These students are forced to relocate in order to complete their studies at university, with approximately 42,300 students relocating to capital cities.
“The average student in Australia can afford to pay $178 per week for student accommodation while the average rent is $222 per week
So where are they living? Primarily, in student accommodation or rent in the private rental market. With an average income of around $400 per week, students primary income sources include Government allowances, family support, part-time work and scholarships or bursaries.
As part of their commitment to improve the education of country students and enable them to reach their full potential, the Australian Government commissioned an Independent Review into Regional, Rural and Remote Education. the Review, conducted by Emeritus Professor John Halsey, Flinders University, explored the challenges faced by these students and looked at possible solutions to support students throughout their studies and beyond. A key issue identified in the Review was access to affordable accommodation for regional, rural and remote tertiary students.
Following the initial Review, the Department of Education and Training enlisted the help of Urbis to research the supply and affordability of tertiary student accommodation in Australia, particularly in our capital cities.
Urbis modelling found that the average student in Australia can afford to pay $178 per week for student accommodation while the average rent is $222 per week (24% higher). This data highlights the financial hardships that students are facing, with the challenges higher in the inner city area of the major capital cities.
The full report, Regional Student Accommodation Assessment, can be accessed here