Au Pair in Australia

Frequently Ask Questions

Can I change the family if I do not feel happy there?
Your interests should be matched with the requirements of the Au Pair family before you arrive. However we understand that there might be occasions when it is better to change the family. In this case we will do our best to find a new family for you which might take 2 - 3 weeks.

Can I go to more than one family at different locations if I stay very long?
Yes. If you stay very long (e.g. 9-12 months) it is possible change to another family in Australia. In this way you can see more of Australia. However, you should decide this before you start the whole program that we can inform the families from the beginning how long you will stay. You might need to pay for your flight to the other location. There are no additional placement fees involved.

Will I get a family before I arrive?
Nearly all of our Au Pairs get placed before they arrive in Australia. Sometimes this is not possible. This might be if Au Pair applies very close to her arrival date, if she cannot show many experience in child care, if there are arrive lots of Au Pairs at the same time is it will be in July, August and September. In this case we will organise an accommodation for you and place you as soon as possible in a family which will usually happen within 1 or 2 weeks after arrival.

When do you start to look after a family for me?
We start providing your documents after you have submitted your application and documents and after you have paid the full fee.

What fees to I need to pay?
You need to pay the Au Pair program fee which includes the Au Pair course and placement into the family including your own room and food for your work as Au Pair family. Please also consider the following costs as you will be responsible for this: - Flight from your home country to Australia - Visa application fee (directly paid the Australian Government) - First Aid course (if you do not have one already) - English course (if applicable) - Public transport to your English school (if applicable) - Private expenses (if you travel on your own before, after and while you do the program or go out in the evening etc.)

How many hours will I work per week?
Working hours are always negotiated between family and the Au-Pair / Nanny and should be appropriate to the Au-Pair / Nanny's wage. Au-Pairs are in general required to work about 30 hours per week plus 2 evenings of baby-sitting. Nannies usually work around 45 hours per week. Demi Pairs (= Au Pair which attend an English course at the same time) work usually 15-20 hours per week plus 2 evenings of baby-sitting.

How much can I earn?
Wages depend on experience, responsibilities, duties, working hours, living conditions and many other factors. In general it's a package deal negotiated with our help between you and your host family. As a rule of thumb you will earn (besides free food and accommodation) on average - as demi pair for 12 hours/week no payment - as demi pair for 15 hours/week work $50, for 20 hour/week work $100 - as au pair for 20 hour/week work $100, for 25 - 30 hours/week work $150-180) - as mother's help around $200.00 to $250.00 per week, - as qualified nanny $300.00 to $ 500.00 per week.

Can you tell me more about the Au Pair Course?
The course will take 1 day and it usually held on a Saturday. The course will held at the Gold Coast location. If you stay with a family at the Gold Coast or in Brisbane you can move directly to your family and attend the course within the first weeks OR you can arrive and do the course first and then move to your family. If you stay with a family in Melbourne or Sydney a) You can come first to the Au Pair workshop at the Gold Coast and fly after the course to your family in Melbourne or Sydney OR b) You can fly directly to your family in Melbourne or Sydney and do the course online.

What happens if I do not do the Au Pair course?
Some Au Pair have already lots of experience. Even then we would recommend to attend the Au Pair course. If the Au Pair decides not to attend the course and the Au Pair family is happy with this decision it is fine not to do so. There will be no refund of any fees. Do I need to pay for my flight from the Gold Coast (Au Pair workshop location) to the family if my family is in

Melbourne or Sydney?
No, the flight will be paid and will be organised for you.

What happens when I arrive?
In most cases you will be picked up from our agency or your Au Pair family at the airport.

Where do I stay when I attend the Au Pair workshop but my family is in Sydney or Melbourne?
We will provide you accommodation at the Gold Coast. You can stay for the time of the course and until you go to your family.

Are there special dates for the Au pair course?
There are times when many of young Au Pairs arrive (especially in June, July, Aug as many applicants finishes high school at this time) and other times when there are not so many applicants. Please provide your preferred arrival date as soon as possible that we can try to set up a workshop on this date. Dates are usually 1 or 2 months in advance available. We understand that you might want to book your flight some months in advance and are happy to advise about a course date after we received your complete application.

Will I need a Police Check to work as a Nanny or Au Pair in Australia?
A police check or 'Working With Children Check' (WWCC) is often required by employers, parents or by legislation in each State. Please ask for the requirements in your state. In most states of Australia babysitters, au pairs, junior nannies, nannies, child carers and anybody working for organisations like agencies, sports clubs or youth organisations, are required to obtain a WWCC including when working independently in private homes. The WWCC is different to a police check and is a detailed search for child-related offences, including employment proceedings and Apprehended Violence Orders, (AVOs). The WWCC must be arranged by the employer or the organisation that sponsors you and you cannot apply for it yourself as an employee. As you are working with your families children the family wants to make sure that their children are with a person of ‘good character’. Therefore please provide a police clearance from your home country and child care references or character references.

Website: Au Pair Australia