The Student Accommodation Council has welcomed the Australian Government's announcement that public universities will be able to grow their international student numbers in 2026 if they can demonstrate the delivery of additional student accommodation - a sensible and strategic move that links enrolment growth to housing supply.
The government has also announced a 25,000-place increase to the National Planning Level for international students, lifting the 2026 allocation to 295,000, up from 270,000 in 2025.
"This is a good outcome that recognises the critical role student accommodation plays in supporting the growth and integrity of international education," Student Accommodation Council Executive Director Torie Brown said.
"Requiring universities to demonstrate their commitment to providing housing for students to grow their enrolments is a sensible and necessary step, and one that aligns with our calls for more collaboration between the higher education and student accommodation sector.
"Every student in one of our buildings is a student not competing in the private rental sector.
"We have the capacity, the expertise and a proven track record of delivering high-quality housing options for both international and domestic students leaving home for the first time."
The announcement allows public universities to apply for increased allocations if they can demonstrate delivery against key government priorities, including the provision of safe and secure student housing.
"The private sector stands ready to work with the government and universities to increase the supply of professionally managed student accommodation that meets the needs of both domestic and international students," Ms Brown said.
"Our core business is providing a great place to live for young people while they study. We are ready to work with the university sector to deliver even more world-class accommodation,' Anouk Darling, President of the Student Accommodation Council and CEO of Scape, said.
"International education is one of Australia's most valuable exports - but we must ensure the infrastructure is in place to support it. Professionally managed student accommodation is purpose-built, safe, and community-oriented, and plays a vital role in relieving pressure on the broader rental market."
With Australia facing a housing supply crisis, the Student Accommodation Council has long advocated for a coordinated, data-driven approach to increasing the availability and supply pipeline of professionally managed student accommodation.
"We look forward to working with all levels of government to ensure student accommodation is part of the solution to Australia's housing challenges," Ms Brown said.
