Student Services and Amenities Fee

Thank you to all students who participated in the survey on how their SSAF should be used in 2027. The survey was open from 29 April to 4 June 2026 and adhered to the University's Student Collection Notice and Privacy Policy.

Aligned with student feedback, the University has allocated approximately $6 million in SSAF funding to support services, programs and activities that enhance student wellbeing, learning, engagement and success in 2027.

The following projects, services and activities will be supported in 2027:

Health, Wellbeing and Safety

Medical and Counselling Services
SSAF funding supports a range of student health and wellbeing initiatives, including in-house psychiatric consultations, preventative mental health programs, vaccination and travel health services, support for international students and their families, and the provision of free condoms, period products, masks and other medical consumables. These services help students access timely healthcare and wellbeing support while studying. Online and remote students can access selected services, including video psychiatric consultations.

Student Mental Health and Wellbeing Framework
A two-year initiative to embed mental health and wellbeing across the University. The framework aims to create inclusive, psychologically safe environments by integrating wellbeing into curriculum, teaching, support services and policy. Co-designed with students, it supports resilience, belonging and academic success across all UC locations and study modes.

Respect Now Always
Funding supports UC's prevention and response initiatives relating to gender-based violence, including a dedicated Respect Now Always Officer, student education and awareness activities, Respect Matters training, the Safe UC online reporting platform, and the 24/7 UC Crisis Line operated by Lifeline. Many resources and support services are available to online and remote students.

Student Support and Inclusion

Student Wellbeing and International Support Program
Supports student wellbeing, connection and belonging through targeted engagement, transition activities, peer support opportunities, events and referrals. The program has a strong focus on supporting international students while providing benefits for the broader student community.

Virtual Village
An online community platform designed to strengthen connection, belonging and wellbeing for students studying online, remotely, regionally, on placement or away from Bruce campus. Virtual Village provides a digital community space, peer engagement opportunities, wellbeing resources and access to support services.

Student Representative Council (SRC) Services
SSAF supports student advocacy, Curieux Magazine, Equity Services, the International Student Collective, representative services and student engagement activities. These services give students access to support, advice and opportunities to have their voices heard.

Learning and Academic Success

Studiosity Writing Feedback Plus
Provides 24/7 AI-powered writing feedback and online tutoring support, helping students improve writing, critical thinking, study skills and assessment preparation. Available to all students, including online, remote, part-time, postgraduate and Higher Degree by Research students.

Mathematics and Statistics Help (MASH) Centre
Provides academic support in mathematics, statistics and related concepts to help students develop confidence and succeed in their studies. Available to all students across the University.

International Student English Program (ISEP)
Supports students to develop English communication, critical thinking, self-regulation and learning skills. Funding will support an expanded online learning hub and resources, increasing accessibility for international, online and remote students.

Work Integrated Learning (WIL) Student Support Program for Out-of-Area Placements
Provides financial support for eligible students undertaking placements away from their usual place of study who are not eligible for other placement funding programs. This initiative helps reduce financial barriers to completing placement requirements.

UC 24hr Digital Design Challenge
A fast-paced, extra-curricular event where students work collaboratively to create a complete design project in a single day. Open to all disciplines, the challenge supports creativity, teamwork and portfolio development. Students can participate on campus or remotely through its hybrid delivery model.

Cost-of-Living Support

Food Pantry
Provides free food supplies and hygiene products to students experiencing financial pressures. The Food Pantry also supports food literacy and sustainability through initiatives such as free breakfasts, cooking activities and the Repair Café.

Discounted Meals Program (UCX Feed)
Provides affordable and nutritious meals to students, including $5 lunches, free dinners and discounted evening meal options throughout the academic year. This initiative aims to reduce food insecurity and support student wellbeing.

UCX Op Shop
Offers affordable clothing, homewares, furniture and study essentials to students while promoting sustainability and reducing waste. Students receive discounted pricing, and the Op Shop also supports community connection and employability through volunteering opportunities.

Student Experience, Belonging and Engagement

Orientation Week Reimagined
A student-centred orientation experience that provides a coordinated and engaging introduction to university life through activities, information sessions, social events and opportunities to connect with peers. Online orientation opportunities are also available for students studying remotely.

