AIFS Au Pair
For Parents
Program Length
6-12 months
Age Requirement
Aged 18-30 years old
Registration Deadline
Open all year
Remuneration
Weekly pocket money
Accommodation
With your Host Family
The AIFS Difference
60+ years of trusted experience & care
We understand that sending your child abroad is a big decision. At AIFS, we’ve been supporting cultural exchange opportunities for over 60 years and deeply value the trust parents place in us. Our goal is to ensure your child has a safe, rewarding and memorable experience in Australia.
From the application process to the end of their placement, we’re here to provide guidance, reassurance and ongoing support. Parents are always welcome to reach out if they have questions or need extra peace of mind.
Daily Life in Australia
What does an Au Pair do?
An Au Pair in Australia lives with a Host Family for six months or more, providing up to 35 hours of childcare per week in exchange for room, board and pocket money. Tasks are solely focused on children’s needs – such as tidying rooms, preparing meals, or helping with laundry.
The role is about more than childcare. It’s a unique cultural exchange where your child will gain independence, share their own culture, and build global understanding – valuable life skills that enhance their future opportunities.
A Safe, Successful Process
Carefully Matching Families
All Host Families undergo a thorough screening process, including applications, reference checks and police checks for every adult in the household. Placements typically last at least six months, with both Au Pairs and families interviewed to ensure a good match.
We prioritise compatibility, so your child is placed with a family that shares similar interests and expectations. No placement is confirmed until both the Au Pair and Host Family agree, giving everyone full control and confidence in the decision.
24/7 Support
With you every step of the journey
From the moment your child arrives in Sydney, they’ll be welcomed with a four-night stay, a full orientation and the chance to meet the AIFS team. Once they join their Host Family, our staff remain in regular contact and provide ongoing support.
Your child will also have access to a local Community Counsellor and our 24/7 emergency phone line. Even after their placement, AIFS continues to assist with travel, casual work and ongoing safety support until their return home.
Au Pair in Australia
What’s included:
A 6-month or greater guaranteed placement with an Australian Host Family
Your own room plus full board
Weekly pocket money, a $300 AUD bonus, plus one week's leave or equivalent upon completion
Airport transfer (conditions apply)
4 nights' accommodation on arrival at award-winning Wake Up Hostel, including breakfast
Coogee to Bondi Walking Tour with a free $10 drink voucher at the famous Salty’s
$10 drink voucher to use at Sydney's famous Side Bar
AIFS orientation plus first aid course
Assistance setting up your mobile phone including optional sim cards
Bank account
24/7 support from AIFS, including our After-Hours Community Counsellor
FREE transfer to Work & Travel Australia upon completion of your placement
Au Pair Handbook
Discounted travel offers with AIFS Travel
Have Questions?
Take a look at our frequently asked questions below or if you've still not found the answers you need, get in touch. We're always happy to chat to you.
Need help with something?
Frequently Asked Questions
-
01What kind of childcare experience do I need?
You must have a minimum of 200 referenced hours of childcare, but this can cover basically anything related to children! For example, internships or work in daycare centres, schools, nurseries, children's nurses, camp counsellors, sports coaches, babysitting or tutoring. Caring for family members is also great experience and should be included on your application, however it won’t be counted as childcare hours.
-
02What does an Au Pair do?
An Au Pair is a young person who comes to Australia from another country to provide childcare and related in-home support in exchange for experiencing life with an Australian family. The Host Family will supply room, board and pocket money for the duration of the placement.
All AIFS Au Pairs will need to help with light household duties that are childcare related, such as tidying the children's room, making their beds, preparing light lunches, cleaning up the kitchen after the preparation of meals or doing the laundry. An Au Pair’s primary role, however, is childcare.
-
03Where in Australia will I be placed?
We have Host Families all over Australia! Many are in popular places such as the major cities, but we also have placements in rural and outback Australia.
Ultimately finding the perfect family should take priority over living in your desired location, so try to keep that in mind. If you really want to go to a specific area, we will try and accommodate your needs, however we cannot guarantee this. Please remember that specific requests for location may result in us taking a little longer than usual to arrange your placement.
-
04What costs do I need to consider?
When applying to AIFS Au Pair in Australia, you will need consider the fees for our application and placement services. In addition, you should also factor in the cost of obtaining the following:
- Police check ($17.95 USD or £54 GBP)
- Australian Work & Holiday Visa ($640 AUD)
- Medical Report (cost varies)
- Working with Children Check (cost varies from $80-160 AUD)
- Whooping cough booster vaccination (approx. $50 USD)
- Flights (cost varies)
- Insurance (cost varies)
-
05When should I apply?
You can apply to AIFS Au Pair all year round as we have placements that start almost every week! We usually need a minimum of 6 weeks to get you through the application process, placed and out to Australia, but if you need a little more time that’s fine. Most people apply about 6 months in advance, but you can book up to a whole year in advance!
-
06Why choose AIFS?
There are many websites offering Au Pair services for free. However, what these sites don’t offer is safety and support. All AIFS Host Families go through a rigorous screening process before being accepted, so you have peace of mind knowing you are travelling to a safe place.
During your placement, you will have access to a dedicated Community Counsellor and 24/7 emergency support – something online searches cannot offer you.
AIFS is also accredited by Child Wise, has over 60 years’ experience in cultural exchange, and has been offering Au Pair placements for over 30 years. We are a registered business in Australia with a physical office and a team of staff who are here to support you!
-
07Can I extend my 6-month placement?
Yes! If both you and your Host Family want to extend your placement, then we can sort all that out for you in Australia.
-
08What if my placement doesn’t work out?
Occasionally we may hear from an Au Pair that she/he is struggling in the placement. In this case an AIFS Community Counsellor will assist you and your family with trying to resolve the issue. If AIFS determines that the placement cannot be continued, we will provide assistance that may include placement with another Host Family, or the services of AIFS Work & Travel.
AIFS Australia
Our Mission & Values
Our Values
Committed to care, respect and honesty
Our mission can only be achieved through exceptional support and care for our program participants to ensure their safety and wellbeing. We always provide honest, equitable and non-discriminatory treatment of program participants, our partners and employees, safeguarding teamwork and collaboration both within our organisation and with our partners.
Our Mission
Leading cultural exchange opportunities since 1964
The American Institute of Foreign Study (AIFS) provides the highest quality educational and cultural exchange programs to enrich the lives of young people throughout the world. Since 1964 we have been the leading provider of such opportunities, helping more than 1.8 million young people increase their global understanding in our diverse world.
Our Support
24/7 emergency support for all Au Pairs
Our support starts from the moment you apply. Our experienced team are always on hand to answer questions about the application process and help you find a perfectly matched placement for your experience and preferences. Once your placement begins, we’ll keep in touch to check it’s all going smoothly. Day or night, we are always just a phone call away.
