University of Tasmania faces student backlash over 'unsustainable' CBD rent increase
University of Tasmania students face paying up to 80 per cent of their income on rent after an 11 per cent hike in campus accommodation costs.
University of Tasmania students have slammed an 11 per cent rent hike for Hobart CBD accommodation, labelling it ‘completely unsustainable’ in a cost-of-living crisis.
An 11 per cent rent hike for students living at the university’s Hobart CBD accommodation complex will see them pay $358 a week next year — $38 more than the 2025 rate.
UTAS students gathered outside Elizabeth Street’s U-Connect City Hub on Monday afternoon to protest the increase, which they were notified of via email on November 6 – a date which fell amid the second semester exam period.
“The news broke to students while many of them were still in exams, and because of that students have yet to have the chance to start organising and speaking out,” Matt Haubrick, a representative of student advocacy group Resistance Lutruwita, said.
“But for many students, there is a general understanding that this will be completely unsustainable, and for the ones who can manage to afford it, it will mean they’ll have to work more and study less.”
Mr Haubrick said the rental hike meant students on Austudy – which offers a maximum fortnightly payment of around $660 – could end up spending 80 per cent of their income on rent.
“Many students are concerned that they will not be able to continue living or studying in Tasmania if the increase comes to pass,” he said.
“Students hope that together they may yet be able to resist the rent increases and make the city more affordable not just for themselves, but for the thousands of others unable to find affordable housing in Hobart and Tasmania.”
UTAS’ Hobart CBD student accommodation site features 430 self-contained studio apartments, each equipped with a private ensuite and kitchenette.
Rent prices for 2026 have been raised by an average of 2.2 per cent across the university’s accommodation portfolio.
Pro Vice-Chancellor Amanda Castray said the university was committed to keeping rents “as affordable as possible”.
“All student accommodation managed by the University is reviewed annually and typically rents are adjusted in line with (Consumer Price Index),” she said.
“The rent adjustment for 2026 is necessary to ensure we can continue to deliver safe, high-quality accommodation and services for our residents.
“Rental rates are capped below 80% of market rent valuation and include utilities, wi-fi, laundry, security, pastoral care and wellbeing support.
“We will be introducing additional support to eligible students in 2026 with the introduction of equity bursaries (and) our Campus Accommodation team is available to talk with students who are experiencing financial distress.”
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