Is Student Accommodation Only for Students?

Is student accommodation only for students? In most cases, yes. Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) is designed specifically for university and college students in Australia. This ensures safe, affordable, and community-driven housing close to campus.

Standard Eligibility: Students Only

In Australia, the majority of student accommodation is part of the PBSA market, which exists to serve students exclusively. These buildings are purpose-designed to provide affordable housing with amenities such as study areas, social spaces, and secure access. Because PBSA exists to support student life, eligibility typically requires proof of current university, TAFE, or higher education enrolment.

At Accolade, our focus is providing dedicated university student accommodation that helps residents feel at home while studying. If you’re a student looking for your next home, explore all locations to see where you could be living next semester.

Exceptions & Flexibility

While the standard rule is clear - that PBSA is for students - there are some exceptions. Certain providers may offer flexibility:

• Short-term stays during semester breaks– Sometimes non-students can book rooms when regular students are away.
• Working holiday makers– A small number of PBSA operators allow travellers to rent for short periods, provided they meet income or rental requirements.
• Graduates waiting to move– In rare cases, students finishing their studies may be allowed to extend their lease until they transition to new accommodation.

That said, these situations are exceptions rather than the norm. If you’re wondering, “can anyone rent student accommodation?” the honest answer is usually no, but limited flexibility does exist depending on the provider.

Legal & Regulatory Context

From a legal perspective, who can live in student housing depends on how the accommodation is registered. PBSA is often classified under specific planning and development rules, which restrict occupancy to students. This is different from standard rental housing, where eligibility is open to anyone with the right visa and income.

Importantly, regulations can differ between states and territories, but the principle is the same: PBSA is designed for students, not the general rental market. You can learn more about accommodation types and expectations on Study Australia’s official government website.

Key Takeaways

Here’s a quick guide to the common questions about eligibility for student accommodation in Australia:

Question	Answer
Is student accommodation only for students?	Yes, PBSA is primarily for enrolled students.
Can anyone rent student accommodation?	Generally, no, but exceptions may exist during breaks or short stays.
Can a non-student live in student accommodation?	Rarely, usually only if the provider allows short-term leasing.
Can you live in student accommodation without being a student?	Not under standard PBSA rules, as it’s designed for students only.
Who can live in student housing?	Full-time and part-time students, usually those enrolled in higher education.

In summary, student accommodation in Australia is designed for students first and foremost. While there are occasional exceptions, the rule of thumb is simple: if you’re not a student, PBSA may not be available to you.

Ready to find your next home? Book accommodation with Accolade today or contact us to learn more about our student living communities.