We are excited to welcome SiLANT as SAA's newest sponsor!

SiLANT is a major supplier of integrated network systems and technologies for Hotels, Student accommodation, and the Living Sector. Their services include high-speed internet, Wi-Fi, In-room technology, Casting, Fibre TV, Access control, Security, and CCTV. With over 50,000 hotel and student accommodation rooms serviced by their network across Australasia, SiLANT can offer the technology for an immersive, safe, and customised environment with seamless digital connections.

“SiLANT is proud to be SAA's newest sponsor and looks forward to many years of working together to provide students and accommodation providers with the fastest, most reliable internet solution available. Supported 24/7 by our Australian-based technicians, we understand the importance of the Internet to students and proactively monitor all hardware so we can resolve potential problems before the service is affected.” said David Lowthian, Founder.

We look forward to many years of collaboration with SiLANT as they continue to revolutionise the student accommodation sector with their cutting-edge technology.

Welcome aboard, SiLANT!

The Australian Government Department of Education has released a Guide for supporting international students with accommodation.

The Student Accommodation Association (SAA) is delighted that the guide recognises the need for the Australian education sector to adopt a clear and consistent accommodation message and directs students to the National Property Accreditation Scheme (NPAS) to identify quality student accommodation in Australia.

The guide is a useful resource for education providers to adopt and share with their student population to help students successfully establish their accommodation journey in Australia.

To download the full guide, click here.

For more information or to submit an application for NPAS accreditation, please visit npas.org.au.

At the start of the month, the National Committee members met in Melbourne for a strategic session to set the Student Accommodation Association's goals for the year ahead. These discussions highlighted the exciting opportunities emerging for the student accommodation sector as education providers increasingly focus on accountability for the student experience, both on and off campus.

Our mission to connect education and student accommodation providers remains vital as we foster relationships that drive fit-for-purpose accommodation solutions and build future growth.

As we embrace the year ahead, we’re focused on:

• Strengthening the Australian International Education sector through quality student accommodation.
• Expanding the NPAS property portfolio.
• Promoting informed accommodation choices for students.

Here’s to another year of growth, collaboration, and impact!

Huge congratulations to Varsity Apartments on achieving NPAS accreditation!

NPAS sets the standard for quality and safety in student accommodation, ensuring peace of mind for students and their families. It’s a testament to Varsity Apartments' commitment to creating a safe, supportive, and well-equipped environment for young adults transitioning to independent living.

Located just an eight-minute walk from the University of the Sunshine Coast (UniSC), Varsity Apartments offers everything a student needs for a balanced and enriching experience. With 128 units across 2.5 hectares of landscaped grounds, residents enjoy the perfect blend of privacy and community with four-bedroom apartments, each room featuring a private ensuite and shared kitchen, living area, and large balcony. Plus, they’ve recently upgraded to unlimited high-speed WiFi, keeping students connected seamlessly!

Denise Lucas, Managing Partner at Varsity Apartments, shared her thoughts:

“Under the previous managers, Varsity Apartments was the first complex in Australia to gain NPAS accreditation. We recognise the importance of NPAS accreditation to parents, knowing that their adolescent, although away from home, is safe and has access to 24-hour support. Additionally, the University of the Sunshine Coast values NPAS as a sign of quality accommodation for both local and international students.”

With fantastic amenities—including two swimming pools, a multi-purpose tennis/pickleball/basketball court, beach volleyball, a gym, and a recreation building—Varsity Apartments truly goes above and beyond to provide a vibrant, secure, and comfortable living space. The dedicated after-hours security further ensures the peace and safety of all residents.

Well done to Varsity Apartments for this outstanding achievement, raising the bar in student accommodation!

What a brilliant evening at Trinity College, the University of Melbourne last night! It was fantastic to see SAA members and friends come together to celebrate Victoria’s student accommodation sector and dive into issues unique to the region.

Huge thanks to CONSTANT for sponsoring and supporting this event—your contribution made it all possible! And special thanks to Louis Clay Rebecca Bendall (IEAA-AF) for being on the ground, warmly welcoming members, and helping organise the event.

The next student accommodation sector gathering will be in NSW! Keep an eye out for updates and join us as we continue the conversation across the country.

Congratulations to St Mark's College, Adelaide on achieving NPAS accreditation! 

This prestigious recognition through NPAS ensures that St Mark’s College meets the highest standards of quality in student accommodation. The NPAS (National Property Accreditation Scheme) accreditation is a mark of excellence in student accommodation, ensuring that St Mark's College provides safe, high-quality accommodation that meets national standards.

This recognition guarantees that students will enjoy well-maintained facilities, a secure living environment, and services designed to enhance their university experience. With NPAS accreditation, St Mark’s continues to uphold its commitment to delivering quality student accommodation, offering peace of mind to students, parents, and the broader community.

“Being NPAS accredited will help students from all over the world access the many benefits of a collegiate education while studying in Adelaide,” said Professor Don Markwell AM, Head of College. “It is also important to us as part of our ongoing efforts to build a diverse and inclusive community, and as we approach our Centenary, to be recognised as one of the finest university colleges in Australia, attracting students from diverse backgrounds from around Australia and around the world.”

