International students not causing Australia's rental crisis, study finds

A recent study in Australia has found that international students are not responsible for rising rental costs. The research, conducted by the University of South Australia, analyzed data from government sources over several years. The lead researcher, Professor Michael Mu, stated there was no significant link between the number of international students and rental prices across various cities. Professor Mu emphasized that the university's interest in international student enrollment did not influence their research. The study aimed to rely on facts rather than political agendas. Their findings suggest that international students have different housing needs compared to locals, which contributes to the misattribution of blame. As the political debate heats up with an upcoming election, Professor Mu urged politicians to focus on evidence rather than scapegoating international students, as they cannot vote. He pointed out that students often face unique housing challenges, such as living in student accommodation or sharing homes, making comparisons with locals misleading. Students like Xiaona Liu, from China, voiced their frustrations over the blame placed on them for the housing crisis. Liu noted how difficult it is to find housing in Australia, despite being in a country with a smaller population. She argued that international students contribute significantly to the economy through tuition and taxes. Additionally, some politicians are calling for limits on international student numbers. Shadow education minister Sarah Henderson argued that the current government's handling of international student admissions has worsened the housing issue. She cited concerns about pressure on housing in areas with a high concentration of international students. University officials warn that cutting international student numbers could severely impact the education sector and the broader economy. They argue that international students contribute significantly to Australia's economy, supporting both growth and research initiatives.