What Is Homestay in Australia? A Complete Guide for International Students

Homestay offers you the chance to live with a local family while studying in Australia, providing a private bedroom, home-cooked meals, and a supportive environment. It is the most immersive way to experience Australian life, helping you improve your English, understand the culture, and feel at home from the moment you arrive.

Since 1999, Global experience has helped more than 250,000 students find a trusted foundation for their study abroad journey. Whether you are attending an English language school (ELICOS), TAFE, or university in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, or the Gold Coast, we can help you to find a comfortable and welcoming place to live.

With over 6,500 vetted host families active across our network, we understand exactly what makes a successful match. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know before you arrive.

Quick Answer: What to Expect?

The Setup: You live as a guest in a local Australian family's home.

What’s Included: A private furnished bedroom, most meals, and household utilities.

The Cost: Typically ranges from AUD 380–470 per week, depending on your age. En‑suite/VIP upgrades are available for an additional fee. You may pay a lower weekly fee if you choose a Homestay Self‑Catered (no meals) option; however, this option is only available to students aged 18 and over.

The Goal: You simply arrive, and your home is ready.

Why Choose Homestay Accommodation in Australia?

Unlike a hotel, dormitory, or shared house, homestay integrates you into the heart of an Australian home. You aren't just renting a room; you are sharing meals, common spaces, and daily conversation with your hosts.

This daily interaction is why the program is widely regarded as one of the most effective ways to:

Accelerate English Learning: Practice conversational English in a natural, relaxed setting.

Authentic Immersion: Experience Australian traditions, slang, and lifestyle firsthand.

Built-in Support: Have a local "safety net" to help you navigate your new city.

Tailored to You

We offer flexible matching, whether you want full English immersion or the comfort of staying with a family who shares your native language and culture, we can tailor the placement to your preference.

With over 6,500 vetted host families active across our network, Global experience understands exactly what makes a successful match.

Cost & Value

Homestay fees are generally consistent across Australia within each provider, though living costs vary slightly by city. While Sydney and Melbourne are at the higher end, Brisbane and the Gold Coast tend to be more affordable.

Keep in mind that this weekly fee covers your accommodation, meals, and all utilities. This makes it a genuinely cost-competitive, "no-hidden-extras" option compared to renting a room independently and covering your own food and bills.

The Value Factor: Unlike a private rental, there is no bond (deposit) to pay, no furniture to buy, and no unexpected utility bills. You simply arrive, and your home is ready.

What’s Included in Your Homestay?

A standard homestay package with Global experience will include:

Private furnished bedroom: Your own dedicated space with a bed, desk, lamp and wardrobe.

Meals: Typically breakfast and dinner on weekdays, and all three meals on weekends (unless you choose a self-catered option).

Shared Facilities: Access to common areas including the living area, kitchen, laundry, backyard facilities and shared bathrooms.

Essentials: Toilet paper and laundry powder.

Utilities: Electricity, gas and water are included (we simply ask that students use these resources responsibly).

A safe, inspected home environment: Every host family is personally interviewed, their home is inspected and all adult residents must pass mandatory background checks.

Note on Internet: High speed Wi-Fi is available in most homes for a small additional $10 per week.

What is Not Included in Your Homestay?

To help you budget for your time in Australia, please keep in mind that the following are generally the student's responsibility:

Personal Items: Toiletries (shampoo, soap, toothpaste).

Transport: Commuting costs, such as bus/train fares and "Opal" or "Myki" cards.

Communication: International phone calls or personal mobile phone plans.

Travel & Fees: Independent travel arrangements, school/university tuition fees, and general spending money.

Managing Special Dietary Requirements

We understand that many students have specific dietary needs for health, religious, or personal reasons. Our host families are experienced in accommodating a variety of requirements to ensure every student feels nourished and comfortable.

If you have a special requirement, please let us know during your application.

Common arrangements include:

Halal: Hosts will ensure all meat is Halal-certified and that no pork or alcohol is used in meal preparation. Seafood and vegetarian dishes are often delicious safe alternatives.

Vegetarian: Meals will exclude all meat and fish, focusing instead on high-quality proteins like beans, tofu, eggs, and dairy.

Gluten-Free: Families take extra care to avoid wheat, barley, and rye, checking labels carefully and being mindful of cross-contamination in the kitchen.

Lactose Intolerant: Hosts will provide dairy-free alternatives (such as soy, almond, or oat milk) and avoid using cream or soft cheeses in cooking.

