at UTS, you can choose from 2 options:
You can nominate a parent, legal custodian, or eligible relative over 21 years of age (as defined in ‘Welfare arrangements approved by the Department of Home Affairs’) as your student guardian. The person you nominate must have a visa to stay in Australia for the duration of your student visa or until you turn 18.
If you are not living with a parent or approved relative, UTS works with UTS College to manage accommodation and welfare support for under-18 students. UTS will issue a Confirmation of Appropriate Accommodation and Welfare (CAAW), which confirms that UTS accepts responsibility for your welfare while you are under 18.
How to accept your offer (for students under 18)
If you are not living with a parent, legal guardian or approved relative, you will need to book UTS-approved accommodation and welfare.
The steps below will guide you through this process. Once completed, you will be issued a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) letter and a Confirmation of Appropriate Accommodation and Welfare (CAAW) letter. You will require both to apply for your student visa. If you decide to stay with a parent or legal guardian, you do not require a CAAW for your visa application.
What is expected of students under 18 years of age?
Where UTS issues a CAAW to a student, the student must:
- not arrive in Australia prior to the commencement date listed on the CAAW. Arriving prior to this date would be in breach of the student’s visa conditions and may result in visa cancellation by the Department of Home Affairs
- advise UTS of their arrival details in Sydney
- use UTS-approved airport transfer to travel to their booked accommodation
- remain in UTS-approved accommodation until they turn 18 years of age
- update current contact details including those of their parent/legal guardian, within 7 days of arrival
- comply with applicable UTS policies and procedures, as well as any applicable third-party policies and procedures
- attend all appropriate orientation sessions relating to their accommodation and welfare services;
- not change their accommodation and welfare arrangements without approval from UTS and their parent/legal guardian
- ensure all fees relating to accommodation and welfare services are paid on time
- comply with curfew requirements; and
- not stay overnight outside their approved accommodation without prior approval.
Where a student does not meet these obligations, UTS will discuss the issue(s) with the student. If the student continues to breach these obligations, UTS will advise them that their CAAW letter may be terminated, in which case the student will need to ensure alternate accommodation and welfare arrangements are in place.
Students should refer to the UTS U18 International Student Protocol for more information.
International Student Services and Support
Studying overseas is a big step, and at UTS you’ll find support every step of the way — for your studies, your wellbeing and your life in Australia. Connect, settle in and thrive with services designed especially for international students.
Belonging and community
Making friends and feeling connected is a big part of your international student experience. At UTS, you’ll find plenty of ways to meet new people, build friendships and feel at home—from orientation activities and student clubs to peer programs, events and life beyond the classroom. Here are a few to get you started.
Connect with other students, make new friends, and improve your English along the way!
UTS has over 180 clubs and societies where like-minded students meet and contribute to the UTS community.
Join this peer-to-peer program for a smooth start to UTS and life in Sydney.