Student Central
Study Resources
IT Services
Specific Info for...
Student Life
Feedback @ UOW
Student Services and Amenities Fee
A fee allowing universities to cover costs and improvements to campus amenities and services is being introduced in Australian universities in 2012. The Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF) may be used to contribute to a broad range of services and facilities on campus such as subsidised food, childcare, student advocacy, sports facilities, and accommodation.
What is the Student Services and Amenities Fee?
The Student Services and Amenities Bill 2011 was passed by the Australian Senate on Tuesday 11 October, having already been agreed by the House of Representatives. The Bill amends the Higher Education Support Act 2003 and Income Tax Assessment Act 1936 to allow higher education providers to charge an annual compulsory student services and amenities fee (capped at $263 per student in 2012 but indexed on an annual basis) from 1 January 2012.
Will UOW be charging the Student Services and Amenities fee?
The University of Wollongong will introduce the SSAF fee from Autumn Session 2012. The introduction of the fee was approved by the University Council on 2 December 2011.
Who will be charged the SSAF?
Students being charged the SSAF are those that will also benefit from the funds raised.
Onshore international and domestic students studying full time on the main UOW campus will be charged the fee in two instalments.
Part time students and those studying at a campus other than the main UOW campus, are charged 50% of the fee. This is in recognition of their reduced ability to access UOW services and facilities.
If you have any questions about your SSAF payment obligations, please contact Student Central for further information either via e-mail at student-fees@uow.edu.au or phone 4221 3927.
Who will not be charged the SSAF?
To recognise their inability to access UOW services and amenities, certain students are exempt from paying the SSAF. These are:
- students studying by distance;
- cross institutional students;
- students on full-time work experience placements;
- students on outbound study abroad placements;
- offshore students.
How much will I have to pay?
The schedule of proposed fees for 2012 is below:
2012 SSAF = $263.00
| Campus | % of the Full Fee | Full-Time Students Bi-Annual Fee | Full-Time Students total fee for Full Year | Part-Time Students Bi-Annual Fee | Part-Time Students total fee for Full Year |
| Wollongong | 100% | $131.50 | $263.00 | $65.75 | $131.50 |
| Sydney | 50% | $65.75 | $131.50 | $32.88 | $65.75 |
| Innovation | 50% | $65.75 | $131.50 | $32.88 | $65.75 |
| Shoalhaven | 50% | $65.75 | $131.50 | $32.88 | $65.75 |
| Bega | 50% | $65.75 | $131.50 | $32.88 | $65.75 |
| Bateman's Bay | 50% | $65.75 | $131.50 | $32.88 | $65.75 |
| Southern Highlands | 50% | $65.75 | $131.50 | $32.88 | $65.75 |
| Southern Sydney | 50% | $65.75 | $131.50 | $32.88 | $65.75 |
| UOW College | N / A | N / A | N / A | N / A | N / A |
| Offshore UOW students | N / A | N / A | N / A | N / A | N / A |
How do I Pay the SSAF?
If you’re a domestic student eligible to pay the SSAF, you’ll find it itemised on your fee statement in SOLS, and may use the same method you use to pay your other fees (see your fee payment options). You will be able to access financial assistance in the form of an SA-HELP loan.
If you’re an onshore international student, in 2012 your SSAF will be taken from your consolidated fees and used to fund student services and amenities activities.
When is the SSAF due?
The fee will be split into two and a charge will be generated in each half of the year so that the University can make adjustments for changes in your enrolment status during the year, if required. The charge will be generated for the first session in that half year that you enrol in.
For the majority of students the two SSAF payments will be due the day after the Autumn and Spring census dates:
Autumn Session 2012: SSAF due on 1 April 2012
Spring Session 2012: SSAF due on 1 September 2012
If you are studying in a non standard session, then your SSAF will be due the day after the census date of your first session in each half of the year.
Will I be able to access financial assistance?
Australian Citizens or Permanent Humanitarian Visa holders who are eligible for HECS-HELP or FEE-HELP will be able to access a loan to cover the Student Services and Amenities Fee under a new SA-HELP scheme.
How will the fees be spent?
Funds raised from the SSAF will be spent on services and facilities for students. This is a requirement of the legislation that enabled the fee, and is something that we’re pleased to do.
How can I find out more?
Further information about the Student Services and Amenities Fee, including frequently asked questions and access to the Student Services, Amenities, Representation and Advocacy Guidelines is available from the Department of Education Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR) website.
You can also contact Student Central for further information either via e-mail at student-fees@uow.edu.au or phone 4221 3927
