Australia’s student accommodation sector is poised for significant expansion, with the Urbis Student Accommodation Benchmarks forecasting a pipeline of 144,300 beds by 2027.

This surge is seen as a win for both students and the broader rental market, as purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) eases pressure on private rentals. In 2025, around 1,045 new beds are expected to be delivered, with an additional 11,200 to be built by 2027.

The Federal Government has tied international student growth targets to new accommodation delivery. From 2026, universities will only be able to increase enrolments if they can prove additional beds are being provided.

Torie Brown, Executive Director of the Student Accommodation Council, says investor confidence is rebounding following the recent election. “We need governments to treat PBSA as a priority asset class and make it easier for projects to get off the ground,” she notes.

With Australia’s education sector remaining one of the nation’s largest export earners, and international student numbers climbing, this renewed investment in accommodation signals strong growth for the sector and relief for urban rental markets.