Kosher: We can match students with families who understand the importance of avoiding shellfish and pork, and keeping meat and dairy separate.

Additional Surcharge: To help hosts cover the additional cost of specialised ingredients (like gluten-free bread or Halal-certified meats), additional weekly surcharge usually applies. This ensures you receive the high-quality, specialised meals you need.

Who Are Our Host Families?

Australia is a beautifully multicultural country, and our host families reflect that diversity. There is no "typical" Australian family; instead, we match you with hosts who are eager to share their lives with you. Your host might be:

Empty Nesters: Couples whose children have grown up and moved out, leaving a quiet, supportive home.

Active Families: Families with children still at home, offering a lively and authentic look at Australian family life.

Single Professionals: Busy individuals with a spare room who enjoy the company and cultural exchange of a student guest.

Multicultural Hosts: Families who have migrated to Australia themselves. They uniquely understand the challenges of moving to a new country and provide incredible support during your transition.

Your Safety is Our Priority

We take our responsibility to provide a safe home very seriously. Our thorough vetting process includes:

Personal Interviews: Every host is interviewed by our team to ensure they have the right motivation and personality to host students.

Home Inspections: We conduct initial and regular physical inspections to ensure the home is clean, safe, and meets our high standards.

Background Checks: Every household member over the age of 18 must hold a valid working with children check clearance.

Ongoing Monitoring: We maintain regular contact with both the student and the host to ensure the relationship is working well for everyone.

Why Do International Students Choose Homestay?

The most common reason students choose homestay over other accommodation types is language development. When you live with an Australian family, English is not just something you practice in class, it is the language of your daily life. Conversations over breakfast, questions about the neighbourhood, and watching television together all contribute to the kind of organic, immersive language practice that cannot be replicated in a dormitory.

Beyond language, students consistently report that the sense of belonging and safety they find in a homestay is what makes the difference during a period that can otherwise feel overwhelming. Arriving in a new country is hard. Having a family or even just a person who knows your name, checks that you got home safely and can tell you which bus to take is a genuine advantage.

Other key benefits include:

Cultural immersion - daily exposure to Australian customs, food, and ways of life.

Built-in support network - host families act as informal local guides.

Financial simplicity - one weekly payment covers accommodation, meals, and utilities.

Safety and accountability - regulated environments with provider oversight.

Read our full article on the 5 benefits of living with an Australian host family to explore each of these in detail.

How Does Homestay Compare to Other Options?

Choosing where to live is a big decision. Here is how homestay stacks up against the most common alternatives in Australia:

Homestay vs. Student Dormitories: Dormitories (on-campus housing) offer high independence and are usually right next to your classes. However, they often lack the "home feel" and cultural immersion of a local family. Homestay provides a built-in support system and prepared meals, which is especially helpful during your first few months in a new country.

Homestay vs. Share Houses: Sharing a house with other students or locals can be budget-friendly, but it requires you to manage your own groceries, cooking, and utility bills from day one. Finding reliable housemates and navigating house rules can be stressful for new arrivals. In a homestay, these logistics are managed for you.

Homestay vs. Private Rentals: Renting an apartment independently often requires a formal lease, a large bond (deposit), and Australian rental references which can be very difficult for international students to provide. Homestay has no complex legal requirements; you simply book, arrive, and move in.

For a side-by-side comparison, see our article on homestay vs student accommodation in Australia.

Who Can Apply for Homestay?

Our homestay programs are open to a wide range of international visitors looking for an authentic Australian experience. You can apply if you are:

Students: Enrolled in English language schools (ELICOS), TAFE, vocational colleges, or universities.

Visa Holders: Arriving on a Student Visa, Working Holiday Visa, or Visitor Visa.

Internship Participants: Taking part in professional placements or internships.

All Nationalities: We welcome students of all backgrounds and English proficiency levels.

Please Note: The minimum age for homestay is typically 13 years old. For students under 18, we provide additional welfare support to meet Australian government regulations.

A Truly Global Community

Global experience welcomes students from every corner of the world. Our community includes travellers from Asia, Southeast Asia, Europe, the United States of America, South America and the Middle East, with students from countries such as Japan, Korea, China, Vietnam, Indonesia, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, India, Pakistan, Nepal, France, Turkey, Germany, Italy, Belgium, Spain, the United States of America, Brazil, the United Arab Emirates, Oman and Saudi Arabia.

