Accommodation options

There are three accommodation options available for students enrolled in the International Students Program and Study Abroad program.

  • living with parents or relatives approved by the Department of Home Affairs
  • living with parent-nominated homestay
  • living in homestay arranged by DE International.

Please note:

  • exchange students must be accommodated with host families organised by student exchange organisations
  • study tour accommodation is organised by the host school or tour operator.
  • annual living costs have been estimated at A$21,041 by the Department of Home Affairs.

Temporary Residents Program students must:

  • live with a parent if they are on a dependent visa
  • live with a parent or direct relative on other temporary visas.

Information for Parents of International Students in Primary Schools (Kindergarten to Year 6)

Information for International Students in Secondary High School (Years 7 to 12)

Living with parents or relatives approved by Department of Home Affairs

Primary school (Kindergarten to Year 6)

Students enrolling in any year level from Kindergarten to Year 4 must have a parent living with them at all times. Students in Years 5 and 6 can live with a parent or a relative approved by the Department of Home Affairs. This relative must agree to undertake carer responsibilities. In addition, DE International requires that this relative be over 25 years of age and must not be on a student or bridging visa.


High school (Years 7 to 12)

Students may live with a parent or relative approved by the Department of Home Affairs. This relative must agree to undertake carer responsibilities. International students enrolling in Year 7 or Year 8 are required to live with a relative approved by the Department of Home Affairs. The relative must:

  • be a resident of NSW
  • be able to remain in Australia until the student is 18 years of age
  • provide the Department of Home Affairs with evidence of direct relationship to the student
  • meet police clearance requirements, as set by the Department of Home Affairs.

In addition, DE International requires that this relative be over 25 years of age and must not be on a student or bridging visa.

Living in homestay arranged by DE International

A positive homestay experience provides a great opportunity for students to learn about the Australian culture and improve their English. It is also an essential part of the International Student Program to ensure students are well supported in a safe and friendly living environment.

Students enrolling in Years 9 to 12 may request to be placed with an Australian family in homestay accommodation. The homestay parent takes on the role of carer.

The NSW Department of Education considers the welfare of international students as a priority. DE International works closely with our registered homestay providers who find suitable families and set strict homestay requirements to ensure the accommodation and living arrangements are high quality and appropriate for international students.

For students living in a homestay arranged by our approved providers, DE International issues a Confirmation of Appropriate Accommodation and Welfare (CAAW) form for the purpose of student visa.

Interested in hosting an international student? Visit the ‘Become a homestay family’ page for information on the requirements and processes.

Living with parent nominated homestay

Parents of students enrolling in Years 9 - 12 may nominate for their child to live with a close family friend or distant relative. As these arrangements must be approved by the NSW Department of Education this nominated carer must meet the same requirements as those required of homestay families arranged by DE International. Procedures for approval are:

  • an accommodation placement fee applies
  • accommodation and living arrangements must meet our minimum Homestay Standards
  • both the parents and nominated carer must complete a Parent Nomination for Homestay form, providing details of the nominated carer and the household, as well as agreeing to carer responsibilities - please allow six weeks for screening and home inspection processes
  • the nominated carer must have a paid employment Working With Children Check clearance. All other household members aged over 18 years must have a volunteer Working with Children Check clearance. Clearances may take up to six weeks to be completed. Clearances are valid for 5 years and must be renewed prior to expiry
  • DE International arranges for one of its registered homestay companies to inspect the home to ensure it meets our minimum homestay standards. The home must be inspected on an annual basis to ensure it continues to meet these standards
  • once the nominated homestay meets all requirements DE International will approve the nominated carer as homestay.
  • DE International issues a Confirmation of Appropriate Accommodation and Welfare (CAAW) form for the student visa.

Students over 18 years

Students over 18 years of age should remain in homestay accommodation or continue to live with their relatives until they finish high school.

  • we may contact parents to approve any changes to students' living arrangements
  • students must provide to their school contact details of an adult who can also be present at school interviews and available in case of emergencies.