Student Accommodation Association - Latest News

Raising the Bar: Why Student Accommodation Can’t Be an Afterthought

Tue, 10 Mar 2026 12:39:45 +1100

Student accommodation is increasingly recognised as a critical part of the overall student experience and Australia’s global education reputation. A recent article in The Koala News highlights the growing importance of consistent quality standards across the sector and the role of initiatives like the National Property Accreditation Scheme (NPAS) in lifting expectations nationally.

As scrutiny of student wellbeing, housing quality and sector accountability continues to rise, frameworks that support safe, well-managed accommodation are becoming essential for institutions, providers and policymakers alike. By providing a nationally recognised benchmark, NPAS helps ensure student housing is not treated as an afterthought, but as a core pillar of a positive and credible international education offering.

Read the full article on the Koala News to learn more about how NPAS is setting new standards for student accommodation.

Read the full article on the Koala

Congratulations to UniLodge Park Central on achieving NPAS Accreditation!

Mon, 02 Mar 2026 13:35:01 +1100

The Student Accommodation Association (SAA) is pleased to welcome UniLodge Park Central to the National Property Accreditation Scheme (NPAS), recognising its commitment to providing a safe, inclusive, and high-quality living environment for students.

Featuring dedicated study rooms, a gym, and large communal spaces to cook and socialise with friends, UniLodge Park Central offers the perfect blend of comfort and convenience. With direct access to Buranda Train Station and Busway, students enjoy seamless connections to all major universities including UQ, Griffith University and QUT.

Congratulations to the UniLodge team on this achievement and for joining the growing network of NPAS-accredited providers across Australia.

Congratulations to Y Suites on Margaret (NSW) on achieving NPAS Accreditation!

Thu, 08 Jan 2026 15:11:23 +1100

The Student Accommodation Student (SAA) is pleased to welcome Y Suites on Margaret to the National Property Accreditation Scheme (NPAS), recognising its commitment to providing a safe, inclusive, and high-quality living environment for students in Sydney.

Y Suites on Margaret offers a supportive and engaging environment designed to help students settle in comfortably while living and studying in the city.

Queenie Ng, Property Manager Operations at Y Suites, shared:

"We’re proud to have achieved the NPAS accreditation for Y Suites on Margaret in Sydney, a recognition of our commitment to exceptional service and quality standards. Our goal has always been to create a safe, inclusive, and connected environment where students from around the world feel at home — and where parents can have a peace of mind. At Y Suites on Margret, we’ll continue to uphold and build upon these standards in everything we do."

Congratulations to the Y Suites team on this achievement and for joining the growing network of NPAS-accredited providers across Australia.

Congratulations to UniLodge Victoria University and UniLodge Kensington on receiving NPAS Accreditation!

Wed, 07 Jan 2026 17:34:12 +1100

We’re delighted to welcome two more UniLodge properties into the National Property Accreditation Scheme (NPAS), recognising their continued commitment to quality, safety, and the wellbeing of their student communities.

The accreditation of UniLodge Victoria University and UniLodge Kensington highlights UniLodge’s strong focus on creating living spaces that go beyond accommodation, places where students feel supported, secure, and truly at home.

Matt Hogan, Health, Safety, Environmental Sustainability, and Quality Manager at UniLodge Living Group, shared: “UniLodge understands that our residents are seeking a home away from home. Having our PBSA properties certified for NPAS shows our commitment to providing a student lifestyle complete with quality amenities and assistance programs. An NPAS certification is an easy way to show students that we comply with the minimum requirements set by the industry, and exceed their expectations once they walk in the door.”

A big congratulations to the UniLodge team for their dedication to excellence and student experience. We’re proud to have you as part of the NPAS-accredited community, setting the benchmark for quality student accommodation across Australia.

To read more about the National Property Accreditation Scheme, please visit https://npas.org.au/.

SAA Industry Lunch in Queensland

Wed, 29 Oct 2025 16:08:34 +1100

The Student Accommodation Association (SAA) National Committee wrapped up a two-day strategic planning program in Brisbane last 28 October with our traditional SAA Industry Lunch, bringing together leaders from across Queensland's student accommodation, education, and government sectors.

Expertly facilitated by our newest National Committee member, Tim Klitscher, we heard three outstanding presentations from Alex Elibank Murray, Pro Vice Chancellor (Global and Engagement), University of the Sunshine Coast, Toni Brownie, General Manager, Study Queensland and Kevin Schefe (IEAA-AF), National Sales Manager, International Partnerships & Engagement – Higher Education, Allianz Partners.

Where else could members discuss the implementation of the National Code, gain a first-hand look into Queensland’s international education strategy, and explore insights from a national International Student Health Survey — all in one place?

A sincere thank you to our speakers, valued members, corporate sponsors StarRez, Inc. CONSTANT and SiLANT, event guests, and SAA National Committee members for contributing to another meaningful and inspiring event.

We are proud to continue our long-standing partnership with StarRez in 2025/26

Fri, 03 Oct 2025 11:26:18 +1000

Over several years, StarRez has supported our mission to strengthen the student accommodation sector through technology, community, and collaboration. Their continued commitment is greatly valued, and we look forward to working together again this year.

StarRez helps create thriving residential communities. With over 30 years of experience, 1,300+ customers worldwide and over 3 million beds under management, StarRez is the leading provider of student property management software.

“We’re passionate about creating thriving residential communities, which aligns closely with the mission of SAA. We’ve really enjoyed collaborating with SAA & the industry to better serve residents, and we look forward to continuing this in the year ahead!”

—Grant Smith, Head of Customer Experience APAC

Learn more about StarRez: https://www.starrez.com/

Welcome to Tim Klitscher, New Member of the SAA National Committee

Tue, 23 Sep 2025 10:02:14 +1000

The Student Accommodation Association (SAA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Tim Klitscher to the SAA National Committee.

