Become a host family

Open your home, expand your world

Hosting an international student through the ELC Homestay Program is a rewarding experience that enriches your family life while making a difference to a student's journey in Australia.

As a host family, you'll have the opportunity to share your home, your daily life and your culture with a student who is eager to learn and connect. Most students are between 18–23 years old and typically stay for two to three weeks, with some placements lasting longer. In 2026, host families will receive AUD$390 per week to help cover expenses.

Host families come in all shapes and sizes. Couples, individuals, and families with or without children are all welcome. What matters most is a genuine interest in other cultures and a safe and welcoming environment.

All host families are assessed by our Homestay Coordinator prior to hosting, and you’ll receive ongoing support throughout the placement.

Host responsibilities

To ensure a positive experience for everyone, host families are expected to provide the following:

Airport reception on arrival and departure
A clean, safe and comfortable home environment
A furnished bedroom with a desk and chair for study
Three meals per day: breakfast, a packed lunch and dinner
Access to a bathroom and laundry facilities
Access to internet
Easy access to public transport, allowing the student to travel to and from campus within 50 minutes.

All hosts must complete a police check for all household members aged 18 and over and sign a Code of Conduct annually.

Why become a host family?

Hosting a student offers many rewards for you and your family, including:

Learning about a new culture
Sharing Australian culture
Building long-term friendships with people from around the world
Supporting a young person’s learning and education
Weekly reimbursements to help cover student-related expenses.

How we support you

We understand that welcoming a student into your home is a significant commitment, and we can support you throughout your hosting duties.

All families receive a visit from our Homestay Coordinator before the placement begins to assess suitability and ensure a safe and positive environment. Families are also invited to attend information sessions before the program begins.

Hosts will receive AUD $390 per week in 2026 to help cover food, entertainment and other student-related expenses. Ongoing support from our Homestay Coordinator is available during every placement.

All students are required to maintain appropriate medical insurance for the duration of their stay in Australia, as part of our commitment to their wellbeing and to provide additional reassurance for host families.

Become a host family

Ready to get involved? If you're interested in becoming a host family, complete our online application. Our team will contact you with next steps after receiving your application.

Apply now

Contact the ELC

Have a question about studying with ELC? Get in touch with our friendly team.

Email: homestay@adelaide.edu.au,

Phone: +61 8 8313 4777