The SSAF was introduced by the Australian Government to help universities fund support services for students including sporting and recreational activities, childcare, accommodation, community festivals, student publications, career and employment advice, and legal services. Find details of what the SSAF funds are used for.

Most domestic and international students at the University need to pay the SSAF each semester unless you are:

• enrolled at the University in a cross-institutional program
• enrolled in a course charged at an offshore fee rate
• a commencing or continuing student enrolled in the Bachelor of Nursing Post-Registration or Bachelor of Nursing (Honours) program delivered in agreement with the Singapore Institute of Management
• a continuing international offshore student enrolled in the Graduate Diploma/Master of Museum Studies undertaking the course in Hong Kong through the HKU School of Professional and Continuing Education
• attending the University on a formal exchange or Study Abroad program from an overseas institution
• a University of Western Australia student participating in the United States Studies Centre’s Washington DC or Los Angeles Placement Program
• attending the University from an overseas university as part of an approved Cotutelle PhD or joint PhD program.

How much do I pay?

The maximum annual SSAF charge is determined by the government.

When is it due?

The SSAF is charged at enrolment. Payment due dates are in the tables below. You can also find these due dates on your Student Financial Statements in Sydney Student.

2026

How do I pay?

View your outstanding SSAF amount on your Student Financial Statement in Sydney Student (My finances > Your finances > View financial statements).

Eligible students may be able to defer all or part of their SSAF through SA-HELP.

Discontinuing your course

If you discontinue your course before the relevant census date, you will not be liable for the fee. If you have chosen to defer the fee using SA-HELP, you will not incur a SA-HELP debt. If you've already paid your fee, you may be eligible for a refund.

Under the Higher Education Support Act (2003), if you discontinue your course after the relevant census date, you will still be liable for the fee, and you will not be able to receive a refund under special circumstances or remission of a SA-HELP debt.