Under 18s
Under 18? Here’s what you need to know.
At Monash College, we understand it can be hard to leave home and adjust to a new country. That's why we specialise in helping younger students settle into life in Melbourne.
What support will you receive?
Free airport pickup
We’ll pick you up from the airport when you arrive. Remember to book your free airport transfer.
Student support
You’ll have counsellors and student support staff to help you during your studies. You can also talk to your teachers when you need advice.
Guardianship service
We have a dedicated team of guardians to take care of students who are under 18. Think of us as a friendly face you can come to when you need help.
How to apply if you're under 18
If you're under 18, you'll need to nominate a guardian on your application form and complete a few extra steps.
Information for parents
Here are the answers to all the questions you might have as a parent.
What do I need to do before I arrive?
Choose a guardian
Every student under 18 needs to have a guardian – someone who is responsible for you until you turn 18. Before you arrive we need to know who your guardian is. He or she must be approved by the Department of Home Affairs before they arrange your student visa.
Your guardian can be:
- a Monash College staff member (from the Monash College Under 18 Guardianship Service team)
- a parent or relative approved by the Department of Home Affairs.
Choose your accommodation
Before you arrive, we’ll also need to approve your accommodation. You can choose to:
- live with the person who is your approved guardian
- stay at City-campus approved student accommodation. We have a selection of approved provider options.
- live with a homestay family
Take a look at our approved accommodation options.
Complete the Welfare and accommodation form
This form provides us with important information about your guardianship and accommodation choices.
Meet the guardianship team
At Monash College, we have a team of guardians to take care of students who are under 18. You will be assigned one of our team members to act as your guardian. Think of us as a friendly face you can turn to whenever you need help. Your guardian will help you settle into life in Melbourne. You will also have regular meetings with your guardian on campus to make sure you feel happy and supported. Our guardians will help you with:
- organising your orientation
- opening a bank account
- finding accommodation
- arranging medical appointments
- mental wellbeing
- academic support
- making friends
- supporting you during emergencies
- reporting to your parents.
The fee for our guardianship service is $11.50 per day.
What's it like sending your child away from home?
THUC ANH, VIETNAM
"I was so worried about Kyle, so I wrote to his guardian, Hollie. She was very friendly and attentive. When Kyle arrived in Melbourne, he was so happy to find a Myki card in his room! Hollie gave my son lots of advice and encouragement. I would certainly recommend the Monash College guardianship service. The guardian takes on the responsibilities of a parent, but is also a reliable and close friend of your child."
EDNA LIONG, SINGAPORE
"As a mother sending her 16-year-old daughter overseas to study, I was very nervous. My fears were relieved as soon as I met Anna. She was very reassuring in addressing my concerns. I really appreciate her meeting with my daughter, Edwina, on a regular basis to check her wellbeing and academic progress. I am really impressed with her dedication, commitment, caring nature and professionalism. I would recommend the Monash College guardianship service to any parent."
Changing your accommodation
If you're under 18, you must live in the accommodation that was listed on your student visa application.
If you want to change your arrangements, you'll need approval from your Monash College guardian and you'll need to complete the change of guardianship and accommodation form.