Volunteer Police Checks for Student Placements: What You Need to Know

Who Qualifies for a Volunteer Check?

Not all students are eligible for a volunteer police check. The Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC) does not automatically classify students as volunteers unless specific conditions are met.

According to guidance from the Fair Work Ombudsman and the ACIC, students can access a volunteer police check only if they are undertaking a formal vocational placement as part of their course requirements.

To qualify for a volunteer Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check, the student placement must:

• Be a compulsory requirement of the course or study program
• Be unpaid with no entitlement to salary or benefits
• Be conducted under a formal agreement with the education provider
• Not resemble an employment relationship

❌ Not Eligible: Internship programs, work trials, or voluntary work outside a formal course are not considered vocational placements and do not qualify for volunteer checks.

🔍 Why This Matters for Students & Employers

Vocational placements are essential for helping students gain real-world experience and build job-ready skills. However, proper background screening is still required—even for unpaid roles—to ensure the safety of workplaces, particularly in sensitive industries like healthcare, education, and aged care.

Applying for the correct check type is vital. Submitting under the wrong category can lead to delays or rejection.

⭐ How AuthNTick Helps with Volunteer Checks for Students

At AuthNTick, we simplify the police check process for students, training providers, and host organisations.

Here’s why people trust us:

🧭 We Know the Rules

Our team understands ACIC’s official requirements and ensures your check is submitted under the correct type—volunteer or paid—based on your placement arrangement.

🔍 Fast, Compliant Checks

We process applications quickly and in full compliance with national standards. You’ll avoid unnecessary delays caused by misclassification.

💬 Support You Can Count On

Got questions? We offer real support from real people—whether you're a student, employer, or education provider.

🎓 Tailored for Student Placements

We work closely with universities, TAFEs, and RTOs to handle bulk student placements efficiently and accurately.

📌 Summary

If you’re a student on a compulsory unpaid placement, you may be eligible for a volunteer police check—but only if you meet the ACIC’s criteria. Don’t risk applying under the wrong category.

👉 Let AuthNTick help you get it right—quickly, affordably, and with full compliance.

Volunteer Police Check - $22.72

A Volunteer Check is the AUthNtick’s way of recognising not-for-profit, charitable, or volunteer service organisations that contribute to community safety. As such, it is offered at a reduced fee.