University property sell-offs heighten ‘dire’ housing shortage as students return to Australia

Some international students are frustrated by a lack of help from universities as they face ‘mind-blowing’ rents

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Universities have failed incoming international students and exacerbated problems for those already struggling to find a place to live by selling off student accommodation to private providers during the Covid period, student advocates say.

About 40,000 international students are expected to rush to Australia in time for first-semester classes, after the Chinese government on Monday announced a snap ban in recognising online degrees obtained from foreign institutions. Students unable to access visas, flights or accommodation can seek an exemption from the ban but only after their degree is completed.

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