International students in popular study destinations like Australia, Canada, the UK, and Germany struggle with a housing crisis. Rents are soaring, accommodation options are limited, and the situation is exacerbated by slow construction and landlords withdrawing properties from the rental market.
According to the 2023 Student Housing Annual Report by BONARD, there is a Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) shortage in Europe, Australia, and Canada. This has worsened the crisis, as rents continue to rise and room sizes shrink, making it even harder for students to find affordable accommodation.
The situation in Canada has become alarming, as tens of thousands of migrant students are currently facing homelessness. Similarly, in Germany, where housing shortages have existed for decades, student associations are struggling to accommodate the increasing demand for housing. Due to the challenges faced by international students, governments are considering implementing regulatory measures. Countries like Australia, Canada, and the UK have introduced policies to manage the influx of international students, while Germany has allocated federal subsidies to address the housing crisis.
International students call for more proactive measures to address housing challenges amid uncertainties.
Canada faces a housing crisis that makes it challenging for foreigners, including international students, to find homes. As a result, many people live in unconventional locations such as streets and cemeteries.
The housing crisis in the country has resulted in substantial regulatory modifications for international students. For example, in August 2023, Sean Fraser, the country’s Minister of Housing, proposed a solution to rising housing costs by restricting the number of international students. After much debate, this measure was put into effect in February 2024.
BBC reports that students from India and Bangladesh struggle to find affordable housing in London due to demanding rental agreements requiring more references and payslips. The global housing crisis makes securing suitable accommodation even more challenging for international students.