A Fresh Approach to Building Your Student Visa Approvals Through Homestay Partnering

Mr David Bycroft¹

¹MyStay International (MSI), Brisbane, Australia

There is a potential solution for immediately increasing the available accommodation for international students which, at the same time will:

1. Take the pressure off the rental crisis
2. Decrease household cost of living stress
3. Grow student visa approvals
4. Protect jobs and the economy in international education

During the current accommodation and visa approval crisis for international students, the industry must be creative and innovative in providing solutions that are impactful, and inclusive and enable students to study in Australia.

2024/25 is Australia’s chance to be ultra-competitive globally and make a real difference in improving outcomes for their international students.

The presenter will demonstrate how Australia is in the perfect position to take advantage of the current Global crisis (including visa rejections and accommodation) being experienced in all major international student destination countries.

There are new government-recognised standards for international student homestays and this means that properly-managed and customised hosted accommodation is the most viable solution for the industry.

The presenter will outline how education providers can partner with NEAS-approved homestay providers and not only encourage more appropriate hosts but also help build student visa approval numbers.

This strategy not only fulfills the students’ need for housing, but also provides opportunities for the international student to build personal connections, community engagement, and cultural understanding.

Biography:

David Bycroft is a successful business developer and has worked in the international education industry globally for the last 25 years.

David is founder of the Australian Homestay Network (AHN) and MyStay International (MSI).  He has championed acceptable guidelines and standards for Homestay in Australia. AHN is the first NEAS-endorsed homestay provider.

David focuses on the international student experience and was the recipient of a ‘Remarkable Achievement Award’ for his ‘outstanding contribution to international students (CISA) in Australia’.

MSI and AHN are partnering with education providers, government, and industry to provide solutions during the current student accommodation crisis.