Homestay and host family placement service

Overseas students and their families, or schools and colleges that outsource homestay arrangements to you.

A placement or matching fee per student, plus a weekly or monthly management fee. Host families are usually paid a weekly rate out of the student's fees.

• Organised and good with paperwork
• Warm, clear communication with families and young people
• Sound judgement when screening hosts
• Calm when handling problems

• There is generally no single homestay business licence, but check your state or territory rules on Working with Children Checks (or equivalent clearances) for hosts, household members and your own staff, as requirements vary by state and role
• Schools and colleges enrolling overseas students under 18 have welfare and accommodation obligations under the National Code for CRICOS providers, so check what approval, screening or documentation they will require from you before they refer students
• Register for an ABN and check your tax obligations, and consider public liability and professional indemnity insurance plus a clear complaints and emergency process
• Check with your local council whether running the business from home needs approval
• Student welfare is a serious duty, so have clear policies for emergencies and safeguarding

Startup costs are typically around $2,000 to $8,000, depending on your insurance, website, screening systems and marketing. As a home-based business, you generally avoid premises costs, though you should check whether your council requires approval.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on how many students you place and whether families or schools pay you. Expect to spend at least about 12 hours a week.

There is generally no single homestay licence, but check Working with Children Check requirements for hosts, household members and staff in your state. Also check what schools need under the National Code, insurance, and council rules for home businesses.