Hosting students in New South Wales
Hosting Students in New South Wales: A Comprehensive Guide
Introduction
New South Wales (NSW), home to Australia's largest city, Sydney, is one of the most sought-after destinations for international students. With a robust education system, renowned universities, and a multicultural population, NSW attracts tens of thousands of students every year. For many of these students, homestay accommodation offers a practical, safe, and culturally immersive living experience.
This report explores the practice of hosting students in New South Wales, including eligibility, benefits, responsibilities, legal considerations, and insights from current hosts and students. Whether you are a potential host or simply curious about international education, this guide offers valuable information on how homestay works and how it contributes to student success in NSW.
1. Overview of International Education in NSW
Key Statistics
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NSW hosts over 260,000 international students annually.
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Sydney alone accounts for more than 40% of Australia’s international student population.
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Top source countries include China, India, Nepal, Vietnam, and South Korea.
Educational Institutions: Hosting students in New South Wales
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Public and Private High Schools
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English Language Colleges
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TAFE NSW (Technical and Further Education)
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Universities such as:
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The University of Sydney
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UNSW Sydney
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Macquarie University
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University of Technology Sydney (UTS)
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Each of these institutions supports students with accommodation options, including homestay programs coordinated through school departments or partnered homestay agencies.
2. What is a Homestay?
. This type of accommodation is popular for:
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High school students (typically under 18)
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Language school attendees
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First-year university students
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Short-term exchange students
Key Features of Homestay: Hosting students in New South Wales
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A private, furnished bedroom
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Meals provided (usually two to three per day)
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Access to laundry, internet, and household amenities
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Emotional support and cultural integration
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Supervision for underage students (as required)
Homestay aims to provide a safe, family-oriented environment while enabling students to immerse themselves in Australian life.
3. Who Can Become a Homestay Host?
General Requirements
To become a homestay host in NSW, you must:
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Be over the age of 25 (in most cases)
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Be an Australian citizen or permanent resident
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Reside in a clean, safe, and comfortable home
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Be willing to engage and support a student
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Pass background checks (including Working With Children Check)
All adult members of the household must obtain a valid NSW Working With Children Check (WWCC) if hosting a student under 18 years of age.
Home Requirements
The home must:
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Be within reasonable proximity to the student’s school
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Have a private, furnished bedroom
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Offer access to communal areas (kitchen, bathroom, lounge)
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Provide safe and hygienic living conditions
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Be smoke-free (especially inside)
Some agencies or schools may conduct home inspections before approving a host.
4. Hosting High School Students in NSW
Overview
Many international students aged 12–18 attend public or private high schools in NSW. The NSW Department of Education operates an official international student program that includes a regulated homestay service.
Guardianship
Students under 18 must have approved guardianship arrangements. Hosts may be nominated as guardians if they meet specific criteria and agree to take on a higher level of responsibility.
Host Duties: Hosting students in New South Wales
For high school students, hosts must:
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Provide 3 nutritious meals a day
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Ensure the student attends school regularly
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Supervise study, curfews, and extracurricular activities
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Communicate with the student’s family or guardians if needed
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Report concerns to the school or agency
5. Hosting University and TAFE Students
Greater Independence
Students attending universities or TAFE institutions in NSW are usually over 18 and require less direct supervision. However, homestays remain popular for:
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New arrivals
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Students seeking short-term accommodation
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Learners who value cultural connection
Flexible Arrangements
University students may opt for:
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Full-board: 3 meals per day
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Half-board: breakfast and dinner
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Self-catered: accommodation only
Host expectations vary but generally include providing a welcoming environment, basic amenities, and communication support.
6. Homestay Agencies in NSW: Hosting students in New South Wales
Many schools and universities in NSW partner with homestay agencies to manage the host-student matching process. Some reputable agencies include:
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The Custodian Sydney
- Student Homestay and Guardianship Australia
Agency Responsibilities
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Screening and approving hosts
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Conducting home inspections
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Matching students to suitable hosts
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Offering 24/7 support for emergencies
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Collecting feedback and handling complaints
Agencies help ensure that both hosts and students have a safe, productive homestay experience.
