What Is the Au Pair Education Requirement? (Complete 2026 Guide)

Everything you need to know about your J-1 visa education credits — how many, where, and how much.

The Au Pair Education Requirement: 6 Credits or 72 Hours

If you are an au pair in the United States, you must complete an education requirement. This is one of the most important rules of your J-1 visa program. The au pair education requirement is set by the U.S. Department of State and applies to every au pair, no matter which agency you are with.

You must complete 6 semester credits (or 72 classroom hours) at an accredited U.S. post-secondary institution during your 12-month program year. This means a college, university, or approved education provider.

This is not optional. If you do not complete your education requirement, you cannot extend your program. Your agency may also report you as non-compliant with J-1 visa rules.

What Counts as a Credit?

There are two types of courses you can take:

Credit courses are regular college classes. They give you a letter grade (A, B, C, D, or F) and a set number of credits. One credit usually means one hour of class per week for 15 weeks.

Non-credit courses are shorter classes. They do not give college credits, but they count by hours. The standard is: 12 classroom hours = 1 credit. So 72 hours = 6 credits.

Both types are accepted for your J-1 visa education requirement. The important thing is that your school is accredited.

How to Check If a School Is Accredited

Before you register for any class, make sure the school is accredited. You can check on the U.S. Department of Education website called DAPIP (Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs).

If the school is on this list, your classes will count. If it is not on the list, your agency may not accept the credits.

Au Pair Weekend courses are offered through accredited institutions, including Bunker Hill Community College, Seattle Central College, University of Hawaii at Manoa, University of the District of Columbia, and Utah Valley University.

Online vs In-Person: What Are the Rules?

The Department of State allows au pairs to take a maximum of one online course per semester. There are three semesters each year:

Spring: January – April

Summer: May – August

Fall: September – December

This means you can take up to two online courses during your program year (one per semester, in two different semesters).

If you take one 6-credit (72-hour) online course, that counts as one course and completes your entire requirement.

Always check with your agency or local coordinator before registering for online classes. Some agencies have additional rules.

Your Options to Complete 6 Credits

Option 1: One 6-Credit Online Course

Take one 72-hour online course that you complete at your own speed. Work on it during evenings, weekends, or whenever you have free time. This is the simplest and most affordable option. Cost: $498.

Option 2: Two 3-Credit Online Courses (Different Semesters)

Take one 36-hour course in one semester and another 36-hour course in a different semester. This splits the work into two smaller pieces and lets you try two different subjects. Cost: $249 each ($498 total).

Option 3: One 6-Credit In-Person Weekend Course

Several of our locations offer weekend courses that complete your entire education requirement in one trip. These are available in Boston, San Diego, Utah, Seattle, Miami, Colorado, Texas, and Hawaii. You travel to the city, attend classes Friday through Sunday with other au pairs, complete pre- and post-weekend assignments, and earn all 6 credits. Cost: $699–$1,449 depending on the city. Your host family's $500 education allowance covers part of the tuition, and you pay the difference plus travel costs.

Option 4: 3-Credit Weekend + Online Add-On (Package Deal)

Take a 3-credit in-person weekend course and bundle it with an online course for 6 total credits. Package prices range from $598–$668 depending on the city. Weekend locations include Chicago, Los Angeles, New York City, San Francisco, and Washington DC. You get the fun travel experience AND the flexibility to finish the rest online.

Option 5: One 3-Credit Weekend + One Separate 3-Credit Online Course

Take a 3-credit weekend in one semester and a separate 3-credit online course in a different semester. Weekend tuition: $349–$419. Online tuition: $249. Total: $598–$668.

Option 6: Two In-Person Weekend Courses

Visit two different U.S. cities for weekend courses. Each weekend earns 3 credits. This is the most social option — you will meet au pairs from all over the world and explore two new places. Cost: $349–$419 each (plus travel and accommodation for two trips).

How Much Does It Cost?

Your host family is required to pay up to $500 toward your education costs. This is part of the J-1 program rules. The $500 covers tuition, books, and transportation to class.

Here are typical costs:

6-credit online course: $498 — fully covered by the $500 allowance

Two 3-credit online courses: $249 each ($498 total) — fully covered

3-credit in-person weekend: $349–$419 — mostly covered by the allowance

6-credit in-person weekend: $699–$1,449 — the $500 covers part; you pay the difference plus travel

If you choose a 6-credit online course at $498, your host family's $500 education allowance covers everything. For in-person courses, the $500 covers a portion of tuition and you are responsible for the rest plus travel and accommodation.

When Should You Start?

Start early. Do not wait until the end of your program year. Here is a suggested timeline:

Month 1–2: Talk to your local coordinator about your education options.

Month 2–4: Register for your first course.

Month 4–8: Complete your first credits.

Month 8–10: Complete your remaining credits.

Month 10: Make sure everything is done before you apply for an extension (if you want to stay longer).

If you are planning to extend your program, you must complete all 6 credits before your extension is approved.

What Happens If You Do Not Complete Your Education?

This is important. If you do not finish your 6 credits:

You cannot extend your program for a second year.

Your agency may report you as non-compliant with J-1 visa rules.

It may affect your ability to get future U.S. visas.

Please take your education requirement seriously. Start early, and give yourself enough time to finish.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to take English classes?

No. You can take any class at an accredited institution. Popular choices include U.S. culture, arts and entertainment, wellness, sustainability, environmental science, and English. Choose something that interests you.

Can I take classes at a community college?

Yes, if the community college is accredited. Many au pairs take classes at community colleges. However, semester-long classes (15 weeks) can be hard to fit into a busy au pair schedule. Weekend and online courses offer more flexibility.

Do I get a certificate when I finish?

Yes. Your accredited institution will provide a completion letter that shows your name, the course title, the number of hours or credits completed, and the institution name. Share this with your local coordinator and agency.

Can I take classes before I arrive in the U.S.?

No. All classes must be completed while you are in the United States on your J-1 visa.

Ready to start? Browse our online courses or explore our weekend courses in 13+ U.S. cities.