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International students under 18

Before you arrive in Australia

The Department of Home Affairs requires students under the age of 18 to have appropriate accommodation and welfare arrangements while studying in Australia.

It is a condition of a Student Visa that these arrangements are in place before a student visa can be issued. These conditions must be maintained and failure to do so can result in visa cancellation.

Students who will be under 18 when they begin studying at UWA have two options for their accommodation and welfare arrangements.

Students under the age of 18 must provide details of their parent or legal guardian, by completing the form below, and submitting it as part of the acceptance process:


Option A – Students stay in an accommodation and welfare arrangement approved by The University of Western Australia

Under Option A, the student must have an arrangement with an approved carer service and a confirmed place in an approved college or homestay. The University will issue a 'Confirmation of Appropriate Accommodation and Welfare' letter (CAAW) together with your 'Confirmation of Enrolment' (CoE) which are used for an application for a student visa. It is important that students who are under 18 do not arrive in Australia before the date nominated by the University on their CAAW confirmation letter (unless accompanied by a parent), as this can result in their visa being cancelled.

Step 1

You or your agent should contact a UWA-approved accommodation provider to arrange a confirmed accommodation place.

The University's approved accommodation provider is:

Other approved accredited homestay agencies that can be considered:

Step 2

You, or your agent, should arrange welfare services with a UWA-approved carer service and provide them with evidence that you have a confirmed place in UWA-approved accommodation.

The University's approved carer services is:

Step 3

Submit the Parent/Legal Guardian Consent form to UWA Admissions, along with other supporting documents as requested.

Supporting documents for Option A include an approved accommodation agreement and a welfare services agreement and must be submitted by 1 February for Semester 1 commencement or by 1 July for Semester 2 commencement for approval by UWA.

Step 4

Once we have received the accommodation and welfare service confirmation, all relevant documents and payments, a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and Confirmation of Appropriate Accommodation and Welfare (CAAW) will be issued to the student. This will be sent via email to you.

Step 5

Ensure student has completed all pre-arrival requirements, has important contact details and is ready for enrolment and orientation.

Option B – Students stay in an accommodation and welfare arrangement approved by the Department of Home Affairs

Under Option B, the University does not issue the 'Confirmation of Appropriate Accommodation and Welfare' letter (CAAW), as the accommodation and welfare arrangements are approved directly by the Department of Home Affairs.

Typically, this means the student will be living in Australia with a parent or adult relative. Refer to the Department of Home Affairs for more information on Student Guardian Visas and other visa options. 

You can also find out more about how to arrange a welfare arrangement with the Department of Home Affairs by referring to the Welfare and custody arrangements for students under 18 guidelines.

When you arrive in Australia

If you will be under the age of 18 years (minimum age of 17 years) at the commencement of your studies, you must have appropriate accommodation and welfare arrangements while in Australia for the duration of your studies or until you turn 18, whichever happens first. These arrangements are regulated by the Department of Home Affairs and the National Code 2018 to ensure student safety and wellbeing.

If you’re under the age of 18 and have chosen UWA as your guardian, the University is responsible for your Confirmation of Appropriate Accommodation and Welfare (CAAW). By signing your CAAW, UWA takes responsibility for your accommodation and welfare under the following conditions:

  • you are under 18 years by the first day of your commencing semester
  • you will reside in UWA-approved accommodation
  • you will not breach any University policy or procedures, or any accommodation procedures or guidelines set out by the University’s approved carers and accommodation providers
  • you will inform International Student Support of any proposed changes to your accommodation and welfare arrangement prior to taking any action
  • you will attend induction sessions organised by International Student Support at the beginning of each semester
  • you will attend fortnightly meetings with your assigned guardian/carer
  • you will meet nightly curfew
  • our team also provides follow-up support by checking in on your wellbeing and accommodation arrangements, conducting home visits every six months, meeting with you if you have any problems or concerns, and managing your enrolment and academic progression. 

Under 18 students cannot travel or stay away from approved accommodation without the permission of The University of Western Australia. Failure to report changes or leave the country without notice will result in the cancellation of the Confirmation of Appropriate Accommodation and Welfare (CAAW) by UWA, which may result in a cancellation of student visa by the Department of Home Affairs.

If you are staying away from your approved accommodation, including returning home during semester breaks, download and complete the Holiday and Overnight Stays Application [PDF 113KB]. Holiday and overnight stays can only be with a parent/legal guardian.

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