Student Services and Amenities Fee
The Student Services and Amenities Fee, commonly known as SSAF, helps fund non-academic services, activities and facilities that support students during their time at university.
SSAF can support services both on and off campus. This includes student representation, advocacy, health and welfare initiatives, Clubs and Societies, sport and recreation, orientation, student media, campus activities and other services that improve student life.
There are rules about how SSAF can be used. The money cannot simply be spent on any University or student activity. Proposed expenditure must fall within the purposes allowed under Commonwealth legislation and the relevant SSAF guidelines.
How is SSAF charged?
JCU charges SSAF based on a student’s study load, up to the maximum amount permitted for that year. Most students are required to pay the fee, although some exemptions may apply.
Information about current fee rates, payment arrangements, exemptions and deferring the fee is available on the JCU Student Services and Amenities Fee page.
What can SSAF support?
SSAF may be used for eligible non-academic services and activities such as:
- Representing and advocating for students;
- Supporting the administration and activities of student Clubs and Societies;
- Providing sporting and recreational activities;
- Promoting student health and welfare;
- Providing food, financial assistance or other welfare support;
- Supporting orientation and assistance for new students;
- Supporting student media, debate and artistic activities;
- Providing non-academic student spaces and campus amenities;
- Supporting services for international students;
- Providing careers, employment and study-skills support;
- Supporting activities that help students connect and participate in university life.
This list provides general examples. Each proposed use of SSAF must still meet the relevant legal and funding requirements.
How does JCU use SSAF?
JCU collects SSAF and is responsible for approving the University’s annual SSAF expenditure plan.
Each year, JCU considers student feedback and proposed priorities before deciding how SSAF will be allocated across eligible services, activities and facilities. Feedback may be gathered through student surveys, consultation with JCUSA, student advisory forums and other consultation opportunities.
JCU publishes its approved expenditure plans so students can see the services and activities that SSAF is expected to support.
What is JCUSA’s role?
JCUSA is the primary student representative body at JCU and receives a student-led allocation of SSAF funding. Under new legislation that came into effect on 1 January 2025, all Australian universities must allocate at least 40% of SSAF funds to a student-led organisation, as outlined in the Higher Education Support Act 2003.
JCUSA contributes student perspectives to the SSAF process, works with JCU and JCU UniLife on funding priorities, and helps identify services and activities that respond to student needs.
SSAF supports JCUSA’s representative work as well as eligible activities and services connected with student participation, Clubs and Societies and the wider student experience.
The Student Council also has a role in overseeing JCUSA’s use of funding and ensuring that expenditure connected with JCUSA follows the relevant requirements.
What is JCU UniLife’s role?
JCUSA works with JCU UniLife to plan and deliver a number of SSAF-supported services and activities.
Under the current working arrangement, JCU UniLife delivers services on behalf of JCU and JCUSA. These include individual student advocacy, sport and recreation, gym operations, events and administrative support for Clubs and Societies.
JCU UniLife also provides financial, administrative, media and operational support to JCUSA. This helps the Student Council carry out its representative responsibilities while appropriately qualified staff support the day-to-day delivery and administration of services.
Although JCUSA and JCU UniLife work closely together, they have different roles. JCUSA remains the student representative body and is governed by the Student Council. JCU UniLife is responsible for delivering and supporting a range of agreed services.
How are funding priorities decided?
SSAF priorities are considered through an annual planning and consultation process.
JCUSA and JCU UniLife work together when preparing relevant funding proposals, while JCU considers expenditure across the University and approves the final annual expenditure plan.
The amount allocated to particular services or activities may change from year to year. This can depend on student feedback, available revenue, service demand, legal requirements and the priorities agreed through the annual process.
Students can contribute by participating in JCU consultations, responding to SSAF surveys or contacting the Student Council about services and priorities that affect the student experience.
SSAF and Clubs and Societies
A portion of JCUSA’s SSAF funding may be made available to eligible affiliated Clubs and Societies through the JCUSA grants process.
Club grants can support eligible activities that benefit JCU students, including events, student participation, club administration and other approved purposes.
Applications are assessed against the JCUSA Clubs and Societies SSAF Grants Policy, available funding, the relevant SSAF guidelines and the information provided by the Club or Society.
Receiving funding also creates responsibilities. Clubs and Societies must use grants for their approved purpose, keep appropriate financial records, provide receipts and complete the required reporting and acquittal process.
View Clubs and Societies grant information, forms and current funding opportunities.
Can I suggest an SSAF priority?
Yes! Students are encouraged to share feedback about services, facilities and activities that could improve the student experience.
JCUSA cannot guarantee that a suggestion will receive funding. Any proposal must be eligible under the SSAF requirements, financially practical and considered through the appropriate planning and approval process.
If you would like the Student Council to consider an idea or raise a broader student priority through the SSAF process, please contact JCUSA.
Reports and further information
JCU publishes annual SSAF expenditure plans showing how funding is expected to be used across eligible services and activities.
JCUSA also publishes available historical SSAF documents through its Governance and Reports page. Some earlier JCUSA records may be incomplete because of organisational difficulties and restructuring in recent years.
View JCU’s SSAF information, expenditure plans and current fee rates
View JCUSA governance documents and available SSAF reports
View JCUSA Clubs and Societies grant information