Accommodation for students under 18 years of age

Your safety and wellbeing matter at TAFE NSW. If you’re under 18 and planning to study with us, the Department of Home Affairs (DoHA) requires specific accommodation and welfare arrangements to be in place. 

These regulations are designed to make sure you’re safe, supported, and well cared for while living and studying in Australia.

If you’re an international student under 18, TAFE NSW has policies and procedures in place to support your safety and wellbeing. You must have suitable accommodation and welfare arrangements while you’re studying in Australia.

Living arrangements may include:

• living with an eligible relative approved by the Department of Home Affairs. This includes a parent, spouse, de facto partner, brother, sister, grandparent, aunt, uncle, niece, nephew, or step-relative (such as a step-parent or step-sibling)
• living with a non-eligible relative or a family friend nominated by your parents, with approval by TAFE NSW International
• staying in a homestay arranged by TAFE NSW International.

Complete the Under 18 Student Accommodation and Welfare Arrangement Form and submit it with your course application for admission.

Read the International Student Management Policy and the International Under 18 Student Welfare Management and Orientation Procedure to understand how we support international students under 18 with approved accommodation and welfare. This is a requirement under the Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Act 2000 and the National Code 2018.

Homestay accommodation standards

The homestay accommodation must meet the following minimum standards:

1. All homestay accommodation must be located near public transport and/or the TAFE NSW campus in which the Student is enrolled
2. The homestay accommodation must:
   1. be owned or leased by the homestay Host
   2. be in good condition and well maintained
   3. be clean and tidy at all times with access to shared living areas
   4. have adequate gas, electricity, heating and water
   5. have a safe and secure bedroom for the Student’s use, with a bed and suitable storage space for clothes, personal effects and study materials
   6. have adequate furnishings and study facilities suitable for Students, including adequate lighting and a desk and chair for each Student
   7. have a kitchen, bathroom and laundry facilities and
   8. have adequate household items, such as towels, sheets, blankets, eating and cooking utensils.
3. Each Student must be given a key and any alarm codes or passwords required for the Student to have free access to the Homestay Accommodation.
4. Must promptly notify TAFE NSW in writing if there is any material change in the Homestay Accommodation, including any renovations or other changes to the Homestay Accommodation that may impact the Student’s wellbeing.
5. The Homestay Host must provide at least three meals each day and reasonable access to snacks. Meals should be nutritious and in accordance with the Student’s dietary and medical needs.

TAFE NSW-approved host/carer responsibilities

The homestay host/carer arranged by TAFE NSW’s partner homestay provider, undertakes to perform the following:

• Respects the cultural differences and beliefs of the Student
• Advises the student of emergency numbers, including 000 and a 24 hour emergency contact
• Discusses personal safety information with the student
• Assists the student with medical attention when required
• Provides the student with appropriate information about the local area and community services, including public transport, shops, amenities, banks, medical facilities and emergency services
• Provides the student with an orientation of the homestay accommodation, including an explanation of house rules and expectations (for example, meal times, telephone / internet protocols, rules regarding smoking, alcohol, guests visiting, curfews, household tasks and bathroom conduct), and
• includes the student in family activities where appropriate.

Airport pickup

The homestay provider will arrange to collect the student from the airport when they first arrive in Australia. The student must provide the travel itinerary and air ticket details to the homestay provider when confirmed, so that an airport pickup can be arranged.

Fees

TAFE NSW partners with the following homestay providers. Your accommodation and airport pickup may be arranged with any one of these providers subject to availability.

Fees for accommodation placement and airport pickup service are payable directly to the homestay provider. Details of the fees charged by the accommodation provider and their refund policies are listed on their website. All prices are subject to change without prior notice.

• Australian Homestay Network
• Auzzie Families Homestay Care
• Global Experience
• Oz Homestay
• Study Vision

If you’re over the age of 18, you have other accommodation options available to you.

At TAFE NSW we ensure every international student has the support of an International Customer Experience Coordinator. They can help you to access the right support services.

You can also check out our courses.