Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF)
How it was spent:
The NDSA council won't be able to provide information on how the money has been allocated until after EOFY 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions:
From the NDSA:
How will it be used?
The government mandates that students must be consulted each year about how they want their SSAF to be spent. This will be in the form of an annual survey and joint staff and student governance committee. Both will happen prior to semester two commencement. The University must submit annual reports on where your money goes.
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How much will it be?
In semester 2 2024, the maximum amount that the University can charge is $175.5 certain students will be charged a lower fee (eg. online, part-time or post graduate).
A full break down from the University website is below
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Is this a “facilities fee”?
No, SSAF cannot be spent towards academic buildings development, management or renovation. It cannot be used to fund the existing renovations on the Fremantle campus or any future ones. SSAF can be used towards development of new non-academic buildings, for example SSAF could fund a student health clinic or student café.
What “student consultation” was conducted?
The University has advised us that they consulted students through a
national student run survey and seven out of nine school-based student clubs. In 2022 a NDSA/ SAUNDA (the Sydney version of the NDSA) asked for student feedback with the majority of respondents in favor of SSAF’s introduction. The University has then advised that in late 2023 and
early 2024 active school based clubs of both campuses were consulted, given the opportunity to seek feedback from their members as well as ask follow up questions.
Can it be HECS'd
Most students can place SSAF on a SA-HELP loan which operates similar to HECS. The University will send out a guide closer to semester two, and will provide assistance to any student’s that require help filling out the form.
More information on the SA-HELP loan scheme is available here. This is similar to the HECS-HELP loan scheme.
What If I am on Prac or Online?
The University has advised that this fund will provide many services not solely based on campus. For example prac support funds, student assist officers, child care services… Filling out the SSAF Survey is the best way to ensure that prac and online students receive the services that you want
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What if I can’t HECS it?
This is of particular concern to our international students who already pay very high student fees and have limitations on how much they can work in Australia. The University had advised us that students will be able to apply
to the Student Hardship Fund if they are struggling to fund this fee. The NDSA are asking for the University to develop payment plans and other strategies to help struggling students be able to afford the $172.5 per semester cost. SSAF is designed to provide services and amenities that
help students to a greater extent than what is paid. This could be through improved accommodation options, increased hardship assistance or free financial and legal services.
If you have any questions please reach out to the SSAF team ssaf@nd.edu.au or the NDSA
Why is Notre Dame charging students this fee?
We’re always looking for new ways to support our students and create a better University experience. We have also heard your feedback on what improvements to the student experience you would like us to consider.
The Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF) allows the University to invest more in that experience. The SSAF will be spent on non-academic services and we will seek input from students about the services they value most – it might be student advocacy and advice, clubs and societies, and student wellbeing.
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Is it compulsory?
Yes. The SSAF will be charged annually with tuition fees to support investment in Notre Dame’s non-academic service and amenities. The funds raised by this fee will be in addition to the direct investment from the University, so we can deliver improvements and create an even better student experience.
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I am a part-time student, do I have to pay the SSAF?
​Yes. The rate has been adjusted to reflect your enrolment. The calculator above will help you determine the fee that will apply to you.
How much will it cost?
Fremantle Campus
Undergraduate:
Full time - $351
Part time - $263.25
Post-graduate - $175.50
Semester 2 2024 the fee will be 50% due to the mid-year start
The above figures represent the full-year fee, payable from 2025 onwards
How will it be charged?
The SSAF will be charged annually with your tuition fees. As the fee is effective from 1 July 2024, only a half fee will be payable in 2024. The full annual fee will be applied from 2025 onwards.
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I’m a final year or postgraduate student who isn’t on campus – do I still have to pay?
Yes. The SSAF will be charged annually with tuition fees to support investment in Notre Dame’s non-academic service and amenities. The funds raised by this fee will be in addition to the direct investment from the University, so we can deliver improvements and create an even better student experience.