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Spend 6–12 months living with an Australian host family, caring for their children and experiencing everyday life in Australia—not just the tourist version.

Receive your own room, meals and weekly pocket money, along with arrival orientation and ongoing support from AIFS.

See If You Qualify Apply Now

Quick Program Facts

Program Length

6–12 months

Age

18–30

Start Dates

Year-round

Childcare

Up to 35 hours/week

Accommodation

Private room + meals

Compensation

Weekly pocket money

More Than a Trip to Australia

As an AIFS au pair, you’ll live with an Australian host family for at least six months and help care for their children. In return, you’ll receive a private room, meals and weekly pocket money. You’ll also have time to explore, meet other au pairs and experience Australia as part of a local community.

Placements may be available in major cities, coastal communities, regional towns and rural areas. You can share your preferences, but finding a suitable host-family match should come first.

What’s Included

Host-Family Placement

A placement of six months or longer with a screened Australian host family.
Room, Meals & Pocket Money

Your own room, full board and weekly pocket money from your host family.
Sydney Arrival

Four nights of accommodation, breakfast, orientation and first-aid training.
Support in Australia

A local Community Counsellor and access to 24/7 emergency support.
Au Pair Community

A WhatsApp group and opportunities to connect with other au pairs.
Time to Explore

At least 1.5 days off each week, plus a completion benefit for eligible participants.

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Life as an Au Pair

Your schedule will depend on your host family and the ages of their children. Typical responsibilities may include:

Helping children get ready for the day
Preparing simple meals and snacks
School drop-offs, pick-ups and activities
Playing with the children and helping with homework
Children’s laundry and keeping their rooms or play areas tidy
Occasional evening babysitting
Sharing your culture, traditions and interests

Your primary role is childcare. You may help with light household duties related to the children, but you should not be expected to provide general or heavy housework.

Au pair next to a welcome sign in Australia.

Could This Be Right for You?

This program may be a good fit if you:

Enjoy working with children and have meaningful childcare experience
Want to live abroad for at least six months
Are responsible, adaptable and comfortable becoming part of another family’s routine
Want support finding and preparing for a host-family placement
Are interested in cultural exchange, travel and building international experience

Check Your Eligibility

How It Works

Step 1

Tell us about yourself

Complete a short inquiry or start your application.

Step 2

Complete your application

Share your childcare experience, references, photos, video and required documents.

Step 3

Meet potential host families

Speak with families and decide whether the placement is suitable for both sides.

Step 4

Prepare for Australia

Complete your visa and travel arrangements, then begin with arrival support in Sydney.

Why Choose AIFS?

Finding a host family through an informal website may seem simple, but it does not provide the same preparation, screening or support.

AIFS reviews participating host families, helps you prepare for interviews and supports you throughout your placement. Once you arrive in Australia, you’ll have access to a local Community Counsellor and 24/7 emergency assistance.

AIFS has created international cultural exchange opportunities since 1964 and has offered au pair placements in Australia for more than 30 years.

Moving abroad is a big decision. We provide information for parents about the application, host-family matching, arrival orientation and support available in Australia.

Information for Parents

Ready to Find Out More?

Complete our short form and a member of the AIFS team will contact you with program information and next steps.