Clubs and Societies
Supports student-led academic, cultural, sporting and social clubs across the University. Clubs help students build friendships, professional networks and a sense of belonging. Membership opportunities are available to both on-campus and online students.

Student Events
Provides a year-round schedule of events, activations and campaigns designed to enhance the student experience, foster community connection and create a vibrant campus environment.

X-Crew Volunteering Program
Supports student volunteers through training, development and recognition opportunities while providing meaningful pathways for students to contribute to campus life and build employability skills.

Live Music Program
Provides discounted access to live music events and entertainment opportunities for UC students.

Esports Lounge
Provides a dedicated Esports space where students can connect, compete and participate in organised gaming activities. The initiative supports social connection, community building and student engagement.

Sport and Recreation

Sport Delivery
Supports student participation in social sport, representative sport and intervarsity competition, helping students stay active, connected and engaged with university life.

UCFitx Student Subsidy
Helps keep gym membership affordable for UC students by providing significantly discounted access to the University's fitness facilities.

UCFitx Equipment Renewal
Funding will support the replacement and upgrade of fitness equipment to improve safety, accessibility and the overall student experience within UCFitx facilities.

Support Across UC Locations

In addition to the above initiatives, SSAF funding also supports students studying at UC Sydney Hills, including nursing placement compliance vaccinations and careers support services, as well as students studying through partner campuses including TAFE NSW and TAFE Queensland. A number of the initiatives listed above, including Virtual Village, Studiosity, Respect Now Always, SWIS, WIL support, orientation activities and clubs and societies, are also available to online, remote and non-Bruce campus students.

Thank you to all students who participated in the survey on how their SSAF should be used in 2026. The survey was open from 23 April – 28 May 2025 and adhered to the University's Student Collection Notice and Privacy Policy.

Aligned with student feedback, the University has allocated approximately $6.6 million in SSAF to fund projects, services and activities for students in 2026.

The following projects, services and activities will be supported in 2026:

Health, Wellbeing and Student Support

• Medical and Counselling – the Supported Student program provides accessible healthcare, mental health support, legal advice, and early intervention services. It promotes resilience, academic success, and long-term wellbeing through a holistic approach to student challenges. (Available to online and remote students.)
• Wellbeing Hardship Fund to support students on placement – additional funding has been allocated to support students experiencing hardship while undertaking placements, helping to reduce financial barriers and support students to continue with their studies. (Available to eligible online and remote students undertaking placements.)
• Student Wellbeing and International Support Program – fostering connection, belonging and wellbeing for all UC students by delivering targeted, relevant and informed student support initiatives, including orientation and transition support for all students, with a specific focus on international students. (Available to online and remote students.)
• Virtual Village – providing tailored support for remote students, including those in fully online degrees, living outside the ACT, or taking online units. This program aims to reduce isolation and boost engagement by creating inclusive digital spaces, offering dedicated staff support, and promoting student wellbeing. (Designed specifically for online and remote students. Launching October 2026.)
• Food Pantry – provides students with access to free food supplies and hygiene products, cooking classes, free breakfasts and sustainability initiatives. (Primarily available to students attending campus.)
• Respect Now Always – funding for the UC Crisis Line, which provides immediate and 24/7 access to support UC students in crisis, prevention and response training, and student-led prevention initiatives. (UC Crisis Line available to online and remote students.)
• Student Representative Council (SRC) – student services including Student Advocacy, Curieux Magazine, Equity Services, the International Student Collective, Representative Services and Engagement Services. (Available to online and remote students.)
• Student Mental Health and Wellbeing Framework – a two-year initiative to embed mental health and wellbeing across UC. (Future initiative supporting students across all study modes and locations.)

Academic Support

• Studiosity – AI-powered writing feedback and online tutoring support available 24/7. (Available to online and remote students.)
• Maths and Stats and IT Help Centre (MASH) – supports students across the University with mathematical, statistical and IT concepts. (Available to online and remote students.)
• LinkedIn Learning – access to thousands of online courses supporting professional development, digital capability and workplace skills. (Available to online and remote students from November 2026.)
• Peer Assisted Learning Sessions Resources – supports Peer Assisted Learning Sessions in Health and Science by funding new anatomical models and equipment to enhance hands-on learning. (Primarily supports on-campus learning activities.)

