Short Term and Temporary Accommodation Options 

New Homestay Standards

StudyGoldCoast supports the new standards for Homestay in Australia which help ensure a safe and happy introduction for all international students. It is important that visiting students only use Homestay programs that meet these important standards.

The standards can be found on the following site: http://sydney.edu.au/cet//students/cethomestaystandards.pdf 

Best Option

The best option for short term and temporary accommodation for new international students in Australia is to spend their first 4 weeks in a properly hosted Australian Homestay Network (AHN) Homestay program.

Homestay is a cultural exchange between a local individual or family (called a Host) and a visiting student.  The student lives as a guest in the host family’s home.

Australian Homestay Network

The Australian Homestay Network (AHN) was recently commended by the Government’s Senate Inquiry into the Welfare of International Students for meeting the ‘appropriate’ standards in homestay services. AHN provides a suitable range of Homestay options across Australia.    

Why is Homestay a great option?

AHN Homestay Hosts are trained to assist international students:

• Settling into their new community
• Understanding the basics of Australian culture
• Everyday conversational skills
• Learning the basics such as buying transport tickets, where the local shops are, how to access banking, internet, mobile phone and personal safety tips
• Frequently used English and ‘Aussie’ words and phrases

Unlike other accommodation options students don’t need to sign any long-term contracts, pay a bond, find furniture or search for a property themselves. Students are matched by a fully trained AHN Supervisor to a suitable AHN Homestay Host according to the needs of the student and education provider location.  

What is included in Homestay?

An AHN Homestay student is provided with:  

• A clean furnished room (this includes items like a bed, desk, wardrobe, chair and a study lamp), as well as a supportive family environment and home to live in
• Meals (as specified) and accommodation (including utilities)
• Ongoing Homestay host and student support
• AHN 24/7 professional phone support
• AHN Contents Insurance for students and hosts as per AHN Insurance Policy  

 http://www.homestaynetwork.org/public/ahn-insurance 

The visiting student will have access to bathroom and laundry facilities as well and can choose a range of AHN meal service options. Students are welcome to extend their original homestay placement.

For further details go to www.homestaynetwork.org 

How do I organise my Australian Homestay?

1. Go to www.homestaynetwork.org click on JOIN AS STUDENT- enter your details and we will organise the rest for you!
2. If you are an Education Agent go to http://www.homestaynetwork.org/public/agents and you can obtain your own log in and use the one process for homestay applications anywhere in Australia 

Additional Information or Questions  

Please contact us by emailing This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or contact us by phone (if calling from overseas) + 61 2 890 50321

Or if you are already in Australia please phone: 1300 MY STAY (1300 69 7829)