Where your SSAF goes
On 11 October 2011, the Australian Parliament passed legislation allowing universities and other higher education providers to charge a fee for student services and amenities of a non-academic nature.
The legislation dictates that the fees collected may be spent by higher education providers on items such as:
- sporting and recreational activities
- employment and career advice
- child care
- supporting student representation
- financial advice.
VU has been collecting these fees since 2012. This page outlines how the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF) has been used to provide non-academic support services and improved facilities for all students at VU.
What has SSAF been allocated to in 2024?
All funds were allocated in adherence with the Student Services & Amenities Fee Governance and Management Framework.
Funding allocations
The University takes a formula approach to the allocation of SSAF funds and grants each year, which embodies flexible funding arrangements. This approach provides fixed funds as well as short-term funds to pilot initiatives and/or meet a short-term need. It accommodates both need and demand, allowing for greater flexibility in the delivery of SSAF-funded student services and activities.
This model is centrally governed, managed and administered by Students Portfolio on behalf of the University. It includes:
- base allocation funding for all services currently approved for SSAF; the amount related to activity/service-based costings (the allocation and funding value reviewed annually via Funding Applications and in line with University budget forecasts and business planning)
- an allocation for initiatives grants
- capital allowance for the improvement of student amenities by Students Portfolio
- funding to support student organisations
- contingency for unexpected growth in usage and/or emerging needs allocation for services not currently funded by SSAF.
Applications for funding and grants each year are considered alongside feedback from students to ascertain allocation priorities. Feedback is provided through:
- data collection
- engagement and consultation
- feedback from the University community.
