What are “amenities fees,” anyway?
If you’re in college, you may have noticed something on your bill called an “amenities fee.” Sometimes, it’s called a “Student Services and Amenities Fee,” or SSAF. These fees are what colleges and universities charge for non-academic services.
The idea is that these fees support a bunch of different activities and resources to make your time as a student better. Think of it as a way to fund all the things that make college life more than just classes.
This article will dive deep into what SSAF is, including what it’s for, how the money is used, and how it affects students. We’ll cover the nuts and bolts of the fee, how the school decides where the money goes, ways students can weigh in, and the rules about spending it.
Understanding the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF)
If you’re considering attending university in Australia, it’s important to understand the fees you’ll be expected to pay – not just for tuition, but for student services and amenities as well. Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know about the SSAF.
What is SSAF?
The Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF) is a mandatory fee that Australian higher education institutions charge to fund services and amenities that aren’t directly related to academic coursework. The Higher Education Support Act 2003 and related guidelines govern the SSAF.
Who is charged?
Generally, all enrolled students, including prospective and international students, are charged the SSAF. Some institutions may offer exemptions in specific circumstances, so it’s always best to check with the particular university you’re interested in.
How much is SSAF?
The maximum SSAF for 2025 is $365, and that amount is indexed annually, meaning it can increase slightly each year. Part-time students typically pay a reduced rate, often around 75% of the full-time rate (approximately $273.75 in 2025). Keep in mind that institutions can also charge different SSAF amounts at the unit level, so the exact fee can vary.
SSAF Allocation: Where Does the Money Go?
So, you’re paying this SSAF fee… but where does all that money actually go? Let’s break it down.
Mandated Allocation Requirements
Starting January 1, 2025, a minimum of 40% of all SSAF revenue must be allocated to student-led organizations. The goal is to ensure student initiatives get a solid financial boost.
Before 2025, the allocation percentages may shift a bit, but one thing remains constant: Universities are required to consult with students about how the money should be spent.
Examples of SSAF-Funded Services and Amenities
Here are some of the typical areas that benefit from SSAF funding:
- Student Unions: This includes financial backing for student representation, advocacy efforts, and all those fun student events.
- Sports and Recreation: Think sporting clubs, well-equipped facilities, and diverse recreational programs.
- Student Media: Support for student newspapers, radio stations, and other media channels that give students a voice.
- Student Support Services: Resources for counseling, health services, and academic assistance programs. Basically, anything designed to help students thrive.
Institutional Examples
Let’s look at a couple of specific universities to see how they allocate their SSAF funds:
- University of Melbourne: Funds UMSU (University of Melbourne Student Union), GSA (Graduate Student Association), MUS (Melbourne University Sport), and a variety of other student-centric projects.
- Australian National University (ANU): Allocates funds to ANUSA (Australian National University Students’ Association), ANU Sport, Woroni Media, and other service providers. In 2024, ANUSA received 55% of the SSAF, which amounted to a cool $3,575,000.00! ANU Sport got 20%, or $1,300,000.00.
So, the next time you see that SSAF fee, remember it’s (supposed to be) going towards making your university experience better, more supported, and more fun!
Student Input and Consultation in SSAF Spending
Because students are paying for the services and amenities funded by the SSAF, their feedback is vital. Here’s how your voice is (or should be) included in the process.
The Importance of Student Consultation
Providers are required to consult with students about how SSAF money is spent. This is to ensure that your needs and preferences are taken into account when decisions are made about where to allocate funds.
Methods of Student Consultation
Universities use a variety of methods to gather student feedback, including:
- Surveys: Regular surveys are conducted to get student feedback on what they think should be prioritized when it comes to SSAF spending.
- Student Representation: Student representatives participate in committees and councils that oversee how SSAF money is allocated. For instance, at ANU, the Student Services Council (SSC) advises the Deputy Vice-Chancellor on all things SSAF.
- Workshops and Forums: Many institutions hold workshops and open forums to encourage conversations between students and administrators.
Influencing SSAF Spending
So, how can you make your voice heard? Here are a couple of ways to influence SSAF spending:
- Participate in feedback surveys. When you get those emails asking for your opinion, take a few minutes to respond!
- Apply for SSAF grants to fund student-focused projects that you care about.
What are SSAF Grants and Ad-Hoc Projects?
Lots of universities offer grants using SSAF money to support projects students create themselves. These grants pay for one-off projects that improve the student experience.
Who can apply for SSAF Grants?
The rules change from school to school, but generally, the projects have to focus on students and match the goals of the SSAF. When you apply, you usually need to explain how your project will help students, fill a gap in services, and show that you’re working with the university.
What kind of projects get funded?
Here are some examples of projects that have received SSAF grants:
- Support for student clubs and organizations
- Funding for events and workshops students organize
- Development of new services and resources for students
Paying and Repaying the SSAF: SA-HELP
So, you know what the SSAF is, and you know what it’s for. But how do you pay it, and what if you can’t afford it right now?
Payment Deadlines
Universities and other educational institutions that charge the SSAF have to set the payment deadline no earlier than the last day new students can enroll. This is designed to give students enough time to consider their options before committing to the fee.
SA-HELP Loan Scheme
If you’re eligible, you can apply for a SA-HELP loan to defer your SSAF payments. SA-HELP is a government loan program that lets you repay the SSAF through the tax system, similar to how you’d repay other student loans.
SA-HELP Eligibility and Requirements
To qualify for SA-HELP, you’ll need to meet certain requirements, including having a Unique Student Identifier (USI) and a Tax File Number (TFN). You’ll also need to fill out a Request for SA-HELP loan form.
Repaying SA-HELP Debt
You’ll repay your SA-HELP debt through the tax system once your income reaches a certain level. Your SA-HELP debt will appear on your annual HELP information statement from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO).
Are colleges held accountable for how they spend SSAF money?
Yes. There are checks and balances in place to ensure that colleges spend SSAF money as intended.
For one thing, colleges and universities are required to publish their SSAF fees. They also have to provide annual reports on how they allocated and spent the money.
The Australian government also keeps an eye on how colleges spend their SSAF revenue. This is to make sure the money is being used properly and in accordance with the Higher Education Support Act of 2003.
If a college or university violates the Higher Education Support Act of 2003, there may be penalties, so there’s a strong incentive for schools to play by the rules.
Closing Thoughts
To recap, the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF) plays a vital role in the Australian higher education system by funding a wide range of services and amenities that directly benefit students.
Students have a powerful voice in determining how SSAF revenue is allocated. Your participation in consultations and grant programs directly influences the services and amenities available to you and your fellow students.
It’s also crucial that universities maintain transparency and accountability in how they spend SSAF funds. This ensures that the money is used effectively to improve the student experience and provide the support you need to succeed. By staying informed and engaged, students can help shape a vibrant and supportive campus environment.