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We’re so glad you’re here! Due to limited Au Pair availability

Placements likely won't start before July 2026.

Contact us to join the waitlist! 

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Want to know more?

Want to know more about AIFS Au Pair? Complete the following information and one of our team will be in touch.

As we have limited Au Pair availability, placements likely won't start before

July 2026

Australia's largest and most trusted Au Pair Service

Welcoming an Au Pair into your home is a big decision, so choosing the right agency matters. With AIFS, every Au Pair is carefully screened and supported, giving your family peace of mind. Hosting an Au Pair is more than childcare; it’s a meaningful cultural exchange. Whether you’re in Sydney, Melbourne, Cooma or Cairns, we’ll help you find the perfect Au Pair.

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Thinking about hosting an Au Pair?

Book a free consultation with our expert Au Pair team and chat through how the program works, what to expect, and how to find the right match for your family.

Why Choose AIFS?

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50+ years of experience providing cultural exchange and educational opportunities to young people

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An industry leader, setting the highest standards for service quality and support to ensure successful placements

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A service delivered under the AIFS Au Pair Child Protection Policy and Reporting Framework 

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Rigorous screening and verification of all AIFS Au Pairs to ensure the safety of your family is our number one priority

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Bespoke matching service to ensure every Au Pair placement perfectly meets your family’s needs and requirements

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24/7 support for families and au pairs, including access to an after-hours Community Counsellor

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Trusted by families across Australia – AIFS is Australia’s largest Au Pair agency

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We provide similar overseas opportunities to young Australians, continuing our mission to facilitate cultural exchanges

The American Institute
for Foreign Study

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The American Institute
for Foreign Study

About AIFS
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Experiences Shared by Real People

We’ve been helping families in Australia find their perfect Au Pair since 2005. This is just a snapshot of some of these life-changing experiences and why many return to us year upon year.

We are incredibly grateful for the experience of hosting AIFS Au Pairs for the last 6+ years. Our trusted Au Pairs have all become part of our extended family. 

Anisa – Austinmer, NSW

Anisa – Austinmer, NSW

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AIFS work incredibly hard to match our family with an Au Pair that suits our family lifestyle. We plan to be an AIFS Host Family for the foreseeable future. 

Rochelle – Orange, NSW

Rochelle – Orange, NSW

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I found the application process very reassuring. I didn’t have to worry if an Au Pair was a suitable applicant, as I knew they’d been fully vetted by AIFS. 

Anna – Bungendore, NSW

Anna – Bungendore, NSW

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Hosting an Au Pair is a rewarding and enriching experience (and a big help!). AIFS have been empathic, understanding and full of good advice. 

Kevin – Orange, NSW

Kevin – Orange, NSW

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It takes a community to raise children and our community includes Au Pairs. They formed wonderful bonds and allowed our family to function much more smoothly.

Tom and W – Sydney, NSW

Tom and W – Sydney, NSW

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Our experience as a Host Family has been life changing. We will continue to use the service AIFS provides, they run a professional organisation at every level. 

Melanie – Mosman, NSW

Melanie – Mosman, NSW

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Trusted By Families

The AIFS Difference

How Can We Help?

Frequently Asked Questions

  • 01
    What is an Au Pair?

    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. As the Host Family, you will supply room, board and pocket money for the duration of the placement. 

  • 02
    Who is AIFS?

    The American Institute for Foreign Study (AIFS) and its family of companies organises cultural exchange programs throughout the world for more than 50,000 students and young people each year. Since 1964 AIFS has been the leading provider of cultural exchange and educational opportunities for more than 1.8 million young people.

    1972 was the first year we operated in Australia, recruiting young Australians to  our Camp America program. In 2005 AIFS opened its Sydney office and student centre, expanding our outbound programs and offering inbound programs to Australia. Today AIFS’ programs include Au Pair, high school exchange, Winter Work in Japan and Canada, volunteering and Work & Travel. For more information about AIFS in Australia please visit www.aifs.com.au. For more information about AIFS around the world please visit www.aifs.com

  • 03
    What are the typical duties of an Au Pair?

    An Au Pair’s primary role is childcare. While they are happy and able to help with light household duties that are childcare related (e.g. tidying the children’s room, making their beds, helping with meals or laundry for children), they are not housekeepers or cleaners. 

  • 04
    How much does an Au Pair cost?

    There are several costs to consider when using AIFS to find your Au Pair. AIFS will charge a Service Fee (non-refundable) and a Placement Fee, which is due 1 month prior to your Au Pair’s arrival. 

    Once your Au Pair has arrived, you’ll also need to cover the costs of weekly pocket money, their completion bonus and leave and full board throughout their placement.

    For more information about AIFS’ fees and the costs you will need to consider, please visit our fees page

  • 05
    How long does it take to find an Au Pair?

    Generally it takes around 4-8 weeks to find an Au Pair for your family, but this can change throughout the year. Au Pairs from countries other than Germany can normally arrive in Australia at short notice, although finding the right match between your family and an Au Pair is our number one priority. While the matching process may take a little more time, it ensures that your Au Pair will fit your family and its requirements.

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