Sakura Haven Homestay-Student's Fees

2026 Student Price List
Effective from 1 January 2026, homestay fees have been updated to reflect increases in the cost of living, including groceries, mortgage/rent, energy, and internet (NBN) expenses. in Australia over the last three years means costs to international students have also needed to increase by all homestay agents. Brisbane/Gold Cost, Cost of Living is now matching Sydney/Melbourne in some instances. 

STUDENTS SHARING A RENTAL UNIT WITH ANOTHER STUDENT

Rent: $700–$800, plus food and electricity/gas.
Rental Bond: $2,800–$3,200, plus 4 weeks’ rent in advance.
Estimated total living cost: + around $1,200 weekly shared between two students. 

A homestay is one of the best options for students to live comfortably and focus on their studies in Australia. Offering care comes naturally, and our students are treated just like one of the family.  It's always a pleasure to see them thrive and make the most of their time abroad. 

Homestay Fees – $548 (Deposit included $163 Host Placement Matching fee)

Homestay student accommodation provides a safe and supportive environment for your child or teen. It should not be viewed solely as a “cheaper/budget” option, but as a high-quality, “Home Away from Home.”

Deposit must be paid in advance of arrival, at the confirmation of the booking.
A Homestay Placement Fee of AUD $385 per person applies, (not to be considered as week-1 rental) in addition to the $163 matching fee and the weekly rental rates listed below. May be paid by our Subscription Service, fortnightly or monthly in advance, every 14-28 days (2-4 weeks)

Host Matching Fee: $163.30 - A one-off fee may apply for standard students over 18 years of age. Matching a Host with the student's requirements. Includes, checking and matching family demographic (hosts of single or couples, female host, (kids/pets) location, transport, meals.

High School Students: Additional costs may apply where extra security services are required.

Students Under 18: An additional $40 per week is charged to cover the higher level of supervision responsability required.

School Drop-off and Pick-up: This is an optional service and may incur additional costs, typically $10–$30 per trip (note: per trip means twice a day) depending on distance, or a negotiated weekly fee for daily transport.

Calculation: Depending on distance and peak-hours. If the fee is $10–$30 per trip and a “trip” is one leg of the journey (so two trips per day: drop-off + pick-up), then for 5 days a week the weekly cost would be: Up to 2-3 hours daily.

High end: $30 × 2 trips/day × 5 days = $300 per week

Low end: $10 × 2 trips/day × 5 days = $100 per week.  Costs cover fuel, time, and vehicle use, and should be agreed upon in advance. 

Hosting Insurance:  Required, by all Hosts' and is the responsibility of the Host. See our Insurance Policy: Host Insurance Policy (Compulsory) – SAKURA HAVEN HOMESTAY 

Booking Deposit is equal to one weeks Homestay Placement fee, plus Matching fee.

Homestay fees commence from arrival day of the placement to10am the morning of vacating the homestay.

Cost as per Package - Fee Breakdown

General Fees: Hosting with 2-3 fresh wholesome meals prepared daily from $385 up to $560 or (VIP Own-Bathroom extra) per week, paid Fortnightly or Monthly in advance + Booking deposit. Deposit is not considered as part of week one rental. Its a Booking Deposit + Host Matching fee. Followed by a month rental in advance every 28 days.

Meals: Are moderately assessed at an average cost to the Host. May be higher or lower. 

Package 1: Full Homestay Pack 1 includes - 7 breakfasts at $8 each, 7 dinners at $15 each, and 7 lunches at $8 each.  All meals =$217 per week. Plus the Room and Utilities costs.

Package 2: Half Homestay Pack 2 includes - 7 breakfasts at $8 each, 7 dinners at $15 each, and 2 x weekend lunches at $8 each.  All meals =$177 per week.

Room Only (No Prepared Meals):
This option is generally not recommended. It does not provide a real saving for the student and may create inconvenience for the Host. Many students have little or no cooking experience, and unsupervised use of the kitchen increases the risk of accidents such as fire. In addition, separate daily cooking by both the host and the student results in higher electricity costs. Relying on takeaway or eating out is usually more expensive and less healthy compared to enjoying balanced, home-cooked meals provided within a homestay package.

All room packages range from $385 to $445 (VIP). Rooms with a private bathroom are available for an additional $60, subject to availability.

• Breakfast, host-or serve yourself, cereal, milk, bread toast and piece of fruit, or may be freshly cooked egg roll plus lettuce, tea or coffee.
• Lunch is is a light meal, fresh salads, or rice, or fresh noodles, and added fresh meat/vegetables, or freshly made salad rolls, sandwiches. 
• Dinner is salads, or hot vegetables, with fish, or hot meat. Fruit or desserts.

Cheap micro-wave meals, rice on its own or instant noodles are not considered quality, healthy, main meals, unless student requested. 

Standard Twinshare: As per Package, Less $20 each person - May be bunk beds, Trundle (pull out separate) beds, or two single beds in a room. (*Twin-share may be single person, bunk beds or trundle beds in the same room, cannot demand no bunk beds) May have a Twin share's private bathroom, if available at extra $60 per week. 

Airport Pick-ups $180. Per car, not per person. Limited large baggage, 1 per person. 

Daily transport and/or airport transfers may incur extra charges (per ride, not per person) and are subject to availability. A 20% surcharge may apply for airport transfers on public holidays, or after hours arrivals between 5 pm and 8 am, or extended wait times at the airport; extended time parking costs may be recovered.

Not all Hosts are required to do airport or school drop-offs/pick-ups; it is optional, with an additional fee.

VIP Homestay is available at the standard package price, plus an additional $60 per week for your private bathroom and cleaning and is subject to availability.  

Students with special dietary requirements, such as Kosher, Halal, Gluten-Free, Vegetarian, or Vegan meals, may not be able to be accommodated in some cases, or may be charged an additional fee to cover extra costs for hosts related to meal planning and special foods. Please contact your local Sakura Haven Homestay placement office for more details.  

Some placements may have premium pricing, which will be specified in your homestay quote. All prices may be subject to change.