Enrolment figures at some universities have almost doubled in the last four years. Does this further underline the importance of investing in quality PBSA?

Summary:

• Student numbers at some UK universities have almost doubled since the lifting of enrolment caps which began in 2012
• Three out of the five biggest uplifts in British and EU students were reported at Russell Group institutions
• With few signs of a UK education losing any of its global appeal, does this further the need for investment in higher quality student accommodation?

More students from across the UK and the EU want a British education – and they need a place to live.

New figures published by Times Higher Education show that institutions across the UK have reported significant rises in the number of course entrants each year thanks to the uncapping of enrolment numbers which first began in 2012. The report also suggests a clear demand for the highest standards of teaching, with three out of the five biggest increases in student intake coming at Russell Group universities.

Aston University, a high-ranking institution that boasts a higher level of employability for its graduates than the University of Oxford, has almost doubled its number of UK and EU student numbers in just four years. It was followed closely by revered Russell Group institutions University College London and the University of Bristol, with 57.2% and 52.1% rises respectively.

2012 marked the start of the relaxation of student number caps, with universities able to accept unlimited applicants possessing the highest grades. All limits were completely scrapped last year, and these figures clearly highlight a surge in student numbers.

There’s been a clear shift towards high-quality purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) among Britain’s students in recent years. More are willing to pay a premium for accommodation that enhances the overall university experience, with the relatively low levels of supply in many university cities carrying rental premiums.

UK student property is the country’s strongest asset class and, as the country’s student population continues to expand, more PBSA investment will be needed to keep up with demand from a student body looking for quality accommodation.

Source: Select Property