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 14 - August 20, 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)
• UK’s proposed 6% tax on international student fees could cut £621 million from university budget, affecting teaching, research and overall global competitiveness (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)
• 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)
• Stricter policies, visa delays and political unrest lower international enrollment in US as students increasingly seek alternatives in UK, Australia and Asia (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 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 plan to add three new categories to Express Entry Immigration system in 2026 may change PGWP eligibility requirements for international students (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)