Accommodation / Welfare

Students under 18 Years of Age

International students under 18 years of age must have suitable accommodation and welfare arrangements while they are studying in Australia.
You can choose from:

• Living with parents or relatives approved by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC)
• Living with parent-nominated homestay with distant relatives or close family friends approved by the NSW Department of Education and Communities
• Living in homestay accommodation arranged by DEC International Students Centre
• Annual living costs have been estimated at A$18,000 by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC).

Please note: NSW government schools are not boarding schools.

1. Living with Parents or Relatives Approved by Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC)

Primary School (Kindergarten–Year 6)

Primary school students enrolling into 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 suitable direct relative. Please note: older siblings on student visas will not be approved.

High School (Years 7–12)

High school students may live with one or both parents, or a relative can be the student’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
  • Be able to remain in Australia until the student is 18 years of age
  • Obtain an Australian Federal Police clearance

• Parents must provide DIAC with proof that the guardian is related to the student

• DIAC is responsible for approving arrangements

Please note: international students enrolling into Year 7 and Year 8 are required to live with a DIAC-approved relative.

2. Living with Parent-Nominated Homestay

Parents of students who are enrolling in Years 9 to 12 may nominate for their child to live with close family friends or distant relatives.

• Accommodation and living arrangements must meet the minimum homestay standards of DEC International Students Centre
• Parents complete a Parent Nomination for Homestay form. Allow 6 weeks for DEC International Students Centre to process requests and notify approval
• DEC International Students Centre issues a Confirmation of Appropriate Accommodation and Welfare (CAAW) for your child's visa
• The person nominated to provide accommodation, and all family members aged over 18 years, must complete a Working with Children Check
• DEC International Students Centre will approve the arrangements once the nominated homestay meets all requirements
• The nominated homestay parent becomes guardian/carer for the student. Find out more information about guardian/carer responsibilities
• An accommodation placement fee of A$250 applies
• Airport pickup service can be arranged for a fee of A$140

3. Living in Homestay Arranged by NSW Department of Education and Communities

DEC International Students Centre can place students in Years 9 to 12 in approved homestay accommodation.

• Living with a homestay family provides an opportunity to learn about Australian life and improve English language skills
• Students in homestay have their own bedroom and study desk, and share a bathroom
• The homestay family provides 2 meals a day on weekdays, and 3 meals a day on weekends
• The homestay parent becomes the guardian/carer. Find out more information about guardian/carer responsibilities
• Homestay accommodation is arranged through independent homestay providers who have agreements with NSW Department of Education and Communities to provide quality service
• Homestay accommodation meets NSW Department of Education and Communities's required homestay standards
• Homestay providers regularly inspect homestay accommodation
• NSW Department of Education and Communities issues the Confirmation of Appropriate Accommodation and Welfare (CAAW) to DIAC so that DIAC can issue a visa
• Homestay providers and hosts arrange for everyone living at the homestay to complete a police check
• Parents may ask NSW Department of Education and Communities to request the homestay provider to change the homestay family
• Homestay costs range from A$240 to A$300 per week, and are subject to change from time to time at the discretion of the homestay provider
• Accommodation Placement fee is A$250
• Airport pickup service can be arranged for a fee of A$140

> Download the Homestay providers list

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Students over 18 years

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

• Parents may be contacted by NSW Department of Education and Communities to approve any changes to students’ living arrangements
• Details of an adult contact person who can also be present at enrolment interviews and available in case of emergencies must be provided to NSW Department of Education and Communities by the student or parents in all cases
• Annual living costs have been estimated at A$18,000 by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC).