Federal government data shows thousands of overseas students have returned to Adelaide

Overseas students have almost returned, bringing a boost to the state’s economy but also more pressure on its rental crisis.

Flinders University student Phuong Tran from Vietnam chose to study in Adelaide, rather than Sydney or Melbourne. Picture: Tricia Watkinson

More than 14,000 international students have returned to Adelaide since the start of the year, putting further pressure on the state’s private rental crisis.

Latest official figures show enrolments have almost reached pre-pandemic levels by climbing from 21,722 in January to 36,199 in July.

The influx has seen growing numbers of students seeking private rental properties in competition with other prospective tenants.

The need for more permanent student accommodation within the CBD has prompted an investigation by the Property Council, which estimates there is one bed for every 13 students.

Doctor, inventor and concert violinist Chidozie ‘Elvis’ Chidi-Ezeama from Flinders University was named international student of the year by StudyAdelaide. Picture: Matt Loxton

Student accommodation executive director Torie Brown said Adelaide already had the nation’s tightest rental market before the students started returning earlier this year.

“This means students are competing with private renters to find a home in the residential market,” she said.

“More purpose-built student accommodation means more appropriate housing options for students while also increasing the supply of homes available to rent to families, workers and pensioners because students aren’t competing with them in the private market.”

Ms Brown said purpose-built student accommodation was the “perfect landing point for international students arriving in Adelaide for the first time”.

“It is a housing option in close proximity to universities and other education institutions, designed for and inhabited only by students,” she said.

“It’s safe, it’s staffed 24 hours a day, and it creates a community for students.”

The government agency responsible for overseas students, StudyAdelaide, was monitoring the availability of accommodation for new arrivals.

Chief executive Jane Johnston said mid-year enrolments had put the state’s growth in overseas students this year at 28 per cent, compared to 20 per cent nationally.

Ms Johnston said India had become the biggest market, with enrolments increasing by 3 per cent compared to July last year.

Other emerging markets included Colombia, Nepal, Bangladesh, Thailand, Cambodia and Germany.

“The strong return of South Australia’s positive performance is largely due to how well the community looked after international students over the past two years during the height of Covid,” she said.

“This has significantly enhanced our reputation in key international student markets around the world.”

Ms Johnston said signs were positive for next year, with strong student visa applications for SA.

“The latest figures, which include the mid-year intake, demonstrate that South Australia has managed to bounce back much quicker compared to other states.”

Committee for Adelaide chief executive Bruce Djite said it was important for SA to attract and retain more international students “if we are to build on our rich tapestry”.

“Their presence will be integral to the renaissance and vibrancy of the city,” he said.

Mr Djite said international students were “one solution” to addressing the state’s current skills shortage, especially in hospitality.

“Many organisations are unable to operate at full capacity, due to a shortage of labour.”

The Committee for Adelaide has called for more strategies to attract overseas students as part of a newly-released discussion paper.

International students Ansh Birani and Shivani Bura came to Adelaide to study from India, which is becoming the state’s biggest market for higher education. Picture: Brenton Edwards

STUDENT LOVES CALLING ADELAIDE HOME

Former Vietnamese higher education manager Phuong Tran is not your typical international student.

While many are young people travelling overseas for the first time to study, the 39-year-old has been employed full-time, spent time in various Asian countries and already holds two degrees, including a masters in international business.

Mr Phuong, formerly of Ho Chi Minh City, is now at Flinders University studying a Masters of Education in wellbeing and positive mental health.

“I chose Adelaide to study because it’s not as hectic as Sydney and Melbourne,” he said.

“I love Adelaide, I love the university, I love the environment and love being so close to nature.”

Flinders University student Phuong Tran from Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Picture: Tricia Watkinson

Mr Phuong said he had found it difficult to find a rental property when he first arrived in Adelaide several months ago.

“I got help from the university and they have put me into private accommodation,” he said.

Mr Phuong worked for education providers in Vietnam, Cambodia, Myanmar and Laos promoting Australian universities.

He obtained a bachelor degree in national business in Vietnam in 2006 before coming to Australia to study for a masters degree in international business at the University of Wollongong.

Mr Phuong said he went back to Vietnam in 2010 and worked full-time in higher education before deciding to return to Australia to study again.

“My interest is in student wellbeing and Flinders is the only university which has a degree,” he said.

“When I finish I will go back to Vietnam as I believe there is a real need to look after the mental health of students in the region.”

Colin James