How much does a host family pay for au pair education?
$500 at most, toward the course work
The host family pays up to $500 toward the au pair's required course work. In the EduCare program the cap is $1,000.
Source: 22 CFR § 62.31, 4-1-24 edition · checked 17 Sep 2026
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- Not less than six semester hours of academic credit or the equivalent at an accredited U.S. post-secondary institution; the host family pays that course work up to $500. EduCare: not less than twelve semester hours, paid up to $1,000.
- For a six-month extension: three semester hours, paid up to $250 (EduCare: six semester hours, up to $500). For a nine- or twelve-month extension the same obligation as the initial year applies.
The long read: 2026 Au Pair Program Changes: What Host Families Must Do Now