Under 18

QIBT must follow specific policies and procedures for accommodating, supporting and
monitoring international students who are under 18 years of age whilst they are studying in Australia. These policies and procedures are designed to ensure that QIBT complies with both the Education (Overseas Student) Regulations, and the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) requirements for ensuring that international students are adequately cared for during their studies.

Accommodation requirements for U18s

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All international students who are under 18 years of age must satisfy one of the following accommodation requirements whilst studying at QIBT:

  • Live with at least one parent; or
  • Live with an adult who normally lives in Queensland (other than an overseas student) who has been appointed in writing by a parent of the student to act as the student's guardian; or
  • Live with an approved home stay family.

For further information, please refer to the “Care Arrangements for Students Under 18 Years of Age” policy on the Policies and Procedures page.

QIBT ensures that students satisfy one of these requirements by obtaining written documentation from the students' parents prior to the student commencing their studies. If during the period of enrolment any student under 18 years of age is not living under one of the above requirements, then arrangements will be made for the students accommodation arrangements to be changed in order to satisfy this requirement or the student will be reported to DIAC for a breach of their student visa condition.

Students who wish to change into alternative accommodation must contact the Accommodation Manager or the Student Counsellor & Welfare Advisor to gain written approval prior to moving.

Living with a homestay family

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Homestay is a unique opportunity to gain insight into the culture and customs of Australia, and to make international friendships for life. QIBT utilises the services of Brisbane International Student Services (BISS) to arrange high quality guardianship home stay accommodation for students who are under 18 years of age and who do not have a relative residing in Queensland to act as their guardian. BISS specialises in placing students with friendly caring families as they understand that the perfect complement to your studies is to stay with a host family where you can continue to practise and improve your English skills.

When you advise QIBT (via the Living Arrangements for Under 18 Students form) that you require home stay accommodation, BISS will ask you to complete the Application for Homestay Accommodation form so that they can match you with a family according to your interests and preferences. BISS will send you a profile of the family in advance so you will feel more comfortable upon your arrival.

In order to ensure that all international students studying at QIBT who are under 18 years of age have been placed with suitable home stay families, BISS undertakes the following procedures:

  • Federal police checks on all home stay families to ensure that the safety of students is not compromised.
  • Only experienced known families with quality facilities situated close to convenient transport to QIBT are selected.
  • All home stay families are made aware of the additional requirements for hosting students who are under 18 years of age.
  • All home stay families sign agreements with BISS agreeing to provide the additional requirements for students who are under 18 years of age.
  • All students who wish to change their accommodation arrangements must obtain permission from BISS and QIBT prior to moving.

Additional Support for Under 18s

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Appropriate arrangements are made for monitoring the welfare and academic progress of international students who are under 18 years of age. All international students who are under 18 years of age are required to attend appointments with the Student Counsellor & Welfare Advisor at least once each semester or when requested. Students will be notified by the Student Counsellor & Welfare Advisor of the date and time they are required to attend these appointments which are designed to determine if there are any problems with your living arrangements and if you are experiencing difficulties academically or personally. Should a student who is under 18 years of age fail to attend appointments with the Student Counsellor & Welfare Advisor, the student's parents may be contacted and/or the student may be reported to the DIAC.

For further information, please refer to the “Care Arrangements for Students Under 18 Years of Age” policy on the Policies and Procedures page or contact the Student Counsellor & Welfare Advisor by telephoning +61 7 3735 6900 or emailing welfare@qibt.qld.edu.au.