The volunteer application process for the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games is due to close on March 20 ©Gold Coast 2018

The volunteer application process for the 2018 Commonwealth Games in the Gold Coast is due to close on March 20, organisers have announced.

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.

More than 15,000 volunteers will be required in all for the event, which is scheduled to take place from April 4 to 15 next year.

Gold Coast 2018 chairman Peter Beattie said this would be the only intake of Games volunteers.

"We’ve had an overwhelming response to date, but we need more," he said.

"This is not a first come first served process.

"We want to give as many people as possible the opportunity to put their hand up to get involved.

"Our end goal is to have the right people in the right positions.

"Volunteering at GC2018 is a fantastic opportunity for all but specifically university students and year 11 and 12 students who can mark-up significant experience to include on their resumes.

"We want the best volunteers helping to deliver a great Games and a terrific experience for the 6,600 athletes, officials and hundreds of thousand spectators and visitors to GC2018."

More than 15,000 volunteers will be required for the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games ©Getty Images
More than 15,000 volunteers will be required for the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games ©Getty Images

Gold Coast 2018 chief executive Mark Peters says he is happy to see so many people interested in the Games and wanting to get involved.

"We want anyone who is interested to have the opportunity to apply which is why we’re announcing the closure date and reminding anyone who is interested to get involved and submit their application," he added.

"While thousands have completed their full application, there are thousands of others who are part way through the submission.

"We want these people to jump to it and get their applications in by March 20.

"The opportunity to volunteer is here, don’t miss it.

"We understand many people’s circumstances might change over the next 14 months so this factor and the selection process means we want more applications."

Applicants can apply online here and must be 16 or over.

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 of between six and 10 hours.