As an ex-student rep, I spend a lot of time reading the rants page to get a better understanding (and truly honest) commentary on student’s experiences across all the campuses. I found a common motif in many of your complaints, questions and queries you want to know about SSAF.
What your SSAF is, what your SSAF goes to and what you get out of it. So, let’s break it down.
SSAF stands for Student Services Amenities Fee, it is a part of your fees you pay each year as a Western Sydney University student.
The amount you are charged, per half year, will depend on your Equivalent Full Time Student Load (EFTSL) each session. The maximum fee is $303.00 per year for full time students. Lower fees apply for students doing less than a full time load in the half year period. The fees apply to all students including The College students and international students, the only students exempt are students undertaking their entire degree overseas at another University.
Here at Western Sydney University, we want to ensure that the SSAF fees are being used to improve student life, the facilities and buildings on campus, the things important to students! However, there are limitations on what SSAF can be spent on these include:
(Hate to break it to you, but parking is not on the list!)
Paying SSAF upfront You will need to view your SSAF eSOA to check the amount you need to pay and for the payment methods. To access your SSAF eSOA:
The easiest and quickest way to pay your SSAF is through the Onestop payment system. Other payment methods are also listed on the paying your fees page (Western Sydney University, 2020).
If you are eligible and want to apply for SA-HELP to defer your SSAF to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) you need to take the following steps:
If you haven’t paid or deferred your SSAF by the due date, you will have to pay up front even if you were eligible to defer and will not be able to see your results until payment is received. If you don’t pay your SSAF a block will be placed on your record meaning you won’t be able to see vUWS, see your exam results, access the library facilities, IT or even graduate – so paying SSAF is very important.
Student feedback is critical to how SSAF operates – the university won’t know how you want to spend YOUR fees if you are not focal about it. If you have a fab idea, then approach your SRC or Campus Life Officer to talk about it or email your proposal here: SSAFpriorities@westernsydney.edu.au