Understanding your uni fees (including your Statement of Account) can feel a little confusing. One of the fees you’ll see is the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF).
SSAF is a really important fee that contributes to funding essential services and amenities on campus. From student events to advocacy, SSAF is more important than we realise, so here’s what you need to know.
If you’re an Australian citizen (or hold a Permanent Humanitarian Visa), you can choose to pay this fee upfront or defer it via SA-HELP (which is kind of Commonwealth support, similar to HECS-HELP and FEE-HELP).
- Understanding your obligation:
You will know if you need to pay SSAF by checking your Statement of Account.
Most domestic students are required to pay this fee, as mandated by Australian legislation.
International students pay SSAF too, but it is included in your tuition fee, not as a separate fee.
- When to pay:
Australian citizens and holders of Permanent Humanitarian Visas are eligible to defer the fee to SA-HELP. All other students must pay the fee upfront.
To defer the fee via SA-HELP, you must submit your form by before 30 June (Semester 1) or 30 December (Semester 2).
You only need to apply for SA-HELP once per course. If you transfer courses, you will need to submit a new SA-HELP form.
If you’re paying SSAF upfront, you need to pay each time you are charged the fee by the following dates.
For subject delivered:
- Between 1 Jan – 30 June and enrolment occurs up to and including 10 March – payment date is 10 March
- Between 1 Jan – 30 June and enrolment occurs from 11 March – payment date is the date of enrolment
- Between 1 July – 31 December and enrolment occurs up to and including 10 August – payment date is 10 August
- Between 1 July – 31 December and enrolment occurs from 11 August – payment date is the date of enrolment
Check StudentOnLine to check your SSAF due dates.
- How to pay:
Either defer the fee via SA-HELP, or pay upfront.
If you’re paying upfront, pay online by the ‘My Finances’ tab on StudentOnLine.
La Trobe provides a secure and user-friendly platform for processing payments electronically. Simply log in to your student account using your credentials and follow the prompts to make your payment. Ensure that you have your payment details, such as credit card information or bank account details, readily available.
- What happens if I don’t pay:
Students must pay the SSAF by the relevant payment due dates in order to avoid a sanction on their student account. If you have a sanctions, you will be prevented from re-enrolling into new subjects, accessing your results and even graduating.
Utilise the resources and support services available to you and don’t hesitate to seek assistance when needed. With a proactive approach, you can ensure smooth and hassle-free SSAF payments, allowing you to focus on your academic journey, work and social life with peace of mind.
If you have questions about SSAF, visit the SSAF website.