You can live with a parent or a close relative if they are also living in Victoria during your studies. With this option, your parent or close relative has responsibility for your welfare instead of the Department of Education (the department).
All students under 15 years of age and students with additional needs must select this option.
You can also live with a Department of Home Affairs (DHA) approved relative. The relative must be approved by DHA and:
This option is ideal for students aged under 15 years if their parent or legal guardian is unable to live with them during their Victorian government school studies.
Parents can also nominate a close family friend or relative who isn’t on the approved DHA list.
With this option, your school takes responsibility for your welfare on behalf of the department.
International students must be 15 years of age or older to stay with a parent-nominated homestay family. Your nominated family friend or relative must:
Please note: Prior to the student’s placement in the parent-nominated homestay, the Parent-Nominated Homestay Form must be completed by the parent, legal guardian or the nominated homestay provider and returned to the department.
Our school-arranged homestay program offers a unique cultural and language experience. For this option you need to be 15 years of age or older.
With this option, your school takes responsibility for your welfare on behalf of the department.
Your school will carefully select your homestay family and will:
Victoria has many different types of families and communities. Meet one of our homestay families and find out how it all works.
The sense of family and community is very strong in Melbourne and our student cities across Victoria. And that's what makes a homestay experience in Victoria so special. Our families are part of the school community and often have children at the same school. So, you might know someone at the school from day one.
When you arrive in a new country, learning a new language and finishing your studies can be hard. Having the support of another family and a connection to your local community can make all the difference to your education, health and wellbeing.
A homestay family in Victoria is a great way to feel that you belong while you're away from your own family.
Living with a homestay family is more than just a room to sleep. Our homestay families offer:
Enabling you to have a safe, comfortable place to stay during your studies is just as important as the school you attend. Your homestay family takes their responsibilities very seriously, especially your safety. They'll be well aware of your needs as a new arrival in Australia.
Our families really want you to enjoy your homestay. There are opportunities for family extra-curricular and social activities, but they'll also make sure that you are home at a reasonable hour and spending enough time doing study and homework.
Our schools select homestay families from their local school communities according to a clear set of criteria and the needs, preferences and expectations of individual students.
Schools interview new homestay families to check how well they can look after an international student. This includes visiting the homestay and making sure that everyone in the household that is 18 years of age and over has a Working With Children Check from the government.
A school representative visits the homes of our homestay families every 6 months to make sure the accommodation is comfortable and of a high standard for:
You will also receive a homestay profile before you arrive so you can get to know your homestay family.
Our homestay families come from a variety of backgrounds and cultures. For example, there are:
We want you to have a true home away from home. Our International Student Coordinators (ISC) make sure you're happy with your homestay family.
Your International Student Coordinator will pick you up from the airport and take you to your homestay family. After you arrive, they will check how you're settling into your new student accommodation and if you have any additional needs or concerns.
