Program Details
What Is an Au Pair?
An au pair is a young person who lives with a host family and helps care for their children as part of a cultural exchange.
In return for providing up to 35 hours of childcare and related help each week, you’ll receive your own room, meals and weekly pocket money. You’ll become part of your host family’s everyday life while experiencing Australia in a way most visitors never do.
What Will I Do?
Your responsibilities will depend on the children’s ages and your host family’s routine. They may include:
- Preparing simple meals and snacks for the children
- Helping with morning or bedtime routines
- Taking children to school, activities or appointments
- Playing, reading and helping with homework
- Children’s laundry and tidying their rooms or play spaces
- Light cleanup related to meals or childcare
- Occasional babysitting
Before accepting a placement
Speak with the family about the children, duties, weekly schedule, driving expectations, location, household routine and time off. A placement should be confirmed only when both you and the family understand and agree to the arrangement.
Pocket Money and Placement Levels
Your weekly pocket money is based on your childcare experience and the number of hours you provide care. Current program categories are:
| Level | Experience | Weekly pocket money | Completion benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classic | At least 200 referenced childcare hours | AUD $295–$330* | AUD $300 bonus + one week leave/equivalent* |
| Plus | At least 200 hours, including 100 hours with children under age 3 | AUD $295–$330* | AUD $300 bonus + one week leave/equivalent* |
| Platinum | Qualifying professional, education or extended au pair experience | AUD $350–$385* | AUD $300 bonus + one week leave/equivalent* |
*Amounts are in Australian dollars and should be reconfirmed before publication. Clarify the practical distinction between Classic and Plus because the current pocket-money ranges are the same.
Begin Your Experience in Sydney
Before meeting your host family, you’ll spend four nights in Sydney preparing for your placement. You’ll meet other participants, learn about Australian culture and family life, receive practical guidance and complete first-aid training.
- Four nights of arrival accommodation, including breakfast
- AIFS orientation and placement preparation
- First-aid course
- Sydney walking tour
- Airport transfer, subject to program conditions
- Practical assistance, including establishing a bank account
- Connection with other participants through WhatsApp
Support Throughout Your Experience
AIFS supports participants through the application and matching process, preparation before departure, arrival in Sydney and the host-family placement.
- Application and interview guidance
- Host-family matching assistance
- Predeparture information
- A local Community Counsellor
- 24/7 emergency support
- Au Pair Handbook and practical resources
- Opportunities to connect with other au pairs
- Assistance if concerns arise during the placement
Placement Concerns
AIFS will first work with you and your host family to help resolve concerns. If AIFS determines that the placement cannot continue, assistance may include another host-family placement or access to Work & Travel services. Avoid promising an automatic rematch unless the program terms guarantee one.
Could Australia Be Your Next Move?
Check the eligibility requirements and learn what costs to plan for.