Student Accommodation Association - Latest News

Welcoming Superloop as a Corporate Sponsor for 2026/27

Thu, 05 Nov 2026 13:02:22 +1100

Student Accommodation Association (SAA) is delighted to welcome Superloop as a SAA Corporate Sponsor for 2026/27!

Superloop is an ASX-listed, Tier 1 telecommunications provider delivering award-winning Network, Wi-Fi, Cyber Security and Wholesale solutions to more than 700,000 customers. As a modern challenger telco, Superloop is leading the market with its Smart Student Accommodation Wi-Fi.

Alongside this, providers can access a range of additional services, including:
🔹 Integrated communications networks (CCTV, access control, BMS)
🔹 A bespoke management platform
🔹 TV streaming and casting solutions
🔹 Student mobile SIMs
🔹 Smart home integration

“Partnering with SAA is an important opportunity for Superloop to support and collaborate with the student accommodation industry. We’re committed to helping providers create connected, high-quality living experiences that support students today and into the future.”

– Jack Sparksman, Sales Director, Smart Communities at Superloop

We look forward to working with the Superloop team over the year ahead and helping our members deliver better connected living for students.

Varsity Apartments renews NPAS accreditation

Thu, 05 Nov 2026 12:16:14 +1100

Student Accommodation Association (SAA) congratulates Varsity Apartments on the successful renewal of its NPAS accreditation.

🏠 Varsity Apartments, Sippy Downs QLD

Located minutes from the University of the Sunshine Coast, Varsity Apartments is home to around 500 students in four-bedroom apartments, each with private bedrooms and bathrooms, shared kitchens and living areas, and balconies or patios to make the most of the Sunshine Coast climate. Residents also have access to a swimming pool, lap pool, gym, BBQ areas and beach volleyball, tennis and basketball courts.

This renewal reflects Varsity Apartments’ continued commitment to high standards of safety, quality and student wellbeing, and the care that goes into creating a supportive place for students to live and study.

NPAS has the recognised quality assurance framework for the student accommodation sector in Australia. Properties awarded accreditation demonstrate excellence in governance, management, resident support and operational safety. Renewing accreditation confirms that a property continues to meet rigorous industry-led standards for amenity, facility, security, customer service and management processes, giving students and their families ongoing confidence in their accommodation choice.

To see the full list of NPAS-accredited properties, visit https://npas.org.au/accredited-properties/

Rebecca Bendall at AIEC: "More Than a Bed: What Does Quality Student Accommodation Look Like?"

Wed, 04 Nov 2026 10:16:41 +1100

Representing the Student Accommodation Association (SAA) at AIEC 2026 last week, Rebecca Bendall, National Committee Member, joined Iori Forsyth from Study NSW and Adam Kilburn from NEAS for the campfire conversation “More Than a Bed: What Does Quality Student Accommodation Look Like?”

The session was well attended, with notably strong representation from the schools sector. The interactive campfire format encouraged open discussion and the sharing of experiences and perspectives from a diverse range of stakeholders.

A key theme was that quality student accommodation goes well beyond the physical environment. The student experience, sense of belonging, community and relationships formed through student accommodation are equally important, whether in homestay, purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA), residential colleges or university-managed student accommodation.

The discussion around the development of the National Property Accreditation Scheme (NPAS) was particularly well received, highlighting the importance of providing students, parents and agents with greater confidence and transparency when identifying quality student accommodation options.

While there was considerable discussion about negative student experiences and the risks associated with poor-quality student accommodation, participants also acknowledged that the sector doesn’t celebrate or share enough of the many positive experiences students have.

Overall, it was a valuable opportunity to raise awareness, hear different perspectives and reinforce the important role student accommodation plays in the overall student experience.

Congratulations to Student Rooms on achieving NPAS accreditation!

Fri, 30 Oct 2026 11:29:02 +1100

Congratulations to Student Rooms (Adelaide, SA) Paradise on achieving National Property Accreditation Scheme (NPAS) accreditation!

