Become a Host Family
Welcome international students, earn tax-free income, and get full support from BSC Education.
Got a spare room? Join the BSC Education homestay network and host international students studying at our schools. You’ll provide a friendly, safe place to stay while we take care of training, guidance and ongoing support, with regular payments and the first £7,500 tax free.
Right now, we are looking for hosts in Brighton, Manchester, York, Edinburgh and Malta.
Why host with BSC Education?
A flexible way to earn and be part of a global community.
Earn tax-free income
Use your spare room to generate regular payments, with up to £7,500 tax free under the Rent a Room Scheme.
Cultural exchange at home
Share everyday life and conversation with international students and learn about different cultures without leaving your city.
Make a real difference
Offer students a comfortable, supportive base so they can focus on their studies and build connections that often last beyond their stay.
Who can become a host family?
If you have a suitable spare room near one of our schools, you can apply.
We work with a wide range of households and are more interested in your home environment than your family structure. As long as you can offer a safe, welcoming space, you’re likely to be a good fit.
Who can apply:
- Homeowners and private renters.
- Families, couples, singles, retirees and empty nesters.
- Hosts based within 30-45 minutes reach from our schools in Brighton, Manchester, York, Edinburgh and Malta.
- Journeys to and from the school should be simple and as direct as possible.
What we need from you
Basic standards to keep students safe and comfortable.
To make sure students have a positive experience, we ask all hosts to meet some straightforward accommodation and safety requirements:
- A clean, well-maintained home with adequate heating and lighting.
- A good-sized bedroom with a window, bed, bedding/blankets and storage for clothes and luggage.
- Access to a bathroom, shared with no more than four people.
- A place where they can study.
- Meals on a half-board or full-board basis, or kitchen access for self-catering arrangements (depending on the booking).
- A valid gas safety certificate.
- A DBS check for relevant adults in the household (we arrange this and deduct the cost from your first payment).
How BSC supports you
Training, safeguarding and a dedicated team on hand.
We want hosting to feel straightforward and well supported, especially if it’s your first time. Our teams at each school are there to help before, during and after each student stay.
- Regular hosting opportunities throughout the year.
- Weekly or monthly payments for each student you host.
- A maximum of four students per household, depending on space.
- Free safeguarding training for hosts.
- 24-hour emergency contact number for urgent issues.
How the host process works
From enquiry to welcoming your first student.
1. Enquire or apply online – Complete our short host application form.
2. Home visit and checks – We review your details, visit your home and help with required checks.
3. Matching with students – We match you with suitable students based on room type, preferences and location.
4. Hosting and support – You welcome students into your home, and our team stays in touch throughout their stay.
Where you can host with BSC
We’re currently recruiting host families for students studying at our schools in the following locations:
A vibrant, creative seaside city just 50 minutes from London by train. One of the UK's most welcoming and international destinations - ideal for students who want city life with a relaxed, coastal feel.
Scotland's extraordinary capital - a city of castles, festivals, and remarkable culture. One of Europe's most beautiful and atmospheric cities, and a truly unforgettable place to study English.
An exciting northern city with a world-famous music, arts, and football scene. A genuine, non-touristy English city experience, well connected by rail and full of energy at every turn.
One of England's most beautiful historic cities, with medieval streets, a famous Minster, and a warm atmosphere. A quieter alternative to the bigger cities - perfect for students who want to focus and explore.
The only Mediterranean country where English is an official language. Based in the seaside town of Sliema, BSC Malta is perfect for students who want intensive study alongside sun, beaches, and culture.
School contact details and address:
BSC Brighton: brighton@bsceducation.com, 01273 855996, Vantage Point, New England Rd, Brighton and Hove, Brighton BN1 4GW
BSC Manchester: manchester@bsceducation.com, 0161 533 0166, 7 Chatham St, Manchester M1 3AY
BSC York: york@bsceducation.com, 01904 530315, 7 New St, York YO1 8RA
BSC Edinburgh: edinburgh@bsceducation.com, 0131 356 0654, 26 Palmerston Pl, Edinburgh EH12 5AL
BSC Malta: malta@bsceducation.com, +356 7759 8259, Palazzo Capua, BSC Malta, George Borg Olivier St, Sliema SLM 1807, Malta
Apply now
Start your application today or use the contact details above to find out more.
