Standards Development

Scope

This document specifies the requirements for campus facilities and accommodation services provided in campuses of educational organizations.

This document is applicable to all types and sizes of campus and accommodation services of the educational organizations irrespective of geographic, cultural and social environment. The standalone accommodation facilities are excluded from the scope of the standard.

Purpose

With over 350 million students enrolled in higher education globally (UNESCO, 2023), the demand for safe, reliable, and well-managed campus accommodation has increased substantially, particularly in developing regions where an estimated 40–60% of students continue to experience inadequate or unsafe housing conditions. The absence of standardized requirements has resulted in significant disparities in sanitation, safety, accessibility, digital readiness, and overall living conditions across institutions. Evidence consistently indicates that the quality of campus infrastructure has a direct bearing on academic performance, mental well-being, and overall student success.

The standard on campus facilities and accommodation services lays down uniform, comprehensive, and measurable requirements that ensure consistency, quality, and safety across educational institutions. The standard seeks to promote inclusive, accessible, and gender-sensitive campus infrastructure that caters to the diverse needs of students and foster their well-being and holistic development. By standardizing campus facilities and accommodation services, the standard ensures adequate levels of comfort, functionality, and reliability, thereby creating a supportive living and learning environment. Additionally, it supports educational effectiveness by incorporating provisions for disaster preparedness, risk mitigation, and continuity of operations. The standard also emphasize sustainability, resource efficiency, and sound governance practices in the planning, development, and management of campus facilities, enabling institutions to deliver safe, efficient, and student-centric services in a structured and accountable manner.

In this context, the development and adoption of harmonized standard is essential to address these gaps and strengthen risk reduction measures—including fire safety, health emergency preparedness, disaster resilience, and security management—and ensure equitable, safe, and supportive campus environment for all learners.