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Homestay (AHN)

AMET accommodation partner

Live like a local with an Australian homestay

Stay with a trained, vetted Australian host family through the Australian Homestay Network (AHN), the country’s largest homestay provider. Home-cooked meals, a furnished private room and a family around you from day one. AMET arranges it all before you fly, at no cost for our advice.

Find my homestay See homestay prices

What is homestay?

In a homestay you live in the home of an Australian host family. You get your own furnished bedroom, meals cooked at home and day-to-day support, so settling in, improving your English and getting to know Australian life all happen naturally.

Australia-wide

Australian Homestay Network

AHN is Australia’s largest and most recognised homestay provider. Its standards and services are independently endorsed by the National ELT Accreditation Scheme (NEAS), and it was commended by the Australian Senate inquiry into the welfare of international students.

10,000+applications a year

24/7emergency support

U18high school program

Hosts screened, trained and supported by AHN
Matched to a family near your school, college or university
Furnished private room, with meal packages to suit you
Professional airport reception available on arrival
Insurance, online payments and online orientation for students and hosts

Enquire about AHN Visit homestaynetwork.org

Is homestay right for you?

Who homestay suits best

Homestay is a great first home in Australia, especially for your first semester while you find your feet, and many students choose to stay much longer.

English language (ELICOS) and Foundation students who want to practise English every day
First-time arrivals who want support and company from day one
High school students who need a safe, supervised family home
Students who prefer home-cooked meals to cooking for themselves
Anyone looking for a lower-cost alternative to a private studio

Ask an AMET counsellor Compare all options

Homestay packages and prices

Choose the meal package that fits your routine. Below are AHN’s published Melbourne rates per week in Australian dollars, as an example. Prices differ slightly by city, and your exact price is confirmed in your AHN quote.

Over-18 package (per week)	2026 private room	2027 private room	2027 shared room
Traditional 2 meals Mon–Fri, 3 meals on weekends	$410	$425	$395
Complete 3 meals a day, 7 days	$440	$460	$430
Dinner only	$380	$395	$365
No meals	$340	$355	$325
Under-18 Traditional	$430	$450	$420
Under-18 Complete	$460	$480	$450

One-off fees	2026	2027
Matching (placement) fee	$350	$370
Matching fee, high school students	$390	$420
Airport pickup	$190	$195
VIP homestay (on top of Traditional, per week)	+$60	+$70

Source: AHN Melbourne pricing. Surcharges apply to airport pickups on public holidays, between 8pm and 6am or with extra waiting time. Special diets (e.g. halal, vegetarian, gluten free) may attract a fee. Prices can change, so AMET will always confirm the current rate for your city before you book.

What’s included with AHN

More than just a room: AHN supports students and host families before arrival and throughout the stay.

Careful matching

Your profile, study location, diet and lifestyle are matched with a host family close to your campus or school.

Airport reception

A professional driver can meet you at the airport and take you straight to your new home.

24/7 emergency support

A professionally staffed emergency line is available around the clock, every day of the year.

Trained hosts

Host families complete AHN’s online orientation training and are supported by AHN throughout your stay.

Insurance and payments

Homestay insurance cover and secure online payments through AHN’s Homestay Management System.

Real Australian life

Practise English at the dinner table, join family activities and learn how everyday Australia works.

Homestay for under-18 students

Students under 18 need approved accommodation and welfare arrangements for their student visa. Homestay is one of the most popular choices for secondary school students.

AHN high school homestay

AHN runs a dedicated program for high school students with extra emphasis on safety and care.

Screened hosts Families checked and trained for hosting younger students
Close to school Matched to a home within easy reach of your school
Complete meals Under-18 Traditional and Complete meal packages
Always reachable 24/7 emergency support for students and parents

Need guardianship as well?

Jade Guardian (澳玉安), AMET’s guardianship and residential care brand, offers 24/7 supervision, pastoral care and daily school transport for international secondary students in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane / Gold Coast.

Explore Jade Guardian

How AMET arranges your homestay

Book early, ideally 4 to 6 weeks before you arrive, so there is time to find the best match near your campus.

Tell us about you

Send the enquiry form with your course, campus, arrival date, diet and preferences.

We apply with AHN

Your AMET counsellor submits your homestay application to AHN and explains your quote.

Meet your host family

AHN matches you with a host family and you receive their profile before you travel.

Arrive and settle in

Book an airport pickup, arrive to a ready room and a home-cooked meal, with AMET and AHN support throughout.

Common questions

How much does homestay cost?

In Melbourne, AHN’s 2027 rates start from $395 a week for a shared room with the Traditional meal package, or $425 a week for a private room. A one-off matching fee and optional airport pickup also apply. See the price table above.

What is the difference between the meal packages?

Traditional includes 2 meals a day Monday to Friday and 3 meals a day on weekends. Complete includes 3 meals every day. You can also choose dinner only or no meals.

Can I choose my host family?

AHN matches you based on your profile, location and preferences, such as diet, pets and smoking. Tell us anything important in your enquiry and we will include it in your application.

How long can I stay?

Many students stay for their first few weeks or first semester, then move into a student residence such as Scape or UniLodge. Others stay for their whole course. AMET can help you plan both.

Can homestay meet under-18 visa requirements?

Yes. Homestay is commonly used by under-18 students, together with approved welfare and guardianship arrangements. Talk to AMET about the right setup for your school.

Does AMET charge for arranging homestay?

No. AMET’s accommodation advice is free. You pay AHN’s fees directly as set out in your quote.

Let’s get started

Tell us where and what you’ll study and when you arrive. An AMET counsellor will come back to you with a homestay quote from AHN and a host family near your campus or school.