International Students

The most recent AFS webinar focused on International students, covering the short term impact of Covid as well as considering the longer term implications.

£23 Billion impact

A recent HEPI study estimated that the UK’s half a million international students were worth over £20 billion to the UK economy. Longer term there is an intention to increase the numbers arriving from overseas to study to 600,000.

Short term impact

The short term impact of Covid on international student mobility has been significant, as a result of travel challenges and the advent of online learning. However, relatively speaking the UK has performed well, compared to countries such as the US and Australia.

Longer term forecast

It is likely that stability will not return until 2023, however, evidence is that many international students are committed to returning to study in the UK, with a 143% increase in student visa applications in 2021.

This is positive news and while the wider student accommodation market is already buoyant, returning international students will be of further benefit.

It is also likely that Universities that have struggled to meet their undergraduate recruitment targets will turn to the international postgraduate markets to address the shortfall, creating opportunities for landlords and agents in tougher cities.

Housing Hand

Within this context Housing Hand are an enabling service, acting as a guarantor to international students, so that landlords, agents and PBSA’s can rent with confidence to this growing and important segment of the student market.

The webinar

You can watch the webinar here and download a copy of the presentation here and view slides from Housing Hand here