Student services & amenities fee
How much do I pay and when is it due?
If you aren't sure how much your Student Services & Amenities Fee will be or when to pay, check out our SSAF calculators to find out everything you need to know.
- What is the Student Services Amenities Fee?
- How to pay your SSAF
- Student Services Amenities Fee Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Student Services Amenities Fee
In accordance with the Higher Education Legislation Amendment (Student Services and Amenities) Act 2011, a Student Services and Amenities fee is charged to all enrolled students.
The Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF) supports the provision of non-academic services and facilities (such as sporting and recreational activities, child care, food services, etc), with both the University and Student Guild working together to decide how the funds should be distributed.
For details of the current use of SSAF funds, please see the Student Services & Amenities Fee website.
How to pay your SSAF
If you are an Australian citizen or permanent humanitarian visa holder, you can choose to pay the fee up-front or defer the fee utilising the new loan scheme SA-HELP.
When your SSAF is charged, you will receive an SSAF alert on the Welcome tab in OASIS, and an eInvoice via eStudent. You may choose to pay your fee upfront or to defer your SSAF by completing an SA-HELP Commonwealth Assistance Form.
Please note: Due to agreements they have with the University regarding their funds, International students are not currently charged the SSAF.
SA-HELP
Eligible students who do not wish to pay the fee up-front may defer payment to the Australian Taxation Office by completing the electronic SA-HELP Commonwealth Assistance Form for their course.
Eligible students are defined as:
- Australian citizens
- Permanent humanitarian visa holders.
The electronic SA-HELP Request for Commonwealth Assistance Form (eCAF) is available on the My eCAFs tab in eStudent via OASIS. A direct link to this screen is in the SSAF alert you will receive in OASIS.
It is essential that students:
- select the Request for SA-HELP Assistance eCAF,
- include their tax file number,
- and submit by the date specified by the University.
Even if you have previously submitted a HECS-HELP or FEE-HELP eCAF, you still need to submit an SA-HELP eCAF in order to defer payment of your SSAF to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO).
Please see the SA-HELP eCAF demonstration movie and the SA-HELP Information for 2012 [.pdf] for further details.
Student Services Amenities Fee Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is a Student Services Amenities Fee (SSAF)?
The Student Services Amenities Fee (SSAF) is a fee that is being charged by universities throughout Australia to support the provision of non-academic services and facilities for University students.
2. How much does the SSAF cost?
It depends on your enrolment. See the SSAF Fees Calculator to find your payment type.
3. Are all students charged the fee?
Most students will be required to pay the fee, though due to agreements surrounding their fees, International Students are current exempt. For more details see the SSAF Fees Schedule webpage.
4. How will the University spend my SSAF?
The University must spend the money on non-academic services and facilities. The University and Student Guild work together to determine how the money is spent.
5. When do I have to pay my SSAF?
Curtin currently charges the fee in two installments: the first installment covers enrolments in study periods in the first half of the year, paid in August. The second installment covers enrolments in study periods in the second half of the year, paid in October.
6. Do I still have to pay the fee even if I do not intend to use any of the amenities and services?
Yes, all students who are charged the SSAF must pay the fee. Students are encouraged to utilise the services and amenities the University and the Student Guild offers.
7. Do I have to pay the SSAF up-front?
Eligible students will be able to apply for SA-HELP which will enable them to obtain a loan from the Government for their SSAF. Students who are not eligible for SA-HELP will need to pay the SSAF up-front.
8. Who is eligible for SA-HELP?
To access SA-HELP students need to meet the following requirements:
- be an Australian citizen or the holder of a permanent humanitarian visa;
- be enrolled in a course of study;
- submit a valid request for SA-HELP, including their tax file number, prior to the SSAF payment date.
9. Can I get a refund on my SSAF if I withdraw?
Please refer to the Refund / Withdrawal Under Special Circumstances guidelines.