Tim brings more than 25 years of international leadership experience across the hospitality and student accommodation sectors, with a career spanning Australia, the Middle East, Africa, the UK, Japan, China, and the UAE. His background includes senior roles in operations, sales and marketing, asset management, and business development, giving him a comprehensive perspective on service delivery and investor expectations.

For the past decade, Tim has been dedicated to the student accommodation industry, building on his strong hospitality foundation to focus on creating safe, secure, and enriching living environments for students. He currently serves as Senior Vice President Operations APAC & UAE at Yugo Australia, overseeing nearly 2,000 beds across Melbourne, Adelaide, and Perth, while also retaining responsibility for Yugo’s high-performing assets in Dubai and China. His experience in asset management, stakeholder relations, and strategic growth will be a valuable asset to the SAA as it continues to champion sector-wide standards and advocacy.

Reflecting on his appointment, Tim said:

“I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to the Student Accommodation sector more broadly within Australia, helping to bring focus to this important business providing safe and secure world class Accommodation for Students. I hope to bring knowledge and learning to the table from my Yugo colleagues around the world and learn myself from my industry peers as I learn every day from the Yugo Teams that work here in Australia & Dubai.”

We are delighted to welcome Tim Klitscher to the SAA National Committee and look forward to his leadership and insights in advancing the student accommodation industry across Australia.

Congratulations to Dwell Student Living on Achieving NPAS Accreditation

Wed, 17 Sep 2025 10:00:00 +1000

The Student Accommodation Association (SAA) is delighted to congratulate Dwell Student Living on achieving National Property Accreditation Scheme (NPAS) certification for Dwell East End Adelaide.

This significant milestone highlights Dwell’s ongoing commitment to excellence in student accommodation, ensuring the highest standards of safety, care, and service for students living in Australia.

"At Dwell, our residents’ wellbeing and experience are always at the heart of what we do. Achieving NPAS accreditation is a reflection of the high standards and practices we already uphold across our operations. This certification provides assurance to our students, their families, and our partners that our Adelaide property is managed with the utmost care, safety, and professionalism. It also inspires us to maintain these standards and continually strive to improve, ensuring every resident feels supported, valued, and truly at home." — Gregory Vaughton, Senior Accommodation Manager, Dwell Student Living

About Dwell East End Adelaide

Situated in the vibrant cultural heart of the city, Dwell East End Adelaide offers students a safe, welcoming, and well-connected place to call home. Just a short walk from the University of Adelaide, UniSA, and Rundle Mall, the property combines the convenience of city living with thoughtfully designed spaces that support study, wellbeing, and community life.

Residents can choose from fully furnished studios or shared apartments, each designed with comfort and practicality in mind. Modern facilities, including dedicated study areas, social lounges, and a gym, create an environment where students can both focus and unwind. A supportive on-site team and regular community activities help foster a strong sense of belonging, ensuring students feel engaged and cared for throughout their stay.

With NPAS accreditation, Dwell East End Adelaide offers peace of mind that students are living in accommodation that meets the highest industry standards.

NPAS: The Mark of Quality

NPAS is the recognised quality assurance framework for the student accommodation sector in Australia. Properties awarded NPAS accreditation demonstrate excellence in governance, management, resident support, and operational safety.

With the addition of Dwell East End Adelaide, there are now more than 40 NPAS-accredited properties nationwide, representing over 22,000 student beds. This achievement reinforces the sector’s commitment to providing students with safe, high-quality, and professionally managed accommodation.

The SAA commends Dwell Student Living on this outstanding achievement and looks forward to their continued contribution to setting benchmarks for excellence in student housing across the country.

SAA National Commitee Update

Wed, 10 Sep 2025 12:14:00 +1000

At the latest Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Student Accommodation Association (SAA) held on August 28th, the National Committee Members for the 2023/24 term were announced.

We are delighted to extend a warm welcome to Alex Elibank Murray, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Global and Engagement) of the University of the Sunshine Coast, who joins the SAA national committee. With her wealth of experience and expertise in student engagement, Alex is set to make significant contributions to the committee's efforts in improving student experience.

"I am delighted to be joining the Student Accommodation Association's National Committee. The opportunity to collaborate with dedicated and passionate individuals who share a common goal of enhancing the student experience through improved accommodation is exciting and timely. I look forward to making a contribution alongside fellow committee members to create positive and lasting changes that will positively impact students and enhance their educational experience," said Alex Elibank Murray.

As we welcome new members, we also take a moment to bid farewell to a valued member of the SAA committee. David Riordan, who served as the National Committee Secretary, has dedicated two years of service to the association. David's commitment and dedication have been instrumental in shaping the SAA's initiatives, including the National Property Accreditation Scheme (NPAS), and fostering strong industry partnerships at both the state and international levels. The Student Accommodation Association would like to express its deepest gratitude to David for his exceptional service.

The new committee is committed to working towards our shared mission of enhancing student accommodation experiences. Stay connected with us for updates on our upcoming initiatives.

International Student Cap Policy Update

Thu, 07 Aug 2025 15:17:00 +1000

The Student Accommodation Association brings together education and accommodation providers to promote the value and quality of student accommodation.

SAA believes the National Property Accreditation Scheme (NPAS) provides an established and immediate platform for universities to demonstrate access to safe, high-quality student accommodation. This is a critical requirement when applying to increase their individual higher education allocations.

By embracing the NPAS accommodation message and promoting NPAS accredited student accommodation aligned to their campus operations, universities can show immediate access to safe, secure, and student-exclusive housing. This strengthens the student experience for both domestic and international cohorts now and into the future.

For more information about the National Property Accreditation Scheme (NPAS), please visit https://npas.org.au/