Get Paid to Host International Students in the UK: Earn Up to £314 a Week

Got a spare bedroom? You could earn hundreds of pounds a month by welcoming international students into your home, with up to £7,500 a year potentially tax-free!

Becoming a host family is an interesting way to make extra money in the UK, particularly if you live near a university, college or English language school.

You don't necessarily need a large house, children or any previous hosting experience. Single people, couples, families and retired homeowners can all apply.

In this guide, we'll explain how hosting international students works, how much you could earn, the best websites to register with and the important things to consider before getting started.

How Much Do Host Families Get Paid in the UK?

Host families typically receive around £100–£250 per student per week, according to English UK, although some organisations offer higher rates.

For example, International House London advertises payments of up to £314 per student per week for suitable accommodation and meal arrangements.

Your earnings depend on several factors:

• Location: Properties near universities and language schools may attract more placements.
• Accommodation: A comfortable bedroom, study space or private bathroom can increase your rate.
• Meals: Providing breakfast and dinner may earn more than offering accommodation alone.
• Number of students: Some programmes allow multiple students where space and safeguarding arrangements permit.
• Availability: Hosting throughout the year can increase your total earnings.

Host Family Earnings Calculator

Here's what you could earn from hosting one student at different weekly rates:

These are illustrative gross earnings, assuming a student stays for every week shown. Food, utilities, laundry, tax where applicable and other costs will reduce your actual profit.

Best Websites to Get Paid for Hosting International Students

1. Hosts International

Hosts International is one of the most established student homestay agencies in the UK, having operated since 1988.

The company works with language schools and educational organisations to arrange accommodation for international students.

Hosts can benefit from student matching, flexible placements, regular payments and ongoing support.

How to apply:

1. Visit the Hosts International application page.
2. Complete the enquiry form with your household details.
3. Speak with the accommodation team about your availability and preferred arrangements.
4. Complete the home assessment and any necessary checks.
5. Once approved, wait for a suitable student placement.

Payment rates are agreed individually and depend on your location, room and meal arrangements.

2. Student Homestay

Student Homestay recruits hosts across major UK cities and advertises potential earnings of £500–£800+ per month.

Most of its students are adults studying at universities or attending English language courses.

Hosts can offer different meal arrangements, including half-board, bed and breakfast or self-catering.

The company normally makes payments twice monthly, around the 15th and 30th.

You can apply to become a Student Homestay host here.

3. Local Universities and Language Schools

You don't necessarily need to join a national hosting agency.

Some universities, colleges and language schools recruit host families directly.

Examples include:

• Edinburgh College — £160–£215 per week.
• University of York — up to £210 per week.
• Cambridge Centre for Languages — up to £190 per week.
• International House London — up to £314 per week.

You can also use the English UK hosting guide to find accredited language schools in your area.

It's worth contacting several organisations to compare payments, student demand and hosting requirements.

What Do You Need to Become a Host Family?

Most agencies require a clean, comfortable spare bedroom and a safe, welcoming household.

You will generally need to provide:

• A furnished bedroom with a proper bed and storage.
• Wi-Fi and somewhere suitable for studying.
• Access to bathroom and shared living facilities.
• Clean bedding and towels.
• Access to laundry facilities.
• Meals where included in the agreement.
• Help with local transport and settling into the UK.

You may also need to complete an application, home inspection, references and relevant safeguarding checks.

Hosting students under 18 involves additional responsibilities and checks.

Do You Have to Cook for International Students?

Not necessarily! This depends on the accommodation package.

Self-catering: You provide accommodation and kitchen access, but the student prepares their own meals.

Bed and breakfast: You provide accommodation and breakfast, which may simply involve making cereal, toast and other basic items available.

Half-board: You normally provide breakfast and an evening meal.

Full-board: You provide additional meals, which may include packed lunches.

Packages that include more meals often pay higher weekly rates, although your food costs will also increase.

Always check exactly what you're expected to provide before accepting a placement.

Can You Earn £7,500 Tax-Free as a Host Family?

Potentially, yes!

Under the government's Rent a Room Scheme, eligible households can receive up to £7,500 per tax year from letting furnished accommodation in their main home without paying income tax on those receipts.

If you share the income with someone else, the threshold is generally £3,750 each.

The allowance applies to gross receipts, including payments for associated services such as meals, rather than the amount left after expenses.

If your receipts exceed the applicable threshold, you generally need to complete a tax return. You can then compare using the Rent a Room Scheme against the normal method of calculating taxable rental profits.

Read the full rules on GOV.UK.

How Long Do International Students Stay?

This varies considerably.

Some students visit for a couple of weeks to attend an English language course, while others need accommodation for several months or an academic year.

Many agencies allow you to specify when you're available and what types of placements you're comfortable accepting.

However, placements aren't guaranteed, so you shouldn't assume you'll receive a student every week of the year.

Is Hosting International Students Worth It?

Hosting international students could be an excellent way to earn extra money if you have a suitable spare bedroom and enjoy meeting new people.

Unlike many online side hustles, you don't need specialist skills or expensive equipment to get started.

However, hosting isn't completely passive income. You're welcoming someone into your home, potentially preparing meals and providing support throughout their stay.

You'll also need to consider increased household bills, food costs, insurance, privacy and any mortgage or tenancy restrictions.

For households comfortable with those responsibilities, the additional income could make a meaningful difference.

How to Get Started

If you're interested in becoming a host family, we'd suggest registering your interest with two or three organisations rather than relying on just one.

Start by checking Hosts International and Student Homestay, then contact nearby universities or language schools to compare their rates.

Ask each organisation about the weekly payment, what meals are included, how frequently students are available and what support you'll receive.

With the right accommodation and a suitable placement, your spare bedroom could become a valuable source of extra household income.