Demi-pair work in Australia
By TRUDI HAYES, our English language travel expert
Working as a demi-pair while studying English in Australia is a win-win for parents and students. Our demi-pair programmes combine English classes with a part-time au-pair job in a host family and help to significantly reduce living expenses.
Students attend classes at a quality English school and live with an Australian host family. In exchange for 15 hours a week of childcare and light household tasks, they receive free accommodation and meals. Over several months, this can mean saving thousands on living costs. For example, for a six-month demi-pair placement you could save around AUD 10,000 (about CHF 5500.-).
Who is it for?
This programme is mainly suited to students over 19 (some schools accept from 18) travelling on a working holiday or student visa, who enjoy being with children and are happy to take on some daily family responsibilities. It is also a great way to get a structured introduction to life in Australia with full language immersion in a friendly host family.
What does a demi-pair do?
Tasks vary by family but usually include helping children get ready for school, preparing simple meals, light cleaning, babysitting or helping with homework. Working hours are usually before or just after school, and you’ll usually have weekends off.
It’s important to know this is a commitment. Demi-pairs will miss out on some student activities because they essentially have a part-time job, but the experience, savings, and cultural immersion make up for it. Some students choose to spend the first part of their stay as a demi pair to save money, then switch to focusing fully on their studies and enjoying activities with other students—or taking on part-time work—during the second half.
Some experience with children (even casual babysitting) is very helpful, and a driving licence is an advantage (but not obligatory). A first aid certificate is required in some cases. And remember—Australian cities are large and spread out, so it’s common for the host family to live 50–60 minutes from the school by public transport.
Where can you study?
We work with trusted partner schools that offer excellent demi-pair programmes:
- Lexis English – Available in Brisbane, Sunshine Coast, Sydney and Perth. Note: Cambridge C1 preparation is not recommended at the same time as demi pairing due to the study load.
- ELC Sydney – Centrally located in Sydney with 12-week programmes and the possibility to extend. Strong students can combine demi pair with Cambridge preparation.
- Inforum Education, Gold Coast – A warm, welcoming school near Southport, just 10 minutes' cycle from some of Australia’s best beaches.
- Langports, Gold Coast – Offers a supportive environment and high-quality personalised English lessons, just a short walk from the beach.
Support from The Language House
We’re here to help throughout the process—from selecting the right destination and school to preparing the demi-pair application documents and checking all paperwork for your visa application. We also remain available during your stay and can support your ongoing English learning once you return.
It’s best to get in touch with us at least four months before your planned start date to allow enough time for matching with a family and school, and to have plenty of time to apply for your Australian visa.
Why Australia?
It’s a safe, English-speaking country with a relaxed, outdoor lifestyle and excellent education. Whether you’re living in a big city or by the beach, you'll meet people from all over the world and improve your English quickly through full immersion.
Interested in becoming a demi pair in Australia?
We’d love to help you plan your stay. Contact us via this form: https://www.tlh.ch/en/contact-us or email us at
What our demi pair students say:
“I loved my demi pair family in Byron Bay. I had the best teacher I’ve ever had and made real progress in English. Living with a family was so good for both my English and getting to know Australian life.”
— Agathe Baumgartner, Byron Bay
“Thanks for organising my trip to Perth! My family is lovely and Milner school is great. I’m learning a lot and even tried surfing! I love beautiful Perth.”
— Tabatha Meylan, Perth
“The children I live with are so kind, and we speak a lot as a family. I feel really safe in Perth and there’s so much to explore.”
— Manon Dusonchet, Perth
“I might come back next year to try the TESOL course. My teacher really inspired me. This whole experience has helped me think about my future.”
— Charlotte Charpail, Perth