Global Student Accommodation Market Grows Steadily at a CAGR of 5.04%

Introduction

Multiple interconnected factors are shaping the global student accommodation market. Growing urbanization and the need for housing close to educational institutions have led students to prioritize convenience, safety, and easy accessibility. The increasing trend of international student migration, especially to destinations like the UK, Australia, and Canada, has further amplified the demand for purpose-built, student-focused housing solutions. Additionally, the emergence of co-living concepts is reshaping the market, offering students cost-effective living spaces that promote community engagement and flexible living.

The adoption of smart technologies, including digital access systems, high-speed internet, and energy-efficient infrastructure, is also enhancing the desirability of modern student accommodations. Collectively, these factors indicate a shift toward lifestyle-oriented, tech-enabled, and strategically located housing that aligns with the changing preferences of both local and international students, thereby driving further investment and innovation in the market.

Market Dynamics

Growth in the global student population drives the global market

One of the primary aspects fostering the growth of the global student accommodation market is the steady increase in the global student population. With a stronger focus on higher education and greater access to academic opportunities, particularly in developing nations, the demand for student housing is rising significantly.

• According to UNESCO, global tertiary education enrollment climbed to 264 million in 2023, more than double the 100 million recorded in 2000. Notably, around 6.9 million students pursued studies abroad during the 2022–2023 academic year, marking a more than threefold rise in international student mobility since 2000.

This sharp growth has placed considerable pressure on host countries and university cities to expand their infrastructure, especially in terms of housing. International students, who generally prefer safe, well-furnished, and conveniently located accommodations, are fueling investment in purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA), co-living developments, and upgraded hostels. As a result, this segment has become one of the most rapidly evolving areas within the real estate market.

Government support and education policies create tremendous opportunities

Government initiatives and policy reforms are increasingly unlocking growth opportunities in the global student accommodation market. Various countries are taking active steps to improve access to higher education, facilitate international student mobility, and enhance student welfare through favorable policies.

• For example, in July 2025, Dubai’s Executive Council rolled out a set of reforms, including extended student visa durations, expanded scholarship programs, and structured employment initiatives aimed at achieving a 90% graduate job placement rate. Likewise, in June 2025, Jawaharlal Nehru University in India announced up to 80% reductions in semester fees for international students to encourage higher enrollment.

These measures not only attract more international students but also contribute to a steady rise in demand for high-quality student accommodation. By enabling longer academic tenures and reducing financial pressures, such reforms present attractive growth prospects for real estate developers and accommodation providers in major global education destinations.

Regional Analysis

In North America, the student accommodation market is witnessing significant transformation driven by rising international student enrollments and increased investment in purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA). The U.S. and Canada continue to be top destinations, with Canada recording over 1 million international students in 2023, up from 807,000 in 2022, according to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. Cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and Boston are experiencing high demand for PBSA due to limited on-campus housing and rising urban rents.

Real estate players like Blackstone and Harrison Street have expanded their student housing portfolios in the region. Additionally, smart features such as biometric access, energy-efficient systems, and mental wellness support services are being integrated into new developments. With a surging focus on ESG compliance and affordability, developers are also exploring modular construction to scale up sustainable housing quickly across university towns.

Key Highlights

1. The global student accommodation market size was valued at USD 11.44 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow from USD 12.02 billion in 2025 to reach USD 17.81 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 5.04% during the forecast period (2025–2033).
2. By accommodation type, the global student accommodation market is categorized into purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA), university-managed accommodation, private rental accommodation, and others (homestays, etc.). The purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) segment dominated the market.
3. By gender accommodation, the market is segmented into co-ed accommodation, male-only accommodation, and female-only accommodation. The co-ed accommodation segment held the largest market share.
4. By education grade, the market is divided into undergraduate students, postgraduate students, and professional and continuing education students. The undergraduate students segment held a dominant share of the global market.
5. North America is the highest shareholder in the global market.

Competitive Players

1. Unite Students
2. American Campus Communities
3. The Student Hotel
4. Scape
5. GSA (Global Student Accommodation)
6. Campus Living Villages
7. Collegiate AC
8. Yugo (formerly The Student Housing Company)
9. Harrison Street
10. Crosslane Group

Recent Developments

• In July 2025, Hospitality platform Lavanda established a strategic alliance with Student.com. The partnership allows Lavanda’s clients to integrate into Student.com's global student housing network, significantly expanding their booking reach.

Segmentation

1. By Accommodation Type
   1. Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA)
   2. University-Managed Accommodation
   3. Private Rental Accommodation
   4. Others (Homestays, etc.)
2. By Gender Accommodation
   1. Co-Ed Accommodation
   2. Male-Only Accommodation
   3. Female-Only Accommodation
3. By Education Grade
   1. Undergraduate Students
   2. Postgraduate Students
   3. Professional and Continuing Education Students
4. By Regions
   1. North America
   2. Europe
   3. Asia-Pacific
   4. Latin America
   5. The Middle East and Africa