I have a good friend living in Sydney can they be my child's guardian?
International students under 18 years of age can meet visa requirements in the following ways:
Option 1: Live in Australia with a parent or custodian. When your child applies for their student visa, a parent or legal custodian must hold or have applied for a visa that allows him or her to remain in Australia until your child turns 18. They can for example apply for a short stay visitor visa or a Student Guardian visa.
Option 2: Live in Australia with a relative approved by Department of Home Affairs. A relative can be your child's sibling, grandparent, aunt, uncle, niece or nephew. He or she must be over 21 years of age and of good character, and hold or have applied for a visa that allows him or her to stay in Australia until your child turns 18. They can for example apply for a short stay visitor visa or a Student Guardian visa.
Option 3: Agree to care arrangements approved by the University.
Please refer to Students under 18 years of age for information about applying for a CAAW with UNSW.
I am worried about my child living in Sydney without any family. What support can they get to help them settle in?
Student Life runs a Airport Pick Up service and a Welcome Centre for approximately 4 weeks prior to the term starting.
Staff and peer mentors will be able to assist your child in getting settled in Sydney and on campus. The Student Support Team will also be able to give assistance.
Who do I contact if I am worried about my child's study or living arrangements?
As part of your child's CAAW with UNSW they will be assigned an International Student Support Adviser (ISA) to monitor their welfare and accommodation until they turn 18 years of age. They will be required to meet regularly with their assigned ISA to discuss their accommodation and welfare arrangements as well as their study. You may contact the assigned ISA through Support Contacts for International Students.
When should my child arrive in Sydney?
Your child needs to arrive in Sydney in time for the beginning of the International Students Orientation Program. This begins with Under 18 International Student Induction. This is usually early February in term 1 and early September in term 3.
My son/daughter is living with an approved relative in Sydney. Can he/she still get support from ISEU?
If this Australian Government Office has approved your son or daughter's care arrangements, your son/daughter is not required to be monitored by Student Life. However, any international student aged under 18 and studying at UNSW is able to use the support services of Student Life.
What happens when my son/daughter turns 18?
Prior to turning 18 the ISA responsible for monitoring your child will meet with them to determine their ongoing needs. You and your child will also be sent a letter informing you both that the conditions of the care arrangement no longer apply and that your son/daughter is no longer required to comply with the arrangements made under it.
However it is important to note that this does not change your child's present arrangement with his/her accommodation provider and that they must still continue to comply with the general conditions of their student visa. For further information please see this Australian Government Office.