Placement and Work Integrated Learning Support

• Work Integrated Learning Student Support Program for out-of-area placements – supports students who are not eligible for other placement assistance programs. (Available to eligible online and remote students undertaking placements.)

Student Engagement, Leadership and Community

• University of Canberra HDR Research Symposium – a student-led event showcasing HDR research across faculties. (Online participation available.)
• UC 24hr Digital Design Challenge – a fast-paced extra-curricular event that enables broader participation through its inclusive, hybrid format. (Online participation available.)
• Clubs and Societies – support for student academic, cultural, sport and social clubs and societies. (Available to online and remote students.)
• Student Events – provides a schedule of events on campus to enhance the student experience. (Primarily campus-based, although selected activities may be accessible online.)
• Orientation Week Reimagined (Social Activities) – a revitalised Orientation Week experience designed to improve the student experience. (Includes activities designed for online and remote students.)
• Student Leadership Program – supports student leadership development through leadership and team-building initiatives. (Available to online and remote students.)
• Live Music Program – discounted tickets for UC students. (Primarily associated with in-person events.)

Campus Services, Facilities and Amenities

• Discounted Meals Program – provides affordable and nutritious meals through expanded free and discounted meal offerings. (Primarily available on campus.)
• X-Crew Volunteering Program – supports student volunteers through onboarding, training and recognition initiatives. (Primarily campus-based.)
• Student Reception Area and Equipment Library – enhances access to student services, storage and borrowed equipment. (Primarily available on campus.)
• On-Campus Op Shop – provides affordable clothing, homewares and study essentials. (Campus-based service.)
• Esports Lounge – dedicated student esports facility and competition space. (Campus-based facility.)
• Sport Delivery – supports participation and performance in social sport, representative sport and university competitions. (Primarily campus and event-based.)
• UCFitx Student Subsidy – subsidised gym memberships for students. (Campus-based service.)
• Gym Equipment Renewal – replacement and upgrade of gym equipment. (Campus-based facility improvement.)
• Student Spaces Furniture Upgrade – upgrades to student spaces across Bruce Campus. (Campus-based facility improvement.)

Partner Locations and Campuses

In addition to the projects, services and activities outlined above, SSAF funding in 2026 also supports services for students studying at partner locations and campuses outside Canberra. This includes student support services for students based at UC Sydney Hills, such as Foodbank, student clubs, job services and nursing placement compliance support, as well as support for students studying through partner campuses including TAFE NSW and TAFE Queensland.

This funding helps ensure that students have access to support services, engagement opportunities and assistance that reflects the needs of their local study environment.

In 2025, the University used $4,505,435 in SSAF funding to deliver a wide range of services, projects and activities that supported student wellbeing, success and campus life.

