Today, the Student Services and Amenities Fees are due for all RMIT students. You’ve most likely seen mention of these fees pop into your inbox, but what are they and what do they fund?
Student Services and Amenities Fees (SSAF) are a compulsory semesterly fee charged by most Australian universities to fund non-academic services and amenities.
While most students need to dish over this cost, many don’t know where the funds actually go.
“I’m not really aware of what I’m paying for,” says computer science student Aiza.
Business and civil engineering student Patrick agrees. “I don’t know what it covers and it seems this information isn’t readily accessible.”
So, what do these fees fund?
According to the RMIT website, SSAF pays for non-academic services and amenities that don’t directly relate to your program.
The funds from the SSAF are divided amongst four groups: student employability, student life and campus engagement, student rights and representation and student welfare and wellbeing.
Where and to whom the money goes is informed by optional student surveys which are examined by RMIT’s Student Experience Advisory Group (SEAG) and the SSAF Steering Committee.
What’s up with the price?
The cost of the Student Services and Amenities Fee is not based on your degree, but the amount of credit points undertaken.
At RMIT, a student is charged at $3.81 per credit point, up to the annual maximum of $365 for 2025. Hence, those doing the standard full-time load of 48 credit points are charged $182 per semester. This is the annual maximum that universities can charge for SSAF.
The cost of your SSAF can be found on your invoice, which can be accessed and paid on your RMIT enrolment online page.
What do RMIT students think about this?
“I think it’s a fair price,” says data science student Moses.
“It’s not like I'm using everything, right?” says Aiza. “Maybe it would be better if they charged me as I used it instead.”
“I do think the SSAF at the time seems like ‘why do I have to pay this’, but in the end I think you get the benefits that come from the fee, so I’m happy with it overall,” says Patrick.
“I’ve had so many opportunities for internships and jobs sent by email, and to know that my SSAF goes towards me getting that information is a good thing,” he says. “I just feel like it’s actually come full circle back to me, not just disappeared into private pockets or into oblivion.”
How to make the most of the Student Amenities Fee
To get the benefits of the student amenities fee, book a one-on-one appointment with a person from careers connect, who can give feedback on resumes, advice on finding and applying for jobs, and help you practice for interviews. You can also get a free professional headshot photo taken via Career Centre.
Alternatively, undertake a volunteering program, join a club, study in the library, use the sports facilities, play in the community games space and attend free food events. RMIT offers activities and programs that foster friendship and growth, so get involved with student life.
Students struggling with mental health issues can access free, confidential, professional short-term counselling. And those needing legal or financial guidance, can book in to speak with a Student Welfare Advisor.
While you may not ever want or need to access the offered services, your fee acts as a safety net for struggling students and provides support to those who need it most.
Although coughing up $182 per semester may seem like a drag, the money put towards the SSAF has real effects on your student life and time on campus. It acts as a reminder to take advantage of the services provided by RMIT so that you can have the most fulfilling university experience.
For more information about the SSAF, go to the RMIT ‘Fees, loans and payments’ page.
Students experiencing financial hardship can discuss other options by booking an appointment with a Student Support Advisor.
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