Students enrolled in property courses across Australia reached almost 3,900 in 2021, up 5.8% year-on-year.  

There were 3,126 students enrolled in Australian Property Institute-accredited undergraduate courses last year, while 760 students were enrolled in postgraduate courses.  

In 2021, about 59% of property students identified as male, about 41% identified as female, and a small number of students were undefined.  

In 2020, there were 3,672 students enrolled in accredited undergraduate and postgraduate property courses.  

Australian Property Institute Chief Executive Officer Amelia Hodge said it was encouraging to see more students studying property across the country. 

“Students who study property can look forward to rewarding and diverse career opportunities in the property industry in Australia and abroad,” Ms Hodge said. 

“There is strong competition for property graduates, with the majority of our member firms focused on attracting, retaining and developing the right talent now. 

“The API is working closely with the property industry and higher education institutions to help prepare the next generation of property professionals for the real world.”  

Higher education institutions have been under pressure since COVID restrictions were introduced in early 2020.  

While institutions adapted to online and hybrid teaching and for domestic and existing international students during the restrictions, new international enrolments have slumped over the past two years. 

New international student numbers were significantly impacted due to the closure of Australia’s international border between 2020 and 2022 and onshore visa requirements. 

The API works with higher education institutions to ensure courses meet the highest standard, while advancing the ongoing quality, professionalism and knowledge of API members.  

The API accredits courses from 12 higher education institutions across the country: University of Melbourne; Bond University; Curtin University; Central Queensland University; TAFE NSW; University of NSW; RMIT University; University of Technology Sydney; University of South Australia; Queensland University of Technology; Deakin University; and Western Sydney University.  

Demand for property valuers in Australia continued in the fourth quarter of 2021, with property valuation job vacancies rising 48% year-on-year, according to SEEK data.