Study essentials
Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF)
What is SSAF?
The Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF) is a compulsory fee that students pay in each term of enrolment, up to the maximum annual fee.
It is legislated by the Australian government and was introduced to support enhanced non-academic services to students. The government set specific guidelines on what the SSAF funds can be spent on.
The University of Newcastle consults extensively with the student community to determine what services students want. Students have an opportunity to provide input into the SSAF consultation process through the University if Newcastle Students’ Association (UNSA) and the Student Feedback at the University of Newcastle (SFUN) survey conducted every year.
What is SSAF?
How much is SSAF?
The Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF) for 2025 are below:
| Full-time students | $365.00 per year |
|---|---|
| Part-time students | $273.75 per year |
*Students enrolled in Enabling programs are exempt from this fee.
Find out if you are required to pay SSAF fees based on your enrolment type.
How do I pay my SSAF?
See payment options and due dates
What does my SSAF go towards?
The University uses SSAF funds to support non-academic services and amenities for students.
Providing food or drink to students
From free BBQ lunches, catered study sessions, cultural food festivals and more.
Learn more
Sport and recreation
SSAF funds support student sports clubs, subsidised gym memberships, free pop-up gyms, outdoor exercise equipment and more.
Learn more
Administration of a club
Supports student-run clubs and societies.
Learn more
Health or welfare
Funds support free health checks, mental health workshops, counselling services, wellbeing events, and initiatives promoting physical and emotional wellness.
Read more
Employment or advice on careers
SSAF funds provide access to career expos, one-on-one career counselling, resume workshops, job-readiness programs, and internship or networking opportunities.
Learn more
Helping with financial affairs
SSAF supports emergency financial assistance, budgeting workshops, scholarship advice sessions, and drop-in services to help students manage their finances.
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Debating
SSAF supports law students to participate in debating and mooting competitions, helping them build confidence, public speaking skills, and career readiness. Opportunities are offered through faculty partnerships and student associations.
Learn more
Libraries and reading rooms
SSAF funds help enhance library spaces, extend study room access, support 24/7 zones, and improve student access to academic resources and quiet reading areas.
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Artistic activity
SSAF supports student-led art exhibitions, creative workshops, music and drama performances, cultural showcases, and access to creative spaces on campus.
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Skills for study
SSAF funds workshops and programs that develop academic skills like critical thinking, and exam preparation. This includes peer-led initiatives such as PASS (Peer Assisted Study Sessions) and PALS (Peer Assisted Learning Sessions), which offer collaborative learning support.
Learn more
Advising
SSAF contributes to personalised support through student advisers, providing guidance on academic concerns, university processes, and general student life.
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Advocating
SSAF funds help support student advocacy bodies and services that represent student voices, promote equity, and assist with academic or personal concerns.
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Orientation
SSAF supports welcome events, campus tours, starter kits, info sessions, and activities that help new students feel connected and prepared for university life.
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Overseas students' welfare, accommodation and employment
SSAF funds contribute to services tailored for international students, including admission/program support, accommodation help, work rights sessions, and cultural transition programs.
Learn more
How do funds get allocated?
In semester 1 each year, the University conducts the Student Feedback on the University of Newcastle (SFUN) survey, where students can give preference on how SSAF funds are allocated across the categories.
Students can also provide feedback through AskUON or through their student representative at UNSA.
Discover detailed insights on SSAF allocations from previous years in the comprehensive SFUN report.
