International students in Ireland grapple with scams, sex-for-rent offers amid housing crisis

International students in Ireland are facing a severe housing crisis, including overcrowded living conditions, scams, and unsettling propositions for accommodation in exchange for sex, according to a recent report by the Irish Council for International Students.

Findings showed 13 percent of respondents disclosed falling victim to accommodation scams, with only 11 percent of those affected reporting the incidents to An Garda Síochána.

The report also revealed that 81 percent of English language students and 31 percent of higher education students share rooms with at least one other person. Meanwhile, 55 percent of respondents admitted that their mental health has suffered due to the housing crisis.

Five percent of those surveyed had either been directly propositioned with accommodation in exchange for sex or had encountered advertisements promoting such arrangements. Respondents also reported lengthy search times for accommodation, with 10 percent stating that it took more than 100 days to secure a place.

The report, based on responses from 819 international students representing 73 countries, called attention to the broader impact on Ireland’s reputation as a study destination. 

ICOS Recommendations

Laura Harmon, the executive director of ICOS, expressed deep concern about predators seeking sex in lieu of rent, urging urgent legislative measures to address this issue.

The recommendations in the report include the construction of more affordable, purpose-built student accommodation, increased inspections of private rental properties, and setting accommodation targets for the student population. 

“Progress is too slow when it comes to building purpose-built student accommodation,” said Harmon.

“Ireland needs clear student accommodation and international education strategies that focus on ensuring that students who study here have safe, affordable, places to live,” she added.

Government initiative

Higher Education Minister Simon Harris and Housing Minister Darragh O’Brien have earlier launched a collaborative initiative to set design standards for purpose-built student accommodation, a key component of the government’s Housing for All strategy.

The Residential Construction Cost Study, unveiled in May, proposes specifications to enhance student housing, focusing on global best practices and design flexibility. The initiative, led by a cross-departmental project group, will actively involve stakeholders, including student representatives, in shaping the standards.

“For the first time in history, the State is investing in building student accommodation, a plan which is an important part of our Housing for All strategy. Already, we have helped to fund the construction of 1,100 beds, with many more on the way,” Harris said.

O’Brien also cited the Housing for All initiative’s commitment to diversifying and improving the availability and affordability of rental stock.

A budget of €62 million (US$67.3 million) has been allocated to construct over 1,000 student accommodation units, addressing the pressing housing needs of higher education students.

Record-high influx of international students

Irish universities experienced a record-high influx of international students last academic year, with over 35,000 joining, constituting almost 14 percent of the total student population.

The data, released by the Higher Education Authority, indicated a year-on-year increase of just over 10 percent, with international students making up 14 percent of the student body in the 2022-2023 academic year, up from 12 percent in the previous year. 

The United States, India, and China lead as the primary countries of origin for international students. Additionally, there is a nearly 1 percent rise in new entrants to higher education, with over 1,000 additional students enrolling using the Leaving Cert as their entry qualification compared to the previous year.