If you are under 18 years of age, a condition of your student visa is that you have welfare arrangements in place before you arrive in Australia.

At Chisholm, we welcome students under 18, but you must be a minimum of 17 years of age to begin study.

You and your parents or legal guardians must complete the Chisholm Care Arrangement form and submit it to our international office when you accept our Letter of Offer. This form asks your parents or legal guardians to choose welfare arrangements.

Below are the choices:

Chisholm under 18 welfare program

We offer a free, comprehensive welfare program for students aged under 18.

  • Each student has access to the international welfare officer via the International Students Office.
  • Social activities are arranged each semester, so our students can share stories about making new friends and settling into life in Australia.
  • Attendance and progress reporting is monitored for each student.
  • Where Chisholm is taking responsibility for the welfare of the student, they will ensure that the living arrangements are safe and adequately meet their needs, visiting the homecare residence regularly.
  • Our welfare officer will be in regular contact with class teachers to monitor the welfare of the student.

Student guardian visa

Parents, relatives or legal guardians of a student under 18 may apply for a student guardian visa, which allows them to remain in Australia for the time the student requires guardianship. The DHA has criteria for assessing this visa.

Visit www.homeaffairs.gov.au for more information.

Parental nomination of a suitable relative to provide welfare arrangements

The parents or legal guardian can nominate a suitable guardian who is already living in Australia. This person will be assessed and approved by the DHA.

Visit www.homeaffairs.gov.au for more information.

Child Safe Standards

Chisholm Institute and its entities are committed to child safety in accordance with the Child Safe Standards, compulsory minimum standards for all organisations in Victoria providing services to children under the age of 18 years. Chisholm has zero tolerance for child abuse and all forms of harm to children. View our statement on our policy on Child Safety.