7. Financial Aspects of Hosting
Payment Rates
Hosts typically receive:
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AUD $300–$380 per week for full-board high school students
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AUD $250–$330 per week for university or college students
Rates vary depending on location, services offered, and the student’s age.
Inclusions: Hosting students in New South Wales
The weekly payment usually covers:
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Meals
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Utility bills
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Use of household items (washing machine, kitchen, internet)
Hosts are not allowed to charge extra for basic living services unless specified in the agreement.
8. Cultural Exchange and Benefits: Hosting students in New South Wales
Benefits for Hosts
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Cultural Enrichment: Hosts learn about different cultures, traditions, and cuisines.
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Friendship and Connection: Many hosts build lasting relationships with their students.
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Personal Fulfilment: Supporting a young person’s journey in Australia is highly rewarding.
Benefits for Students: Hosting students in New South Wales
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English Immersion: Living with native speakers improves language proficiency.
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Cultural Familiarity: Students adapt more easily to Australian society.
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Emotional Support: Hosts offer comfort and guidance away from home.
9. Legal and Regulatory Framework: Hosting students in New South Wales
ESOS Act
The Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Act 2000 protects the rights of international students and ensures high standards of accommodation and care.
National Code 2018
The National Code of Practice for Providers of Education and Training to Overseas Students outlines responsibilities regarding:
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Accommodation suitability
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Welfare of students under 18
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Emergency support systems
NSW Child Protection Laws
All homestay hosts must comply with child protection regulations. The NSW Office of the Children’s Guardian oversees the WWCC, and non-compliance can result in penalties.
10. Daily Life of a Homestay Host: Hosting students in New South Wales
Sample Routine
Morning: Prepare breakfast, ensure student is ready for school
Afternoon: Check in with student, help with homework if needed
Evening: Share dinner, discuss their day, enforce curfew (if under 18)
Common Activities
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Weekend outings or family BBQs
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Attending cultural festivals
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Sharing cooking and recipes
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Helping students with transport, errands, or shopping
Hosts are not required to entertain students constantly but are encouraged to involve them in family life.
11. Common Challenges
Communication Issues
Language barriers and cultural misunderstandings may cause frustration. Patience, open-mindedness, and non-verbal communication help bridge gaps.
Dietary Restrictions
Students may have allergies or religious dietary requirements. Hosts should discuss these before placement.
Homesickness and Mental Health: Hosting students in New South Wales
Young students may experience loneliness or anxiety. Hosts should be empathetic and refer students to school counselors or support services when needed.
Household Conflicts
Clear expectations and house rules (regarding chores, noise, guests, etc.) help prevent conflicts.
12. Safety and Emergency Preparedness
Emergency Contacts
Hosts should have emergency contact numbers for:
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School or agency coordinators
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Local police and hospitals
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Student’s guardians or embassy
Safety Measures
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Smoke detectors
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First aid kits
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Lockable doors
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Adequate lighting
Hosts must ensure a secure, stable home environment.
13. Testimonials: Hosting students in New South Wales
Host Family: The Wilsons from Sydney
“We’ve hosted students from Japan, Brazil, and Korea. Each experience has taught us something new. It’s like traveling the world from your kitchen table.”
Student: Amara from Thailand
“I felt very welcomed by my host family. They helped me with English, invited me to family gatherings, and treated me like their own child.”
14. Future of Homestays in NSW
Post-COVID Recovery
The Australian international education sector is rebounding, and NSW is seeing increased demand for student accommodation.
Tech Integration: Hosting students in New South Wales
New platforms and apps are improving the matching, monitoring, and communication between hosts, students, and coordinators.
Government Support
The NSW Government supports homestay programs through international student initiatives, tourism partnerships, and regulatory oversight.
Conclusion
Hosting students in New South Wales is a rewarding opportunity that offers economic, cultural, and personal benefits. With structured guidelines, agency support, and legal protections in place, homestay provides students with a nurturing environment and gives hosts the chance to make a meaningful impact on a young person’s life.
By embracing cultural diversity and committing to student welfare, homestay hosts in NSW contribute significantly to the success of international education in Australia. Whether you're considering becoming a host or expanding an existing program, New South Wales offers an ideal setting for positive, enriching student-host experiences.
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