This milestone reflects Student Rooms’ commitment to providing safe, high-quality and well-supported homes for students living in Australia.

“As Student Rooms is a founding member of the Student Accommodation Association, obtaining NPAS accreditation was the logical next step. NPAS ensures that enquiring local and international students know they are receiving a quality product that has undergone a rigorous approval process, thus providing peace of mind to parents and students alike,” shares Keiron Norrish, General Manager.

Located just one minute from Adelaide Paradise Interchange, the Student Rooms Paradise hub offers easy access to the city in around 10 minutes by public transport. Its purpose-built, fully furnished homes are designed to feel like a typical Australian house while still being part of a larger student community. Each home includes a fully equipped kitchen with dishwasher, reverse-cycle air conditioning in every bedroom, separate living and TV areas, and a private backyard, with gardening taken care of.

Residents also enjoy an on-site gym, shared rooftop terraces, laundry facilities and plenty of spaces to study and socialise. The Student Rooms office is located on site, and the hub is secured with comprehensive CCTV coverage and SALTO smart locks.

#NPAS is the recognised quality assurance framework for the student accommodation sector in Australia. Properties awarded NPAS accreditation demonstrate excellence in management, resident support and operational safety. With the addition of Student Rooms, there are now 49 NPAS-accredited properties nationwide with over 25,000 student beds.

To see the full list of NPAS accredited properties, visit https://npas.org.au/accredited-properties/

SAA National Committee: Strategic Planning & Drinks with Friends

Tue, 27 Oct 2026 11:05:06 +1100

Reflecting on progress. Learning from challenges. Building on success.

SAA’s National Committee came together in Adelaide on 19–20 October to take stock of the past year’s achievements and challenges, review our strategic objectives and focus on what comes next: continued growth, stronger connections and greater value for our members.

Amongst many other topics, we explored:
🔹 Continuing to strengthen the sector’s voice and influence
🔹 Delivering practical value for members
🔹 The ongoing importance of NPAS in recognising quality student accommodation
🔹 Engaging operational teams and emerging leaders
🔹 Connecting the sector through events and shared learning
🔹 Growing memberships, sponsorships and meaningful partnerships

At the heart of these discussions is a shared purpose: supporting quality student accommodation that helps students feel safe, supported and connected throughout their education.

And connection wasn’t confined to the workshop. On Monday evening, Drinks with Friends brought together old friends and new. A warm thank you to everyone who joined us. It was lovely to catch up with familiar faces, meet new colleagues and hear what’s happening across the sector. Your company and conversations made it a wonderful way to round off our first day in Adelaide.

It’s been a busy year for everyone, and we’re grateful to our National Committee for the time, energy and expertise they continue to contribute to SAA. Their commitment helps keep our work moving forward for members and the wider sector.

Have a perspective to share, want to become a member or explore sponsorship opportunities? We would love to hear from you: admin@studentaccassoc.com.au

SAA Industry Lunch in Melbourne

Fri, 09 Oct 2026 10:55:02 +1100

“Don’t let anxiety about perfection get in the way of progress.”

A powerful message from Michele Clark, Assistant Secretary, Higher Education Gender-Based Violence Regulator, Australian Government Department of Education, our lead keynote speaker at Student Accommodation Association Industry Lunch, “From Code to Practice”, at Crowne Plaza Melbourne on Thursday, 8 October.

Michele brought the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-Based Violence into the everyday reality of student accommodation: what happens when a resident seeks help and how teams provide consistent, compassionate support. She emphasised clear responsibilities, supported staff and coordinated responses between accommodation and higher education providers.

Key messages included:
🔹 “We regulate to minimise harm and improve outcomes.”
Meaningful implementation requires cultural and behavioural change, backed by accountable leadership, clear actions and resources.

