At IDP Education, we have a simple goal when it comes to student placement – match students with the right country, the right course and the right support system that sets them up to thrive. This includes addressing one of the most critical aspects of their experience: accommodation.
Listening to students, acting on insights
At the heart of IDP is a commitment to shaping positive student experiences. Whether it’s through our regular Emerging Futures research, or our Customer Experience program, we listen to international students to understand their challenges, motivations and needs.
A recurring theme is clear: access to safe, secure, and affordable accommodation is a critical factor in international student wellbeing and satisfaction.
Our recent research highlights a concerning gap: 33% of students report unsatisfactory experiences when trying to find accommodation overseas.
At a time when our students are already navigating complex pressures — including rising living costs, evolving immigration policies, and increased expectations from families — it’s essential that our sector prioritises accommodation as a foundational element of student support.
Building partnerships that matter
We need to work together with institutions, industry and government to provide better accommodation options for students.
Ensuring that accommodation choices are safe, secure and that they meet students’ needs is critical. This is why we partner with global providers and aggregators to deliver accommodation options that students and their families can trust. Recently we were pleased to welcome Casita, U-homes, and Amber as strategic partners, enabling us to better support students in critical education markets including Canada, the UK, and the USA.
Today, IDP has access to more than two million beds, provided by a total of 18 housing partners. We have helped more than 5,000 students find accommodation in their chosen study destination.
This matters because accommodation is far more than just a place to live. It sets the stage for a student’s overall academic and social experience abroad. It is a safe place to call home, to feel connected and to become part of a community.
When students have suitable housing, they experience less stress and anxiety, allowing them to engage more fully with their studies and broader campus life.
A trusted partner for our students
Securing accommodation is only part of the bigger picture that focuses on trust, support and guidance.
Students seek comprehensive, hand-in-hand support, which is why IDP’s counsellors play a crucial role throughout their entire education experience, from choosing the right institution to adjusting to life in a new country.
In Australia, many students arrive with little understanding of the local housing market. As one of our experienced counsellors, Sasha, shared with me, international students — particularly those with spouses or children — often face difficulties securing affordable and suitable accommodation. They may be unaware of which suburbs are budget-friendly, what rental terms mean in practice, or that subleasing is prohibited in many tenancies. Even simple terms like “studio” or “shared flat” can cause confusion.
Another IDP counsellor, Candy, said that some students express a desire to live with others who share their cultural background, seeking a sense of belonging in an unfamiliar environment. This makes cultural guidance just as important as logistical support.
Our counsellors share practical dos and don’ts, including lived lessons from their own experiences — helping students avoid common pitfalls and settle more confidently into their new lives.
According to our January 2025 Customer Insights research, students rank IDP’s end-to-end counsellor support as the second most valued offering, following closely behind the quality of the counsellors themselves.
This is a critical reminder of the demand for personalised, guided support in navigating the complexities of studying abroad.
IDP’s Student Essentials service further strengthens this support, providing access to essential products such as education loans, health cover, accommodation, money transfers, banking, guardianship, forex cards, and SIM cards. While students can explore options online, IDP counsellors provide tailored recommendations, ensuring they choose solutions best suited to their needs.
Onshore support: thriving beyond arrival
We know that placing students in institutions and finding them accommodation isn’t the end of their student journey. Arriving onshore is when their experience truly begins.
Through IDP Thrive, a program supporting students in Australia and Canada, we connect students with community events, social outings, exclusive rewards, and expert counselling. By fostering social connections and offering expert guidance on academic and professional pathways, IDP ensures students are supported every step of the way.
When set up to thrive, international students bring immense value to their classrooms and communities.
IDP is proud to be the only organisation by their sides, from their first course search, until they have found their feet in their new country.
To all our international students arriving in Australia commencing their studies, we say “welcome home.”
Jane Li is Regional Operations Director, Australasia at IDP Education.
