The Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF) is a compulsory fee charged by most universities. It is used to improve the provision of non-academic services and amenities, not directly related to your course.

This means funding for:

  • student clubs and societies
  • support services such as counselling, advocacy and financial advice
  • various events and activities on campus, including orientation
  • sport and recreational activities
  • improving facilities in student lounges and learning spaces.

Paying the SSAF

Most enrolled students need to pay SSAF, either as a separate fee or as part of their tuition fees.

You can also apply for a loan to pay for your SSAF.

You pay SSAF as a separate fee if you:

  • have a Commonwealth-supported place (higher education HECS students)
  • belong to the Higher Education and Skills Group – formerly Skills Victoria (funding for TAFE students).

You pay SSAF as part of your tuition fees if you are:

  • an international student
  • a full-fee student or a fee-for-service student.

You don’t pay SSAF if you are:

  • a TAFE student studying fewer than 25 hours per year
  • a TAFE student enrolled in the Learning and Numeracy Support course (LNSUPPORT)
  • a TAFE student enrolled as non-government funded
  • completing your course through VU Online
  • receiving advanced standing for your entire course
  • an asylum seeker eligible for government subsidies
  • a VU employee on contract for a period of at least 12 months or ongoing on a time fraction of 0.5 or more (see instructions on the Staff Status Declaration).

SSAF contribution amounts

Government-funded students will need to pay the following SSAF amounts. If you are required to pay it, your SSAF will be itemised on your Statement of Account, and is payable upon enrolment.

The SSAF is charged each academic semester for HE students and annually for TAFE students.

Higher education (HE) students

Study mode and 2022 fee (per semester):

  • Full time study: $157.50 (maximum $315 for the year)
  • Part time study: $78.75 (maximum $157.50 for the year)
  • HE short course (full time): $157.50 for duration of course
  • HE short course (part time): $78.75 (maximum $157.50 for duration of course)
  • VU online: N/A.

TAFE students

Study mode and 2022 fee (per year):

  • Full time & Part time (government funded students with no concession, studying more than 25 hours per year): $157.50
  • Concession: $94.50
  • Studying off campus, via Industry training, or at Geelong and Werribee East locations: $47.25.

Higher education (HE) students

Study mode and 2021 fee (per semester):

  • Full-time study: $156.50 (maximum $313 for the year)
  • Part-time study: $78.25 (maximum $156.50 for the year).

Higher education (HE) short course students

  • Full-time study: $156.50 for duration of course
  • Part-time study: $78.25(maximum $156.50 for the duration of the course).

TAFE students

Study mode and 2021 fee (per year):

  • Full time and part time (government-funded students with no concession, studying more than 25 hours per year): $156.50
  • Concession: $93.90
  • Studying off campus, via Industry training, or at Geelong and Werribee East locations: $46.95.

Only VET Diploma and above students who are eligible for concessions under Government Indigenous Completions or Job Trainer initiatives, can obtain the concession rate for SSAF.

Applying for a SA-HELP loan (HE students only)

If you're an HE student you may be eligible to defer your SSAF payment with a SA-HELP loan. You're eligible if you:

  • are an Australian citizen or a permanent humanitarian visa holder resident in Australia
  • are a New Zealand Special Category Visa holder who meets the long-term residency requirements.
  • are enrolled in an eligible course of study with a higher education provider
  • meet the tax file number (TFN) requirements.

If you'd like to apply for a SA-HELP loan, please visit MyVU and complete the relevant online form by the census date.

Read more about SA-HELP loans on the Australian Government's StudyAssist website.

How the SSAF is used

The Australian Government has SSAF guidelines to make sure your SSAF is spent in ways that benefit you.

The fee is invested into maintaining provision of services, improving facilities and creating opportunities for you to make the most of your time at VU.

At VU, the SSAF has been used toward:

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