Host a Student

Homestay is an opportunity to welcome an international student into your home while they study at BROWNS. By providing a comfortable, furnished place to live and shared meals, hosts help students feel supported, build confidence in English, and experience real Australian life.

Anyone with a safe, welcoming home and a genuine interest in supporting international students can apply. You don’t need prior hosting experience – just a spare furnished room, a friendly attitude, WWCC/Blue Card and a willingness to share Australian culture.

Yes. Homestay hosts must live within a reasonable commuting distance of a BROWNS campus using public transport.

Campus travel guidelines:

• Brisbane & Gold Coast

  • Up to 50 minutes by public transport (door-to-door)

    • Brisbane campus: 102 Adelaide Street, Brisbane

    • Gold Coast campus: 5 Hicks Street, Southport

  • Public transport should be checked via translink.com.au

• Melbourne

  • Up to 1 hour and 15 minutes by public transport (door-to-door)

    • Melbourne campus: 30 Church Lane, Melbourne

  • Public transport should be checked via Public Transport Victoria (PTV)

BROWNS students come from all over the world and include young learners, and adults. We carefully match students with hosts based on preferences, lifestyle, and household dynamics to ensure a positive experience for everyone.

Yes. Homestay hosts are required to provide meals based on the student placement. This typically includes breakfast and dinner on weekdays, and all meals on weekends (half board).

Some students may request full board (three meals every day) or have specific dietary requirements (such as vegetarian, halal, gluten-free, allergies, etc). These arrangements are discussed in advance and are paid at a higher rate.

Hosts are welcome to let us know their preferences, such as offering half board only or choosing which meal plans they are comfortable providing.

Stays can range from a few weeks to several months, depending on the student’s course length. Many hosts enjoy welcoming multiple students throughout the year. You can let us know your preferences.

Hosts receive weekly payments to cover accommodation and meals. Rates vary depending on the type of placement and student age, and payments are made regularly and reliably.

No – English is perfect! In fact, speaking English at home is one of the most valuable parts of the homestay experience, helping students build confidence and communication skills in a natural setting.

BROWNS offers full support throughout the hosting experience, including:

• Careful student matching

• Clear homestay guidelines

• 24/7 emergency support

• Ongoing communication with our accommodation team

Yes. Many students enjoy living with families and pets. We simply share this information with students in advance to ensure the match is suitable.

All hosts must complete the application process, including a home inspection and relevant background checks (such as Working With Children checks). This ensures a safe and supportive environment for students.

Students come from many different cultural backgrounds, but most are happy with simple, home-cooked meals. Any dietary requirements or food preferences will be shared with you in advance, and our team is always happy to offer guidance if you’re unsure.

Before arrival, we’ll provide you with the student’s profile, arrival details, and homestay guidelines. We recommend preparing the student’s bedroom, ensuring the home is clean and welcoming, and planning meals for the first few days to help the student settle in comfortably.

You will receive the student’s profile (PDF) before confirming the placement. This helps ensure the placement is a good fit for both you and the student.

No. Hosts are not required to provide daily transport. Students are expected to travel independently using public transport or bicycle. However, help with directions or showing them how to use local transport during their first few days is always appreciated.

In some cases, under 18 students may request weekday transport assistance to/from the school. Hosts can choose whether to opt in or out of providing this support. Any transport arrangements are discussed and agreed in advance and are paid at a higher rate.

That’s no problem. You can let us know your availability to host.

Simply complete our Online Application Form, and a member of the BROWNS accommodation team will be in touch to guide you through the next steps.