Student Services and Amenities Fee
What is the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF)?
The SSAF is a fee paid by all domestic students which is used to provide important services such as counselling, welfare, sport and independent student representation.
Student consultation on SSAF expenditure
Each year, the University seeks feedback from students on how this fee is used.
How much is the SSAF?
The SSAF is charged twice a year, and the amount you pay depends on whether you’re a full or part-time student and studying on campus or online. The annual maximum fee is set by the Government and will vary according to your study load and mode of study.
2025 SSAF rates
| Campus | Study load | Trimester/Semester 1 2025 | Trimester/Semester 2 2025 | Trimester 3 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| On campus | Full time (3 credit points or more) | $182 | $182 | $0 |
| On campus | Part-time (1-2 credit points) | $136 | $136 | $0 |
| Online | All enrolled credit points must be online | $70 | $70 | $0 |
SSAF payment due dates
| Study period | 2025 due date for payment |
|---|---|
| Trimester 1 | 12 March 2025 |
| Semester 1 | 12 March 2025 |
| Trimester 2 | 27 July 2025 |
| Semester 2 | 12 August 2025 |
Deferring payment (SA-HELP)
If you are eligible and do not wish to pay the SSAF upfront, you can defer your SSAF through SA-HELP. To apply for SA-HELP go to StudentConnect and select the SA-HELP menu option. This is a different form to HECS-HELP or FEE-HELP.
The amount of the loan will be added to your accumulated HELP debt. You can use SA-HELP even if you don't have any other HELP loan.
For further information on SA-HELP eligibility, visit our Government assistance website.
Cross Institutional Students
As SA-HELP is linked to your course of study, you can only access SA-HELP at your home provider. Incoming cross institutional students are not eligible to defer a SSAF incurred at Deakin via SA-HELP.
Who doesn't pay the SSAF?
You do not pay the SSAF if you are:
- an international student, including inbound exchange students (your tuition fees already include a component for the provision of services)
- a Higher Degree by Research student only enrolled in Start Anytime or Intensive study periods (Quarters are covered by the HDR exclusion).
- enrolled in a Future Learn course.
Cross institutional students
If you are undertaking cross institutional study, you may be charged SSAF by both providers. If you have already paid your SSAF at your home institution please provide proof of payment for the current study period or a copy of your invoice if you have deferred your SSAF at your home institution, so we can waive the Deakin SSAF. Alternatively if you are going to another provider make sure you show them a copy of your invoice showing the fee has been paid to avoid being charged twice.