🔹 “It’s about protecting students’ right to feel safe in their home and to pursue education without fear or disruption.”
Student accommodation is home. Listening to residents and staff and continually strengthening prevention and response practices are central to this work.

🔹 “While the national code provides the framework, your sector has the unique opportunity to shape the implementation of this reform and create lasting change.”
An encouraging recognition of our sector’s expertise and role in translating the Code into practical outcomes for residents.

Matt Borg, CEO of Constant, brought these messages into operational focus: does your response work at 2 am? He highlighted clear escalation pathways, effective handovers, recognising early signs of harm and supporting staff who receive disclosures. A valuable reminder: “Trust comes before disclosure.”

Kim Copeland of Avyon reinforced the importance of a trauma informed, person centred response when a resident discloses gender-based violence, responding with care, respecting their wishes and helping them access support.

Thank you to Michele, Matt and Kim for sharing their expertise, and to Professor Kent Anderson for facilitating the afternoon.

Thank you to our attendees for embracing the interactive table discussions and bringing thoughtful questions to the panel, connecting the Code with real challenges facing student accommodation teams.

Thank you also to our corporate partners Constant, StarRez, SiLANT and Superloop for their valued support.

Today reinforced our shared commitment to turning the Code into everyday practice that strengthens safety, trust and respect in student accommodation.

"A rising tide raises all boats": Tim Glass (Scape) on why NPAS accreditation matters

Fri, 02 Oct 2026 12:40:33 +1000

Tim Glass is State Operations Manager for Scape in Melbourne. He looks after 15 buildings and 8,300 beds, and nearly all of them are accredited under the National Property Accreditation Scheme (NPAS). We sat down with Tim to talk about the role Student Accommodation Association (SAA) plays in the sector, what accreditation means for students and why wellbeing is central to quality accommodation.

Bringing the Sector Together
Tim sees SAA doing two important jobs. The first is advocacy. SAA speaks up strongly for students and for the design and quality standards of the places they live.
The second is bringing people together. SAA connects private purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) with university accommodation, so both sides of the sector can work from a shared view of quality.

"I believe in the adage that a rising tide raises all boats."

With so much noise around international students, migration and caps, Tim says it is vital that providers work together and advocate for what the industry needs.

Helping students choose with confidence
For Scape, accreditation is about informed choice. Students can see that a Scape building has been tested against rigorous standards. That matters more as new players enter the market, from private rentals to build-to-rent.

"It gives the confidence to the student that they're booking quality student accommodation."

Tim also sees NPAS as a way of keeping students at the centre of decision making. It sets apart accommodation designed with students in mind from buildings that are simply run to make a quick buck.

"This is about accommodation built for students and co-designed by students.

Great buildings are only half the story
Most new student accommodations look incredible, with gyms and plenty of other facilities. Tim believes the real difference comes down to people, and how a team engages with the students living in the building.

Stress and poor mental health are becoming more common among students. Strong standards mean providers have rigorous processes in place to spot when a student is struggling and connect them with the right support services.

What success looks like
Looking ahead, Tim would like to see more buildings become accredited. He would also like NPAS to be recognised as the measure of quality in the places students come from, such as China, Southeast Asia and India.
For Scape, joining SAA and NPAS was a natural step. The company works with a range of industry bodies to support and advocate for the student accommodation sector. With its focus on accreditation and quality standards, Tim says SAA was "an obvious choice".

Want to learn more about accreditation? Visit www.npas.org.au or get in touch with the SAA team.

Video production by Onix Productions.

Associations Meeting in July: Building a Stronger Future for Student Accommodation

Wed, 09 Sep 2026 11:36:00 +1000

In July, representatives from SAA, the Student Accommodation Council and APSAA (Asia-Pacific Student Accommodation Association) gathered in Sydney to discuss the future of the student accommodation sector.

The meeting brought together three of the sector's leading bodies for a constructive conversation about where the industry is headed and how the organisations can work more closely together to get there.

