Last week, representatives from Monash University joined the Honourable Julian Hill MP, Assistant Minister for Citizenship, Customs and Multicultural Affairs and Assistant Minister for International Education, to officially turn the first sod on Monash’s newest student accommodation development at the Clayton campus.
The new 252-bed, seven-storey residence is being developed in the north-east precinct of Monash’s Clayton campus, alongside College Walk and north of Jock Marshall Reserve.
The development will enhance the on-campus living experience and increase residential capacity, reflecting Monash’s ongoing commitment to providing high-quality, sustainable and contemporary student housing.
Monash University Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Sharon Pickering, said the new development is a vital step in supporting students and addressing the critical demand for student accommodation at Clayton.
“The transformational experience we offer students at Monash recognises that our students come to university for more than their degrees,” Professor Pickering said.
“We take in students at an absolutely pivotal time in their lives and the experience we offer them is our top priority, both in terms of a great academic experience and in terms of personal experience and growth.
“This new residence will help foster community, connection and belonging.”
Assistant Minister Hill said good quality accommodation is important for ensuring Australia remains a top destination for higher education.
“Congratulations to Monash University,” he said.
“This new housing for the Clayton campus where I went to Uni nearly 1,000 years ago will provide much-needed accommodation for domestic and international students.
“We want Australia to remain a premium, sought-after destination for higher education across the globe, and good quality accommodation is an essential part of this.
“International education is Australia’s fourth largest export sector but it’s so much more than that.
“It is a strategic national asset building soft power over generations and a great Australian success story.”
Monash invests directly in housing options for both domestic and international students, while also engaging with the private market to support accommodation for its student population.
At its Caulfield campus, the University is working closely with private housing providers to support and accommodate students in high-density, apartment-style developments tailored to students’ needs.
Two new developments – including the planned Caulfield Village – will together offer more than 1000 beds dedicated to student accommodation, expanding housing access and enhancing the student experience
Across its Victorian campuses, Monash currently provides accommodation for around 3000 students.
This year, Monash’s residential community welcomed students from 69 countries, spanning all faculties and levels of study.
More than 1400 new residents were supported through comprehensive orientation programs designed to foster connection and belonging.
The new Clayton residence is a key initiative under the University’s Student Accommodation Strategy, which identified increasing demand for additional housing at the campus.
The development will offer thoughtfully designed spaces that promote sustainable living, student wellbeing and collaborative engagement.
Spanning a gross floor area of approximately 7900 square metres, residents will enjoy a range of modern facilities including communal kitchens, winter gardens, study zones and lounges on every floor, music and gaming rooms, and mobility-accessible units.
It will also include a wellness hub and sports court that will be available to all MRS residents. As an all-electric building, it aligns with Monash’s sustainability goals and commitment to climate-conscious infrastructure.
Construction is scheduled to begin in late 2025, with completion anticipated by mid-2027.
