Students under 18
Students who are under the age of 18 must have their parents (or legal custodian) nominate a guardian who resides in Australia before the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) will consider their student visa application.
Parents must lodge the “Nomination of a Student Guardian” form (157N) available via the immigration office (Embassy) in their home country.
DIAC requires this guardian to be over 21 years old, an eligible relative and of good character.
If a student under 18 does not have an eligible relative in Australia they will normally be required to defer enrolment until after they turn 18 years of age.
An exception is where a student has enrolled in a course at the La Trobe University International College prior to articulating to a La Trobe University Bachelor’s program.
In exceptional circumstances, the University may permit direct entry into a Bachelor’s program. In all such cases, the student will need to be supported by the services of the La Trobe University International College-approved care provider agency or non-relative (close family friend) or cousin before La Trobe University will issue an eCOE and the Confirmation of Appropriate Accommodation/Welfare (CAAW) form.
