Gold Coast 2018 received more than 47,000 applications for their volunteer programme ©Gold Coast 2018

More than 47,000 people have applied to be a volunteer at the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games, it has been announced.

Applications closed on Monday (March 20) at 8pm AEST with the Organising Committee requiring a total of 15,000 volunteers for next year's Games, which run from April 4 to 15.

The oldest applicants were 91 while the youngest were 16, Gold Coast 2018 revealed.

People from 117 countries applied for a role at the Games, with 91 per cent coming from host nation Australia.

Seventy-six per cent of the Australian applicants were from Gold Coast's state of Queensland, while 99 per cent of applications were sent from Commonwealth countries.

Volunteer interviews are due to begin in May.

"Some of our staff have labelled this a 'volsrush' and everyone at Gold Coast 2018 has been overwhelmed with the level of interest and support to the volunteer programme from across the community," Gold Coast 2018 chairman Peter Beattie said.

"The response has been fantastic and to everyone that applied, I sincerely thank you.

"For all applicants, it is important to remember this isn't a first come, first served process.

Gold Coast 2018 have stressed there are other ways to get involved in the Games if people miss out on becoming a volunteer ©Gold Coast 2018
Gold Coast 2018 have stressed there are other ways to get involved in the Games if people miss out on becoming a volunteer ©Gold Coast 2018

"The Gold Coast 2018 volunteer team will spend the next six weeks reviewing applications before official interviews commence in May.

"The quality of applications has been really high so unfortunately there won't be positions for everyone.

"However, there are a number of other ways to be involved in the Games with opportunities to be nominated as a Batonbearer as part of the Queen's Baton Relay or by attending the Games as a spectator."

Submissions for the Games in Australia were welcomed from February 6, when the first three contenders - Mark Grant, Taneale Lawton and Zuzana Harmaniakova - submitted their applications at the Gold Coast 2018 headquarters in Benowa.

Most volunteer roles will be in the Gold Coast, with uniform, training and transport provided.

Volunteers must arrange their own accommodation during the Games, with shifts comprising of between six and 10 hours.

"They'll be the face of the Games and play a key role in shaping the Games experience for athletes, spectators and visitors to the Sunshine State," Gold Coast 2018 chief executive Mark Peters added.

"I’m looking forward to visiting the Volunteer Selection Centre in May when the interviews commence to meet these wonderful people."