At a glance
- Placement is free for au pairs.
- The first Working Holiday / Work and Holiday visa generally allows a stay of up to 12 months.
- The source lists ages 18–35 for German passport holders using subclass 417 and 18–30 for Austrian passport holders using subclass 462.
Australia does not have a dedicated au pair visa. The current Department of Home Affairs rules and applicable employment rules determine your eligibility and arrangement.
Why become an au pair?
Experience ordinary family life, practise English every day, become more independent, gain childcare experience, make friends and explore Australia in your free time.
Typical duties
- Help children get ready in the morning.
- Prepare simple meals.
- School, kindergarten and activity drop-offs.
- Play, read, craft and spend time outdoors.
- Support homework and evening routines.
- Keep children’s clothes and rooms tidy.
- Occasional babysitting by agreement.
Hours, time off and pay
There is no uniform Australian au pair programme specifying the same hours, pocket money or holiday allowance for every placement. Before agreeing, put hours, on-call time, duties, extra work, free days, holidays, illness, weekly pay, room, board and car use in writing. If the arrangement is employment, Australian minimum-pay and employment standards may apply.
Requirements
- A German or Austrian passport and eligibility for the relevant visa.
- Verifiable childcare experience.
- English suitable for family life.
- Reliability, responsibility and flexibility.
- A clear police certificate.
- Health suitable for childcare.
A driving licence is not always required, but often improves placement prospects. Male au pairs are welcome too.
Visa routes
German passport
The source describes the Working Holiday visa, subclass 417: first applications generally at ages 18–35 and a stay of up to 12 months.
Austrian passport
The source describes the Work and Holiday visa, subclass 462: generally ages 18–30 at application, with additional requirements possible.
The source notes evidence of AUD 5,000 plus departure funds and a usual six-month limit with the same employer, unless an exception or permission applies. Apply through the Australian Department of Home Affairs.
Documents and costs
Prepare the application, an English CV and host-family letter, recent personal and childcare photos, childcare references, passport, driving licence if applicable and a recent police certificate.
You cover visa, flights, health/travel insurance, police certificate and other documents, any required medical examinations, personal spending and financial reserves. My Family Au Pair and 99aupairs charge no placement fee to au pairs.
The process
- Apply online with 99aupairs.
- 99aupairs supports local family matching.
- Meet the family in video interviews to clarify responsibilities, hours, pay and living arrangements.
- Record the agreement and organise the visa, flight and insurance.
Driving and childcare experience
If you will drive children, agree on the vehicle, insurance, costs, permitted use and your experience beforehand. Babysitting, caring for siblings, placements, holiday programmes, sport clubs, tutoring and social work can provide verifiable childcare experience.