Studying in Europe is not as fancy as it sounds

In recent years, European countries like Germany, France, Spain, Switzerland, and Ireland have seen a surge in international students, attracted by high-quality education and more affordable tuition compared to top study destinations like Australia, Canada, the UK, and the US. However, despite these advantages, students in Europe encounter a familiar challenge: a shortage of purpose-built student housing (PBSA) and soaring rental costs.

Last year, there was a shortage of 3 million beds for students across Europe and the situation is expected to worsen in the next five years, when there will be a need for an additional 200,000 more beds, according to a 2024 analysis by global real estate firm JLL. This is in part because Europe’s student population is expected to grow by 10% by 2030/31, reaching 23.5 million, with half being international students, according to an ICEF Monitor report.

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Europe’s top student cities face the biggest housing shortages, with 40 cities making up 40% of the 3-million-bed deficit. Only 40% of PBSA beds are privately funded, while the rest are publicly owned or subsidised, often limiting accessibility. JLL estimates this gap represents a €450 billion investment opportunity.

Ireland

On average there are three applications for every one student bed on campus in Ireland, according to a report quoted by ICEF Monitor. “This does not take into account the Technological University sector. Those students who are unsuccessful in obtaining a place are forced into the private market.”

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France

In Paris, a January 2024 study by SeLoger.com found that the number of available rentals for students in Paris dropped by 50% compared with 2023 and 73% over three years. Jacques Baudrier, deputy mayor for housing, told The Diplomat: “The private sector has nothing left to rent, agencies are closing, and the crisis is exponential.”

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Spain

In Spain, where soaring tourist numbers are squeezing residents out of the housing market, the government is taking action to provide more student accommodation for students enrolling in certain types of tertiary institution. A protocol was signed at the end of 2024 by the ministries of housing, economy, and universities that mandates that new private universities offer housing for their students.

In addition, reports The Guardian, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez’s government has instituted a tax of up to 100% on properties bought by non-residents from countries outside the EU, such as the UK.