A recent article from the ABC revealed that international students living and studying in Australia are not to blame for the rising cost of rent, a theory sensationalised in recent years.
Research conducted at the University of South Australia and supported by the Property Council of Australia examined data from 2017 and 2024 and found there was no link between the number of international students entering the country and the cost of rent across both regional and metro cities.
“Post COVID, throughout Australia, and in all the capital cities we researched, there was no statistically significant correlation between international student numbers and the rental costs,” said Professor Michael Mu, the lead researcher in the study.
He explained international students often have different housing needs compared to locals, which means they would not be competing for the same type of property. In fact, only 11-15 per cent of international students in Sydney reported seeking private rentals. Instead, students will often seek accommodation provided by their educational institution or shared bedrooms to save on costs.
A record number of international students in Australia
In 2024, Australia recorded the largest number of international students to date. According to the Department of Education, this number was around 850,000 students. This figure rose by 9 per cent compared to the previous year, at around 780,000 students. The majority of people came from China, India, Nepal, the Philippines and Vietnam.
Some politicians used this data to incorrectly blame the rising cost of rent on the high number of students entering Australia. Professor Mu explained that these students are an “easy target” because they don’t vote.
Not enough homes are impacting rising rental costs
So, what is causing the rising cost of rent? Australia is facing a housing problem that has created a shortage of homes, both to purchase and to rent. The government says this has been caused by underinvestment, which has meant there have not been enough new homes built to keep up with the growing population. Not having enough homes increases the demand, which therefore pushes up the costs of homes to rent.
What to do if you’re struggling with the cost of living
If you find yourself unable to keep up with your growing expenses, including housing, transportation, food and bills, here are some things you can do to help:
Seek out housing services
Explore the wide range of accommodation and living services each city or state provides to international students. Australian study bodies can help find you the right kind of accommodation for your situation and offer support and advice:
- Study Queensland
- StudyPerth
- Study Melbourne
- StudyAdelaide
- Study NSW
- Study Canberra
- Study Tasmania
- Study NT
Explore financial aid and scholarships
There are a number of different scholarships, grants and awards offered in Australia that directly support international students. These can help you financially during your time studying. You can explore a list of scholarships here.
Cut back on unnecessary spending
It might not be the most exciting part of studying abroad, however, it’s important to assess your expenses to ensure you’re using your money wisely. Look at ways you may be able to cut back on your spending. These can include taking public transport instead of a ride share, making a home-cooked meal instead of getting takeout, or exploring free things to do in your city. Use our Cost of Living calculator tool to help inform your budget.
Ask for help
If you feel like you can’t keep up, it’s important to always ask for help. Reach out to friends and family who can listen, and speak to your university or education provider on how they can support you. You can also seek assistance from the National Debt Hotline or mental health services like Beyond Blue.
