Every cost, in one place. No hidden fees — for your family or your au pair.
We work closely with Cultural Care Au Pair for your placement, based on their transparency and track record — not an exclusive contract, just the sponsor we've found works best. The figures below reflect a Cultural Care-sponsored placement; if you'd prefer a different sponsor, we'll walk through how the numbers change. If a cost exists, it's listed here — nothing bundled into a vague "program total," nothing added after your match is confirmed.
| Cost | Paid to | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Global Au Pair matching fee | Global Au Pair | $150 to start + $5,000 at match confirmation = $5,150 |
| Sponsor's annual program fee | Cultural Care Au Pair | $11,245 / year |
| Au pair's weekly stipend (minimum) | Paid directly to your au pair | $195.75/week = $10,179/year |
| Education contribution (required) | Toward au pair's 6 credit hours | Up to $500/year |
| Sponsor's South Africa program fee | Covered by your family, on the au pair's behalf | R15,500 ≈ $970 USD |
| Au pair's visa application fee (DS-160) | Covered by your family, on the au pair's behalf | $185 |
| Room, board, car access & insurance, phone | Provided directly by your family | Varies by household — required, not fixed |
| Estimated Year 1 total | ≈ $28,229 |
Figures reflect Cultural Care's published 2026 rates and 22 CFR Part 62 as currently in effect — provided for planning purposes, not a quote. Confirm current pricing directly with the sponsor before finalizing a placement.
| Stage | Due | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| Application / start of search | $150 | We open your search, gather your preferences, and begin matching. |
| Match confirmed & visa approved | $5,000 | Our placement fee for a completed, visa-approved match — due before arrival, not before there's a real match. |
Ready to start your search?
Pay $150 to Start →In plain terms: your au pair's flight, visa processing, screening, and training are already paid for.