Amber Beat: Global Student Accommodation Market News - August 2025, Week 02

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Missed keeping track of all the latest happenings in the student accommodation market?

Amber Beat is a weekly snapshot of the key developments in top student accommodation markets.  This newsletter provides you with all the information you need to know, from new upcoming projects to current trends, news affecting students to government policies, we’ve got you covered!

Amber Beat | News from August 08- August 14, 2025

United Kingdom

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• UCAS Level 3 results show 4.7% rise in UK student acceptances, with 255,130 18-year-olds accepted in 2025 (Source)
• Sponsored study visa main applicants fell 3% to 428,900 in the year ending July 2025 as compared to 2024 (Source)
• NAFSA analysis indicates a 30–40% decline in US international student enrollments this fall, as the UK and Asia see surge (Source)
• UK’s proposed 6% tax on international student fees could cut £621 million from university budget, affecting teaching, research and overall global competitiveness (Source)
• 20% of UK international applicants are choosing IT and healthcare programs, reflecting growing demand in these critical sectors, revealed in a study by ApplyBoard (Source)
• Universities may accept domestic students despite missing grade thresholds to maintain stability in financial planning amid uncertainty of international enrollment, says UCAS (Source)
• Empiric to be acquired by Unite Group in £634 million cash and share deal, creating £10.5 billion portfolio of 75,000 beds, with 92% in Russell Group cities (Source)

United States of America

• US visa backlog may slash Indian enrollment by 80%, putting $9 billion in university funds, STEM research and academic ties at risk, indicating a financial crisis for colleges (Source)
• Visa backlogs leave Indian students stranded; US faces ~30% drop in new international enrollments and $2.6B tuition loss this Fall (Source)
• US considers replacing ‘duration of status’ with fixed-term student visas, 420,000 Indian students alongside international peers could be forced to renew mid-course (Source)
• NAFSA reports potential 150,000 international student loss in US this Fall ’25, putting $7B and 60,000+ jobs at risk (Source) 
• Through legal settlements and policy shifts, Trump and Miller are forcing universities to restrict international enrollment, subtly remaking US higher education (Source)
• Trump administration tightens PSLF eligibility, leaving borrowers at risk amid complex repayment plans and growing backlog of forgiveness requests for students (Source)

Australia

• Australia to tighten international student cap from 270,000 to 295,000 in 2026, with public universities allowed a 5% surplus (Source)
• Adelaide University debuts at #82 globally after merging top universities to become Australia’s largest with a $500M annual economic impact (Source) 
• Australia hits record 8.9% temporary visa holders, with 821,000 on student or graduate visas in Q2 2025 (Source)
• Adelaide’s 6:1 student-to-bed shortage and no new builds since 2022 are driving strong investor interest in a 225-bed portfolio near key universities, driven by strong demand from the University of Adelaide-UniSA merger (Source)
• Australia requires universities to add student housing before expanding international enrolments to ease rental market pressure (Source)
• IFM Investors bought InfraRed’s Curtin Exchange project in Perth, adding 2,000+ student beds and mixed-use facilities to its portfolio, making way into student housing sector (Source)

Canada

• Canada’s study permit issuance drops 48% from 2023, with 267,890 recorded in 2024, missing the 364,000 target (Source)
• Canada’s plan to add three new categories to Express Entry Immigration system in 2026 may change PGWP eligibility requirements for international students (Source)
• IRCC to include officer notes in temporary visa refusals starting July 2025 to boost transparency despite certain redactions (Source) 
• IRCC announces language proficiency assessment starting 2026 for open work permits, international students among potential exceptions (Source)
• Canada’s 2025 caps target soaring number of international students, alleviate strain on housing and public services, and limit mobility of accompanying family members (Sources)

Europe

• Xior’s 2025 EPRA earnings rise to €50.5 million, supported by 5.36% increase in rental growth and 98% occupancy rate, marking a 13% year-on-year increase (Source)
• DAAD survey finds two-thirds of international students plan careers in Germany, but many fall short of language skills, job-market readiness and career support (Source)
• Tougher visas, delays and rising costs in Canada, UK and US is pushing Indian students to France and Germany for affordability, smoother visas and strong industry ties (Source)
• Starting early 2025, students with visa-free EU access must secure ETIAS for studies, a move that enhances security, streamlines entry and extends post-visa stays up to 90 days (Source)