Support in Your Language

Moving to a new country is a big step, and we are here to make it easier. Our diverse team speaks several languages, allowing us to support you throughout the application process in:

English

Mandarin & Cantonese

Indonesian & Tagalog

Spanish & Portuguese

If you’re feeling nervous about the paperwork or have specific questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to us in the language you’re most comfortable with!

How to Apply for Homestay with Global experience

Getting started with Global experience is simple. We recommend applying at least 4-8 weeks before your arrival to ensure we can find the perfect match for your preferences.

Step 1: The Online Application

Complete our student application form. You’ll be asked about your place of study, the city you'll be living in, and your personal preferences. including hobbies, pets, and any dietary requirements (like Halal or Gluten-Free).

Step 2: Capacity Check and Booking

Our team reviews your profile and checks our current host availability in your chosen city. Once we confirm we can fulfill your request, we will send you an invoice for the placement and initial fees to secure your booking.

Step 3: Confirmation and Placement

Once you have agreed to our terms and conditions and paid your initial fees, your placement is officially confirmed! Our team then gets to work matching you with the host family that best fits your profile.

Step 4: Final Details & Introduction

Approximately 3-4 weeks before you arrive, we send your final confirmation. This is the perfect time to reach out to your host family via email or phone to introduce yourself and share your flight details!

Is Homestay in Australia Regulated?

The homestay industry in Australia operates within a structured legislative and professional framework to ensure the safety and well-being of every student.

The ESOS Framework: The Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Act is a piece of Australian legislation that protects the rights of international students. It mandates that all accommodation arrangements especially for those under the age of 18 must meet strict standards of safety, quality and support.

NEAS Quality Assurance: Global experience is proud to operate in line with these national requirements. Furthermore, being audited and accredited by bodies such as NEAS (National ELT Accreditation Scheme) means our internal processes including host family suitability, student welfare, and placement procedures are regularly reviewed against the highest industry benchmarks.

Your Safety Net: These regulations ensure that when you choose an approved provider, you aren't just renting a room; you are entering a system designed to prioritise your welfare, providing a consistent and high-quality experience across all Australian cities.

Which Cities Does Global experience Cover?

Global experience places students in vetted homestays across four of Australia’s most popular study destinations. Each city offers a unique lifestyle and cost profile:

Sydney: Australia’s largest and most famous city. It is home to world-class universities, iconic landmarks like the Opera House, and a vibrant, multicultural international student community.

Melbourne: Renowned as Australia’s cultural and coffee capital. Melbourne is consistently ranked as one of the world's most liveable cities and is a top destination for university and arts students.

Brisbane: A relaxed, sunny, and fast-growing city. Brisbane offers a high standard of living with a generally lower cost of daily expenses compared to Sydney or Melbourne.

Gold Coast: Famous for its stunning beaches and outdoor lifestyle. The Gold Coast is a popular choice for students looking to balance their English language studies with a famous Australian coastal experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have my own key to the house?

Yes. You will be provided with your own house key so you can come and go independently. We simply ask that you be respectful of your host family's noise levels if you return home late.

Can I use the kitchen to cook my own food?

While your host provides your main meals, you are welcome to use the kitchen to prepare light snacks or make a cup of tea. For safety and comfort, full cooking is not normally allowed in a standard meals‑included homestay.

If you book a Homestay Self‑Catered option, you may cook your own meals and have regular use of the kitchen facilities, in consultation with your host about suitable times and shared space.

Is laundry included?

Yes. You will have full access to the laundry facilities. Most students do their own laundry once or twice a week, and your host will show you how to use the machine and where to dry your clothes.

How far will my homestay be from my school?

We aim to place students no more than 60 minutes from their campus via public transport. During your application, we take your school location into account to ensure your daily commute is as easy as possible.

What if I want to stay longer or leave early?

If you’d like to extend your stay, just let us know at least two weeks in advance. If you decide to move out early, a standard notice period (usually two weeks) applies.

Common Keywords Students Search Before Choosing Homestay in Australia

If you are searching for international student accommodation in Australia, living with an Australian family, or safe student housing in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, or the Gold Coast, you’ve come to the right place. Global experience has been the trusted bridge between students and local homes since 1999.

Ready to Apply for Homestay in Australia?

You’ve done the research - now it’s time to make it real. Our multilingual team is ready to support you in English, Mandarin, Cantonese, Indonesian, Tagalog, Spanish, or Portuguese. We make the entire process simple, even from the other side of the world.

Apply for homestay in Australia today - or contact our team with any questions about pricing, city options, or how the process works. We'd love to hear from you.