Nestled in the parklands of North Adelaide, St Mark’s is within easy walking distance of the city’s major university campuses and the many venues and events that make Adelaide a great place to live.

St Mark’s students can feel right at home in private, well-furnished, and modern rooms with unlimited wireless internet and a weekly room cleaning service. Students live in single student bedrooms with shared bathrooms and kitchens. Senior students can access shared flats, each with their own lounge, kitchen, and bathroom. Safety and security measures include CCTV cameras and a Smart Card system as the locking device for all individual student rooms. Students also benefit from a fully-resourced Academic Centre, gymnasium, Learning Commons, dining hall, and secure multi-storey car park.

St Mark’s is so much more than student accommodation – with academic and wellbeing support, students are equipped with the knowledge and skills to thrive at university and beyond.

Here's to an exciting future for St Mark's College as they continue to provide a vibrant, supportive environment for students from all walks of life! 

The Student Accommodation Association (SAA) National Committee wrapped up a productive two-day event in Melbourne, filled with strategic planning, networking opportunities, and insightful discussions on the future of international student accommodation in Australia.

The event featured the SAA Industry Networking Lunch on Tuesday, 22 October, where education professionals and student accommodation providers gathered at the Crowne Plaza Melbourne to exchange ideas and explore solutions for enhancing the international student experience. Keynote presentations provided valuable insights into the impact of recent government reforms on international student caps and the critical role of quality accommodation in supporting Australia’s international education sector.

Highlights included presentations from Keri Ramirez, Managing Director at Studymove Consultants, and Kelana Jaya, Melbourne Branch Manager at Masiratna Study Abroad, who shared their perspectives on how policy changes are influencing international student choices and the broader education landscape.

A dynamic panel discussion, facilitated by Ron De Haan GAICD, brought together key voices from the sector, including Alex Elibank Murray (University of the Sunshine Coast) and Geoff Denison (University of Adelaide, SAA President), to discuss collaborative solutions for delivering quality student accommodation.

As Geoff Denison remarked, “We’ve achieved a great deal in the past year, and I’m excited for what’s ahead.”

The committee extends its heartfelt thanks to all the speakers, sponsors (StarRez, Inc. and CONSTANT), and all the participants. Without your contributions, the event wouldn’t have been the success it was.

A special thank you to all SAA National Committee members for their unwavering commitment to developing quality student accommodation in Australia. Your dedication continues to shape the future of international student experiences across the country. 

The Student Accommodation Association (SAA) hosted its first industry lunch in Canberra, bringing together a fantastic lineup of speakers to discuss some of the most pressing issues in Australia’s education and student accommodation sector.

Dan Donegan provided insights into the Australian Government’s Action Plan to Respond to Gender-Based Violence and the development of a National Code. Dan assured attendees that consultation with key bodies, including the SAA, will continue. However, hurdles around student/tenant rights, privacy, and definition remain.

Luke Sheehy highlighted a disconnect between government initiatives like "Future Made in Australia" and proposed caps on the international education sector, which would hamper such initiatives.

Geoff Denison shared valuable information about the National Property Accreditation Scheme (NPAS), explaining how it helps students make informed accommodation decisions and supports the government’s action plan.

Damian Oliver joined Geoff and Luke on a lively panel where 'caps' were a hot topic of discussion, especially regarding their impact on regional universities and accommodation operators.

This event provided an excellent platform for education providers, government representatives, student accommodation operators, and other stakeholders to engage in meaningful dialogue on critical issues affecting our sector.

SAA continues to champion NPAS as the right tool to ensure high-quality, safe accommodation options for all students. We are proud to facilitate these conversations and look forward to more collaborative efforts in the future!

We thank StarRez, Inc. and CONSTANT for their ongoing involvement, without their support events like this wouldn't be possible.

What a fantastic evening at Scape Kingsford last night! 

SAA members and associates came together to celebrate the student accommodation sector, discuss matters specific to NSW, gain valuable insights into the latest developments in student accommodation, and connect with other SAA NSW members and their networks.

A big thank you to our event sponsor, Constant Security, for making it possible.

We are thrilled to welcome Louis Clay, Associate Dean (Student Journey) at Trinity College, University of Melbourne, to the SAA National Committee. With his extensive background in student experience and services, Louis is set to make significant contributions to our mission of enhancing student accommodation standards.

“I joined the SAA National Committee as I think it’s important for education providers to play an active role in ensuring a quality accommodation experience for our students in Australia and the broader value proposition that accommodation contributes to Australia as a preferred study destination. I have a background in student recruitment, admissions, academic administration and student experience and have specialised in driving large teams to attract and service high quality students to Australian Institutions. I lead with courage and conviction and pride myself on bringing out the best in my teams and my stakeholders. I am passionate about ensuring a quality student experience and motivate those around me to demonstrate industry best practice, “ said Louis.

As we welcome a new member, we also take a moment to bid farewell to a valued member of the SAA committee, Denise von Wald. Denise dedicated two years of service to the association (2022/2023 and 2023/2024). The Student Accommodation Association extends its deepest gratitude to Denise for her invaluable contributions, the wealth of experience she shared, and her exceptional service. Her commitment and leadership have greatly benefited the association, and she will be greatly missed.