2025 project / service / activity	Total
Health, Safety and Wellbeing Medical & Counselling Outreach Services – Early intervention and support services focused on enhancing student mental health, physical wellbeing and overall resilience: $455,000 Respect Now Always & UC Crisis Line – Immediate 24/7 crisis support for UC students, along with prevention and response training, student led campaigns, events, resources and awareness initiatives: $154,016	$609,016
Student Wellbeing, Equity and Essential Support Student Wellbeing and International Support Program – Targeted initiatives fostering connection, belonging and wellbeing across the student lifecycle, including orientation and transition support and focused international student support in line with the ESOS Act 2000: $331,302 Food Pantry – Free food and hygiene supplies for students experiencing financial hardship, complemented by cooking classes, free breakfasts, sustainability initiatives and the Repair Café: $329,190 Discounted Meals Program – Provision of affordable, nutritious and allergen-friendly meals to support student wellbeing and food security. Operating twice weekly, the program ran across 66 days, serving 4,394 meals to 1,143 individual students: $80,000 Aspire UC On Campus School Holiday Program – Free, on site school holiday care for children aged 5–12 years, supporting equity group student parents and carers to continue their studies during non teaching periods: $25,000	$765,492
Academic, Learning and Employability Support Studiosity (24/7 Online Study Support) – Round the clock writing feedback and online tutoring in general study skills and foundation level English, mathematics and science, available to all students including part time and online learners: $250,000 Mathematics and Statistics Help (MASH) Centre – Drop in and targeted support across mathematics, statistics, numeracy and IT concepts: $72,185 Work Integrated Learning (WIL) Student Support Program – Support for students undertaking out of area placements who are not eligible for other funding schemes, including international, postgraduate and non equity students: $302,788 UC 24 Hour Digital Design Challenge – A fast paced, extra curricular design challenge held on Open Day, fostering creativity, collaboration and portfolio development through an inclusive hybrid format: $6,019	$630,992
Student Representation, Advocacy and Legal Support Student Representative Council (SRC) Services – Support for student advocacy, representation, engagement and leadership, including Equity Services (Queer Space and the Women's Room), the International Student Collective, Curieux Magazine, student engagement activities, and external legal services to review and strengthen the SRC Charter and governance framework: $432,790 Legal Aid – A dedicated on campus legal advice service providing confidential support to students: $37,925	$470,715
Student Life, Events and Belonging Clubs and Societies – Support for student led academic, cultural, sporting and social clubs and societies, contributing to connection, leadership development, peer support and campus engagement: $360,662 Student Events Program – A diverse calendar of events ranging from pop ups and activations to week long campaigns, all designed to enhance the student experience: $515,550 Orientation Social Activities – Live music, social events and activities delivered in Semesters One and Two to welcome students and support their transition into university life: $40,299 Live Music Program – Subsidised tickets for UC students and a student party delivered during Stone Week: $51,000 Esports Lounge – Canberra's only dedicated student esports space, supporting casual play, competitive teams, events and community engagement: $61,109	$1,028,620
Sport, Fitness and Recreation Sport Delivery – Inclusive sporting opportunities supporting social participation and representative competition at intervarsity, UniSport and national league levels: $364,631 UCFitx Student Subsidy – Subsidised gym memberships ensuring students can access fitness facilities at significantly reduced cost: $140,000	$504,631
Campus Facilities and Learning Spaces UCX Support Equipment Purchases and Upgrades – Strategic investment in shared equipment to support student services, campus events and reduce reliance on external hire: $40,024 Women's Room and Student Multi Purpose Room Upgrades – Relocation and upgrade of the Women's Room and development of a new Student Multi Purpose Room to support student gatherings and campus vibrancy: $89,126 Refectory Balcony Upgrade – Planters and landscaping enhancements to improve student social spaces: $59,612 Student Lockers – Campus wide rollout of student lockers to improve amenity and storage access: $39,126 Furniture for Learning and Teaching Spaces – Furniture upgrades to learning and teaching spaces, including new tables and chairs and improvements to centrally bookable rooms: $153,654	$381,542
Support for Students at Partner Campuses TAFE Queensland Student Support Services – Health, wellbeing, welfare and student life support for UC students based at TAFE Queensland: $104,481 TAFE NSW Student Support Services – Advocacy, wellbeing, learning support, employability and student life services for UC students studying at TAFE NSW: $9,946	$114,427
TOTAL	$4,505,435

Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF)

In 2026, all students (except those enrolled in fully online courses) will be charged an initial fee of $279.75. This is typically charged at your first enrolment for the year, before the census date of that teaching period.

Students who remain part-time for the entire calendar year (enrolled in fewer than 18 credit points) will only pay this initial fee.

Students who reach full-time status in the calendar year (enrolled in 18 credit points or more) will be charged a supplementary fee of $93.25, bringing their total SSAF for the year to $373.00.

In 2026, the maximum SSAF for students (excluding those in fully online courses) are:

Student type	Annual fee (maximum)
Full-time student (enrolled in 18 or more credit points in a calendar year)	$373.00
Part-time student (enrolled in fewer than 18 credit points in a calendar year)	$279.75

SSAF for Fully Online Courses

Students enrolled in fully online courses will be charged an initial fee of $209.80. This is typically charged at your first enrolment for the year, before the census date of that teaching period.

Students who remain part-time for the entire calendar year will only pay this initial fee.

Students who reach full-time status (18 or more credit points) during the calendar year will pay a supplementary fee of $69.95, bringing their total annual SSAF to $279.75.

