International students arriving in Australia this year are increasingly looking beyond traditional accommodation options, with new figures showing record demand for homestay placements.
The Australian Homestay Network (AHN) has reported its largest Semester 1 intake in the organisation’s history, surpassing the previous February record set in 2025. The milestone reflects strong and continuing international student demand for authentic cultural experiences while studying in Australia.
Based on current trends, AHN expects to see a 15% increase on last year’s record figures, with projections pointing to more than 15,000 homestay placements nationwide in 2026.
Founder David Bycroft said the numbers highlight the ongoing appeal of living with Australian host families.
“Living with local Australians provides daily exposure to language, customs, and community life as well as a local support network,” Mr Bycroft said. “That kind of immersion is difficult to replicate in other types of accommodation. This is not just accommodation; it’s community participation.”
Demand rising across student housing
The surge in homestay demand reflects broader trends across Australia’s international student accommodation sector.
Major purpose-built student accommodation provider Scape Australia recently announced it is preparing for a record 10,500 student arrivals, with its national portfolio approaching full capacity.
Both AHN and Scape play important roles within the international education ecosystem by providing dedicated student housing that does not compete directly with Australia’s domestic rental market.
Homestay, in particular, is increasingly seen as part of the housing solution. Rather than relying on new developments or rental properties, AHN connects international students with Australian households that have spare rooms available.
This approach allows students to live within established communities while also helping local families earn additional income.
“Students gain a deeper understanding of Australian culture, hosts build global connections while earning household income, and AHN homestay is strengthening Australia’s economy while using existing housing stock efficiently and responsibly,” Mr Bycroft said.
He added that it was encouraging to see demand remain strong across the entire accommodation spectrum.
“As the national conversation continues around housing supply, structured accommodation models like standards-based homestay form part of the solution, supporting students while maintaining balance in the broader rental market.”
