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
