Accomodation & Welfare
Students under 18 years
International students under 18 years of age must have appropriate accommodation and welfare arrangements in place for their period of study in Australia.
The following accommodation and welfare options are available:
- Living with parents or relatives approved by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC)
- Living with parent nominated homestay (distant relatives or close family friends approved by the NSW Department of Education and Training)
- Living in homestay accommodation arranged by DET International
NSW government schools do not offer boarding facilities.
1. Living with parents or relatives approved by DIAC
Primary School (Kindergarten - Year 6)
Primary school students in Kindergarten to Year 4 must have at least one of their parents living with them at all times. Students applying for Years 5 and 6 must live with their parent or direct relative, such as aunt/uncle or grandparent, who is a resident in NSW or holds a guardian visa. Direct relatives would not include older siblings over 21 years who hold a student visa.
Secondary School (Years 7 - 12)
Students may live with one or both parents for the full duration of enrolment.
Parents may also nominate on the visa application form a suitable relative to be appointed as the child's guardian:
- DIAC approved relatives include brothers, sisters, grandparents, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, step-parents, step-brothers/sisters, step-aunts/uncles, step-grandparents
- The relative agrees to undertake the responsibilities of the guardian/carer. For more information click here.
- The relative must be a resident of NSW, be over 21 years of age and must be able to remain in Australia until the student is 18 years of age
- Parents must provide proof of the relationship to the student to DIAC
- The relative must obtain an Australian Federal Police clearance
- DIAC is responsible for approving arrangements
2. Living with parent nominated homestay
For students aged 15 years or older, parents can nominate for their child to live with close family friends or distant relatives.- DET International will issue a Confirmation of Appropriate Accommodation and Welfare (CAAW) to DIAC to enable issue of your child's visa
- The nominated homestay parent takes on the role of guardian/carer for the student. For more information about responsibilities, click here.
- Parents must complete a Parent Nomination for Guardianship form. It may take up to 6 weeks for DET International to process requests and notify approval.
- Accommodation and living arrangements must meet the minimum homestay standards of DET International
- The person nominated to provide accommodation, along with all family members aged over 18 years, must satisfactorily complete a Working with Children Check
- Once all requirements are met and accommodation/welfare arrangements are considered satisfactory, DET International will approve the arrangements
- Accommodation placement fee including guardianship A$250 (GST inclusive) apply
- Airport pickup service can be arranged if required (A$140 GST inclusive)
3. Living in homestay arranged by DET International
For students aged 15 years or older, DET International can place students into approved local homestay accommodation.
- Homestay provides a unique opportunity to learn more about Australian life and to improve English language skills by living and sharing with an Australian host family.
- Homestay accommodation is arranged through independent homestay providers who have agreements with DET International to provide quality service
- The homestay parent takes on the role of guardian/carer. For more information about responsibilities of the guardian/carer, click here.
- To ensure students have a safe place to live, homestay providers and hosts ensure that individuals residing at the homestay premises undergo a satisfactory police check.
- Students are provided with their own bedroom, a study desk, and a shared bathroom.
- Accommodation arrangements meet DET International's required homestay standards and premises are regularly inspected by homestay providers to ensure that standards are being met
- The homestay family will provide two meals per day on weekdays, three meals on weekends
- DET International will issue the Confirmation of Appropriate Accommodation and Welfare (CAAW) to DIAC to enable issue of your child's visa
- Parents may request a change of homestay family by the homestay provider via DET International
- Homestay costs generally range from A$220 to A$290 per week. Costs are subject to change from time to time at the discretion of the homestay provider.
- Accommodation placement fee including guardianship A$250 (GST inclusive) apply
- Airport pickup service will be arranged (A$140 GST inclusive).
> Download the Homestay providers list
Students over 18 years
International students over 18 years are strongly encouraged to remain in homestay accommodation or continue to reside with their relatives until they complete high school. Parents may be contacted to approve any changes to students living arrangements.
Details of an adult contact person who can also be present at enrolment interviews must be provided in all cases.
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