International Student Accommodation

As a study destination, Australia consistently ranks among the world’s most popular countries for international students. Although we rate highly for education delivery standards and quality of life, we continue to be let down by overall living expenses and a lack of accommodation.

June 2015

As a study destination, Australia consistently ranks among the world’s most popular countries for international students. Although we rate highly for education delivery standards and quality of life, we continue to be let down by overall living expenses and a lack of accommodation.

i-graduate’s International Student Barometer consistently rates Australia poorly for quality and cost of student accommodation, the Council of International Students Australia (CISA) identified the lack of housing as one of the three most important issues affecting international students and the media continues to highlight examples of exploitative landlords and rental properties jam-packed with students.

This one-day symposium brought together students, education institutions, accommodation providers and government representatives to explore long-term strategies to enhance the provision of international student accommodation in Australia.

The following discussion papers were commissioned especially for the event.

Australian Student Accommodation: Market Update 2015

Conal Newland, JLL

JLL’s student accommodation market update provides an overview of purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) in Australia. Over the last 12 months there has been a significant increase in awareness of this emerging asset class. While the appetite for institutional investment is growing, there are at present few opportunities to enter the market. There have been limited transactions as the main developers are focusing on developing and then holding the finished assets.

Download a PDF of the 'JLL Market Update 2015'

Does Australia Have a Competitive Disadvantage?

Professor Terry Burke, Swinburne University of Technology

This report compares the housing market faced by international students in Australia with that of six other countries – Canada, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, the UK and the USA – to assess the extent to which housing cost and availability may affect international students, particularly at the tertiary level.

The methodology employed involved studying the price and availability of accommodation within 10 kilometres of a number of case study universities in each of the selected countries. When making housing choices, students will take into account cost, availability, locational access and quality.

Download a PDF of 'Does Australia have a Competitive Disadvantage in Student Accommodation?'

Barriers to Affordable and Accessible Student Accommodation

Clinton Ostwald, Urbis

This research highlights major issues and barriers identified by industry stakeholders that impede the provision of affordable, suitable and accessible student accommodation in Victoria.

These issues, which have national implications, have been drawn from an industry-wide consultation process – including institutions (university and vocational tertiary education), developers and government authorities – to determine which issues require further investigation.

Download a PDF of Barriers to Affordable and Accessible Student Accommodation

 

This project was supported by StudyNSW (NSW Trade & Investment), the Australian Government Department of Education and Training, Urbanest and JLL.