SSAF allocation by area
2025
| # | Area | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Provision of catering services and amenities | $559,490.41 |
| 2 | Provision of sporting and recreational services and amenities | $1,300,266.00 |
| 3 | Administration of a club* | $353,689.34 |
| 4 | Caring for children of students | $500.00 |
| 5 | Providing legal services for students | $0 |
| 6 | Health or welfare services | $2,408,711.00 |
| 7 | Accommodation services | $108,290.00 |
| 8 | Employment and career services | $460,019.17 |
| 9 | Helping with financial affairs | $1,818.70 |
| 10 | Helping students obtain insurance | $0 |
| 11 | Debating services | $23,637.40 |
| 12 | Libraries and reading rooms services* | $37,728.05 |
| 13 | Artistic activity services | $37.278.22 |
| 14 | Student media | $85,811.80 |
| 15 | Study skills services | $1,006,140.00 |
| 16 | Advising | $813,843.59 |
| 17 | Student advocacy services | $872,753.90 |
| 18 | Student orientation services | $371,012.83 |
| 19 | Overseas students’ welfare, accommodation, and employment | $574,341.08 |
| Total | $9,015,331.90 |
2024
| # | Area | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Providing food or drink to students | $84,135 |
| 2 | Sport and recreation | $866,332 |
| 3 | Administration of a club | $1,719,033 |
| 4 | Caring for children of students | $0 |
| 5 | Providing legal services for students | $0 |
| 6 | Health or welfare | $2,664,684 |
| 7 | Helping secure accommodation | $0 |
| 8 | Employment or advice on careers | $759,104 |
| 9 | Helping with financial affairs | $106,242 |
| 10 | Helping students obtain insurance | $0 |
| 11 | Debating | $17,776 |
| 12 | Libraries and reading rooms | $437,554 |
| 13 | Artistic activity | $381,954 |
| 14 | Student media | $0 |
| 15 | Skills for study | $624,235 |
| 16 | Advising | $304,081 |
| 17 | Advocating | $566,133 |
| 18 | Orientation | $218,189 |
| 19 | Overseas students’ welfare, accommodation, and employment | $434,355 |
| Total | $9,183,807 |
2023
| # | Area | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Providing food or drink to students | $386,512 |
| 2 | Sport and recreation | $1,320,315 |
| 3 | Administration of a club | $370,248 |
| 4 | Caring for children of students | $4,345 |
| 5 | Providing legal services for students | $1,000 |
| 6 | Health or welfare | $2,487,931 |
| 7 | Helping secure accommodation | $63,250 |
| 8 | Employment or advice on careers | $602,175 |
| 9 | Helping with financial affairs | $17,701 |
| 10 | Helping students obtain insurance | $0 |
| 11 | Debating | $15,783 |
| 12 | Libraries and reading rooms | $629,607 |
| 13 | Artistic activity | $180,310 |
| 14 | Student media | $65,000 |
| 15 | Skills for study | $553,851 |
| 16 | Advising | $180,000 |
| 17 | Advocating | $620,309 |
| 18 | Orientation | $435,466 |
| 19 | Overseas students’ welfare, accommodation, and employment | $480,565 |
| Total | $8,414,368 |
SSAF Allocation Report
Discover detailed insights on SSAF allocations and actual expenditure from previous years.
Latest news from SSAF funded projects and initiatives
Careers and Employability Activities
Discover how Careers and Employability initiatives can equip students—especially those from diverse and equity backgrounds—with the skills, confidence, and opportunities to secure meaningful employment.
Central Coast Campus Activities
Learn how Central Coast Campus initiatives foster connection, engagement, and belonging through dynamic, inclusive activities that enrich student life beyond academics.
Placement Support and Pre-Placement Reimbursement Grant
Find out how College placement initiatives, alongside the SSAF-funded Pre-Placement Reimbursement Grant, have helped reduce financial barriers, improve placement readiness, and boost student wellbeing.
Food Services — LC Deli Subsidised Offering
Find out how ongoing student feedback has led to the development of a subsidised food offerings LC Deli.
Gallery Workshops — Creative Wellbeing and Cultural Connection
Learn about how SSAF supports The Gallery to offer safe, culturally rich, and creative spaces to support student wellbeing , cultural awareness, and community connection.
HDR Student Services Support — Academic and International Student Success
Discover the initiatives led that support and on strengthen academic development, equity, and inclusion for higher degree by research (HDR) students.
International Student Support — Onboarding, Engagement, and Accommodation
Learn how the International Student Support (ISS) program have assisted our international student cohort including safe arrivals, social engagement, practical support and more.
Library Services — Student Support, Peer Engagement, and Wellbeing
Read how the Library delivers a broad range of student-centred services designed to enhance academic success, connection, and wellbeing.
NUsport — Sports, Wellbeing, and Engagement
See how our NUsport programs have delivered a wide range of activities to promote student wellbeing, engagement, and active lifestyles.
Communications Support and Engagement for International Students
Learn how the Communications Support and Engagement Officer plays a vital role in enhancing the experience of international students at the University of Newcastle.
PASS — Peer Assisted Study Sessions
Discover how the Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS) program has provided undergraduate students with a supportive, peer-led learning environment where they can compare notes, discuss difficult concepts, and develop study skills in a judgement-free space.
Respectful Communities — Gender-Based Violence Prevention and Education
Learn how the Respectful Communities program has continued to deliver critical education and initiatives for the prevention of sexual assault and sexual harassment.
School of Education — Teaching Transitions Program
Read more about how the Teaching Transitions program supports Education students in preparation for their teaching profession.
Student Engagement — Welcome, Events, and Student Support
See the range of programs that have been delivered by Student Engagement that support student onboarding, connection, and success.
School of Law and Justice — Mooting and Professional Development
Explore the key highlights from the Mooting for Law Students program, along with other impactful initiatives from the School of Law and Justice.
Student Wellbeing — Summary of Key Activities and Impact (Q1 2025)
Learn how Student Wellbeing has continued to support and enhance student safetly, health and overall wellbeing.
UNSA — Student Services
Explore the diverse programs, services and events that UNSA has successfully delivered throughout the year.
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.