A shared commitment to collaboration
Student accommodation touches on a broad range of issues, from accommodation supply and affordability to student welfare, planning policy and investment. No single organisation can address all of these challenges alone. That's part of why this meeting mattered: it was an opportunity for SAA, the Student Accommodation Council and APSAA to compare notes, identify common ground and consider where their combined efforts could achieve more than each body working independently.

Discussions focused on a few key areas:
Greater collaboration between the associations, so that members and stakeholders benefit from more joined-up thinking rather than parallel, disconnected efforts
Stronger sector alignment, ensuring that the priorities and positions of each organisation are consistent and mutually reinforcing where possible
Collective advocacy, so that the sector speaks with a clearer, more unified voice on the issues that matter most to government, industry and the broader community

Why this matters
The student accommodation sector operates across a complex web of stakeholders, including government at all levels, universities, investors, developers and, most importantly, students themselves. When representative bodies collaborate rather than compete for attention, the sector is better placed to advocate for policy settings that support growth, improve student outcomes and address the housing pressures facing students across Australia and the wider Asia-Pacific region.
The tone of the meeting was described as encouraging, with all parties expressing genuine enthusiasm for continuing the dialogue and translating shared goals into concrete action.

Looking ahead
This meeting is intended to be the start of an ongoing conversation rather than a one-off event. SAA, the Student Accommodation Council and APSAA have agreed to continue working together, with future discussions expected to build on the foundations laid in July. The ultimate goal is a thriving student accommodation sector that works for everyone involved, students who need safe, affordable and well-managed accommodation, providers who need a supportive policy and investment environment, and the wider community that benefits from a well-functioning higher education sector.
We'll keep members updated as these conversations progress and as new initiatives take shape.

UniLodge, congratulations on the renewal of 3 properties!

Thu, 03 Sep 2026 12:02:57 +1000

Student Accommodation Association is pleased to congratulate UniLodge on the successful renewal of NPAS-accreditation across three of its properties:

🏠 UniLodge JCU Burralga Yumba, QLD
🏠 UniLodge Twin Dolphin Hall, WA
🏠 UniLodge Lincoln House, VIC

These renewals reflect UniLodge's continued commitment to maintaining high standards of safety, quality and student wellbeing across its portfolio, and are a strong signal of the consistency and care that goes into managing student accommodation at scale.

NPAS is the recognised quality assurance framework for the student accommodation sector in Australia. Properties awarded accreditation demonstrate excellence in governance, management, resident support and operational safety. Renewing accreditation confirms that each of these properties continues to meet rigorous industry-led standards for amenity, facility, security, customer service and management processes, giving students and their families ongoing confidence in their accommodation choice.

To see the full list of NPAS-accredited properties, visit https://npas.org.au/accredited-properties/.

Welcoming Trinity City as a new Non-Executive Member of SAA

Wed, 02 Sep 2026 11:06:48 +1000

We're delighted to welcome Trinity City as a new Non-Executive Member of the Student Accommodation Association!

Trinity City is the development team behind 88 North Terrace, Adelaide’s landmark 31-storey, 970-bed premium purpose-built student accommodation tower currently under construction on North Terrace. Located directly adjacent to Adelaide University’s City West campus and the growing BioMed precinct, the project will deliver high-quality student housing in one of the city’s most strategic locations when it opens in mid-2028. The development is being delivered in with UniLodge as the operator and includes the careful heritage restoration of the historic Trinity Church precinct.

Simon Toovey, Director of Trinity City, shared why the membership is important:

“88 North Terrace represents a significant long-term commitment to elevating the student living experience in Adelaide. As the city continues to grow as a destination for domestic and international students, we believe high-quality, well-located purpose-built student accommodation plays a critical role in supporting both academic success and community wellbeing. We look forward to engaging with the SAA network, sharing insights from the delivery of this landmark project, and contributing to the ongoing improvement of standards across the Australian PBSA sector.”

To learn more, visit www.88northterrace.com.au.