In 2026, the maximum SSAF for students enrolled in fully online courses are:

Student type	Annual fee (maximum)
Full-time student (enrolled in 18 or more credit points in a calendar year)	$279.75
Part-time student (enrolled in fewer than 18 credit points in a calendar year)	$209.80

How is the SSAF charged?

The SSAF is charged progressively based on your enrolment status throughout the calendar year. Below are examples to help illustrate how fees are applied:

• John enrols in four units (12 credit points) in Semester 1 and four units (12 credit points) in Semester 2. John is deemed to be a full-time student across the calendar year.
  John will be charged $279.75 for the SSAF in Semester 1, and $93.25 for the SSAF in Semester 2, so the total SSAF charged is $373.00
• Michael enrols in three units (9 credit points) in Semester 1, two units (6 credit points) in Winter Term and does not enrol in Semester 2. Michael is deemed to be a part-time student across the calendar year.
  Michael will be charged $279.75 for the SSAF in Semester 1. Michael will not be charged for the SSAF in Winter Term as he is deemed to be a part-time student and has paid the part-time amount in Semester 1.
• Louise enrols in two units (6 credit points) in Semester 1, two units (6 credit points) in Winter Term and four units (12 credit points) in Semester 2. Louise is deemed to be a full-time student across the calendar year.
  Louise will be charged $279.75 for the SSAF in Semester 1. Louise will not be charged for the SSAF in Winter Term as she is considered a part-time student for the calendar year at this stage. Louise will be charged $93.25 for the SSAF in Semester 2, as she is then deemed to be a full-time student. The total SSAF amount charged is therefore $373.00
• Mary enrols for the first time in four units (12 credit points) in Semester 2. Mary is deemed to be a part-time student across the calendar year.
  Mary will be is charged $279.75 for the SSAF in Semester 2 only.
• Ethan is enrolled in a fully online course and enrols in 1 unit (3 credit Points) in Study Block 1 and continues to enrol in 1 unit (3 credit points) in Study Blocks 2-6.  This totals 18 Credit Points for 2026. Ethan will be charged $209.80 in Study Block 1 and $69.95 in Study Block 6 as he will be deemed a full-time student because he enrolled into 18 Credit Points by Study Block 6.
• Hayly is enrolled in a fully online course and enrols in 1 unit (3 Credit Points) in Study Block 2 and continues to enrol in 1 unit (3 Credit Points) for Study Blocks 3-6. Hayly will be enrolled in a total of 15 credit points for 2026. Hayly will only be charged $209.80 in Study Block 2 as she will remain a part-time student.
• Ryan is enrolled in a fully online course and enrols into 2 units (6 credit points) in each of Study Blocks 1, 2 & 3, totalling 18 credit points, Ryan will be charged $209.80 in Study Block 1 and $69.95 in Student Block 3 as he reaches full time status at that point. Ryan enrols in additional units in Study Block 5 but no further SSAF will be charged, as the full-time rate has already been applied.

Students will be charged SSAF for each teaching period in which they are enrolled. SSAF will be payable on or before the Census date of each teaching period. Details on Census dates can be found on the Census Dates page.

The SSAF will be charged to:

• Domestic and International onshore coursework students (diploma, undergraduate and postgraduate);
• Domestic and International onshore research students; Online Domestic and International students in Australia;
• Fully online Domestic and International onshore coursework students (diploma, undergraduate and postgraduate);
• Non-Award and Cross-institutional students;
• UC-START, UC-CONNECT, UC-PREP and UCAN Reach students; and
• Ngunnawal Foundation Program students.

The SSAF is not charged to students studying:

• at one of our overseas partner campuses
• microcredential courses
• through approved Study Abroad and Exchange arrangements
• a course delivered entirely online to a student residing outside Australia.
• in areas that do not form part of a higher education program or pathway program, including:
  • ELICOS and other UC College English language programs
  • UC College Chemistry or Biology Preparation
  • UC Accelerate Program

I'm not sure if I need to pay the SSAF

If you are unsure as to whether you will be required to pay SSAF please contact the Student Centre on 1300 301 727 or student.centre@canberra.edu.au.

 

How to pay

• Download your statement – Log on to MyUC and select ‘Fees’ from the tabs across the top and then select ‘Statement of Account’ from the menu.
  
• If you are unable to download your statement of account, please email student.centre@canberra.edu.au from your student email account to request a copy of your statement. Please note: Statements will only be sent to your student email account.
  
