Study abroad documents for students under 18 years old: guardianship and accommodation

🔄 Cập nhật lần cuối: 08/10/26

Study abroad applications for those under 18 years old have many specific requirements that university applications do not have. Immigration authorities want to make sure that minors have appropriate care and accommodation throughout their studies. If these arrangements are lacking, the visa may be refused, or the student may not be allowed to enter the country before the effective date of the guardianship. This article summarizes what parents need to prepare.

Why do students under 18 years old need guardianship?

In most countries, people under 18 years old (some Canadian provinces are 19 years old) do not have full legal capacity. When your child is sick, has an accident or needs to sign documents, there must be a legally authorized adult nearby to handle it. Therefore, guardianship and accommodation arrangements are considered a condition of the visa, not simply a matter for the family to take care of themselves.

Guardianship and accommodation regulations vary by country

Regulations can be adjusted, so always check the official page and school instructions before submitting your application.

Australia: note CAAW start date

According to Home Affairs, the CAAW period must cover the CoE period, plus 7 days after the course ends or until the student turns 18 years old. The agency also recommends that schools accept responsibility at least a week before the first day of school. This is a point to consider when choosing flight date to study abroad: cannot fly in earlier than the date the guardianship arrangement begins. See more Australian student visa subclass 500.

My parents came to stay with me

Some countries have visas for parents accompanying young children, for example Australia's Student Guardian visa (subclass 590). This category has its own financial conditions and parents' work and study limitations.

Choose your accommodation type

• Boarding: safe, 24/7 management, high cost. Suitable for young students.
• Homestay arranged by the school or a unit authorized by the school: cultural experience, moderate cost. Host families are often required to undergo a background check.
• Staying with a relative: only accepted if the relative meets the guardianship requirements (e.g. Form 157N in Australia) or is approved by the school.

Students under 18 years old are almost not allowed to rent their own housing outside. See more Find housing while studying abroad.

Additional documents for minor students

1. Birth certificate (notarized translation) to prove parent-child relationship.
2. Consent for child to study abroad signed by both parents (or legal guardian). If parents divorce, additional decisions about child custody will need to be made.
3. Guardianship documents according to the destination country's form (CAAW/157N, custodian declaration...).
4. Medical power of attorney for the guardian to sign to agree to emergency treatment (usually according to the school's form).
5. Emergency contact information for parents and guardians.

All Vietnamese documents need to be properly notarized and translated, see Notarized translation of study abroad documents. Also, check your child's passport. Passports issued when children are under 14 years old are only valid for 5 years, see Passport for international students.

Prepare your child's flight

Each airline has its own policy on children traveling alone: age required to use the child transportation service (unaccompanied minor), age allowed to fly on their own, restrictions on connecting flights. Students 15–17 years old are usually allowed to fly on their own, but some airlines may require additional documents. Read details at Book air tickets for international students under 18 years old and First time flying alone to study abroad.

VeDuHoc supports parents in choosing airlines with appropriate policies, prioritizing flights with few connecting flights, checking transit visa requirements and notifying parents of itinerary information via Zalo. See more pages air tickets to study abroad.

Frequently asked questions

If my child is 17 years old and will turn 18 soon after enrolling in school, does he need a guardian?

Usually still necessary, because the requirement applies to the time the child is under 18 years old in the host country. Australia specifically has instructions for students who are 18 years old before entering the country. Please check the specific regulations of your chosen country.

Can an aunt or uncle living abroad be a guardian?

It is possible, if the country's conditions are met. For example, in Australia, relatives must be at least 21 years old, nominated in writing by their parents, and often need to meet additional residency requirements.

Can I change homestay or guardian midway?

Yes, but must be notified and approved by the school or immigration agency according to regulations. Voluntary relocation may violate visa conditions.

How much does guardianship and homestay cost?

Varies by country, city and supplier. Please ask the school to send you a detailed fee schedule before receiving your invitation.

Sending your child to study abroad early is a big decision. A strict set of guardianship and accommodation documents will help keep your child safe and give your family peace of mind. When everything is ready, VeDuHoc always accompanies parents on their child's first flight.

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