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SSAF and Graduate Research Students

I am a graduate researcher. What do I need to know about the SSAF?

The Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF) is a compulsory fee for students enrolled under the Research Training Scheme and it is used to increase the funds available to provide a wide range of student services and amenities at University.

If you are a graduate researcher, your Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF) charge is based on your overall enrolment load for the calendar year, taking into account any changes in study rate, as well as any periods of time where you are not studying (for example, periods of leave of absence, or after your thesis submission).

As a graduate researcher you are charged the SSAF based upon your enrolment load, and not upon where you choose to study. You have the opportunity to conduct your research on campus, and may choose to do so at any stage. The revenue generated by the SSAF ensures that the University can provide the best possible services and amenities to all students on campus.

About 15% of revenue raised by the SSAF is allocated to the Graduate Students' Association (GSA), which provides support, advocacy, and advice for graduate research students - all of which is available to graduate researchers wherever they are located.

I changed my study load - will this impact my SSAF fee?

If your total enrolment load changes from part-time to full-time or from full-time to part-time, your SSAF charge will be recalculated accordingly the following day.

I submitted my thesis - will this impact my SSAF fee?

If you submit your thesis for examination on or before 31 March you will not be liable for the SSAF in that calendar year. However, if you are re-enrolled after thesis submission to complete further work you may incur the SSAF charge. Graduate researchers who commence their research after 1 October will also not be liable for the SSAF in that calendar year.