• Pay the amount due before the census date of that teaching period online or at any Australia Post Office. Please refer to the payment details on your statement.
  
• Eligible students may complete the SA-HELP form to defer the payment for future teaching periods.

Eligible students are able to defer their SSAF through a HELP loan scheme similar to FEE-HELP and HECS-HELP called SA-HELP. To be eligible for SA-HELP you must:

• Be an Australian Citizen or permanent humanitarian visa holder resident in Australia;
• Be enrolled in a course that leads to a higher education award, enabling course or  bridging course for overseas-trained professionals; and
• Meet the Tax File Number (TFN) requirements.

Students in non-award courses are not eligible for SA-HELP unless they are enrolled in an enabling program. Enabling programs at the University are UC-CONNECT, UC-PREP, UCan Reach and the Ngunnawal Foundation Program.

Eligible students can access the SA-HELP form online – log on to MyUC and go to the Enrolments and Timetable tab. Select Self Enrolment, your course and then the SA-HELP Form step. You will need your TFN to complete the online form. The form must be completed on or before the Census date of the first teaching period you are enrolled in. You only need to apply for SA-HELP once during your course of study.

If you are not able to access the form online, you can request a hard copy of the form which must be completed and returned to the University on or before the Census date of the first teaching period you are enrolled in. You will need your TFN to complete the form. Students only need to apply for SA-HELP once during their course of study.

You can complete the SA-HELP form now for all future teaching periods in your current course. Please note this form needs to be submitted before the CENSUS DATE of the next teaching period.

For Further information please contact the Student Centre E: student.centre@canberra.edu.au P: 1300 301 727

Online and remote students are charged the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF) because they have access to a range of SSAF-funded services, programs and activities that support their wellbeing, academic success, engagement and sense of belonging, regardless of location. SSAF funding helps ensure that students studying online or remotely can access support services and opportunities designed to enhance their university experience.

Students studying online or remotely are charged a reduced SSAF rate. In 2026, online students are charged 75% of the equivalent full-time or part-time SSAF amount payable by on-campus students, recognising both their access to a range of University services and supports, and their different mode of study.

Students studying online or remotely through the University of Canberra can access a range of SSAF-funded services and initiatives, including:

• Medical and Counselling Services – healthcare, mental health support, legal advice and wellbeing assistance.
• UC Crisis Line and Safe UC – access to 24/7 crisis and wellbeing support services.
• Student Representation and Advocacy – including Student Advocacy, Equity Services, the International Student Collective, Representative Services and Curieux Magazine through the Student Representative Council (SRC). 
• Studiosity – 24/7 online writing feedback and tutoring support.
• Maths, Stats and IT Help Centre (MASH) – support with mathematics, statistics and IT concepts.
• Work Integrated Learning (WIL) Student Support – assistance for eligible students undertaking out-of-area placements.
• Orientation and Transition Activities – including activities designed to support students commencing their studies online or remotely.
• Clubs and Societies – access to academic, cultural, sporting and social communities, networking opportunities and peer support.
• HDR Research Symposium – opportunities for online participation in student-led research events.
• UC 24hr Digital Design Challenge – a hybrid event that enables participation regardless of location.
• LinkedIn Learning (available from November 2026) – access to thousands of online courses supporting professional development, digital capability and workplace skills.
• Virtual Village (launching October 2026) – a dedicated digital community designed to strengthen connection, belonging and access to support services for online, flexible and remote students.

SSAF funding is also supporting the development of future initiatives that will benefit students studying online and remotely, including the Student Mental Health and Wellbeing Framework, a university-wide initiative focused on strengthening student wellbeing, inclusion and support across all study modes and locations.

All students, regardless of study mode or location, are invited to participate in the University's annual SSAF consultation process. Student feedback helps inform SSAF funding priorities and allocation decisions each year. 

While some SSAF-funded services and activities are delivered on campus, a significant proportion of SSAF funding supports services, programs and initiatives that are available online or designed to benefit students regardless of where or how they study.

• Students with unpaid SSAF will not be able to access their results.
• If you have any questions, please contact the Student Centre on 1300 301 727 or send an email to student.centre@canberra.edu.au.