La Trobe is updating the way the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF) is used to give students more transparency and more say in how your fees support your university experience, programs and services.
What is changing?
La Trobe is creating a modern, compliant and student‑centred SSAF model that strengthens the role of two independent student‑led organisations who La Trobe currently partners with: the La Trobe Student Union (LTSU) and the La Trobe Student Association (LTSA).
The new model will:
- give students a stronger voice in decision‑making
- ensure services are high‑quality and consistent across all campuses and online
- meet new federal requirements for how universities manage SSAF, and
- make funding more transparent and accountable.
This shift sets La Trobe up to meet government legislation and ensures the services you fund and access are governed ethically, consistently and with clear accountability.
Why is La Trobe making this change?
By January 2027, La Trobe University is required to operate a fully compliant model that follows the Higher Education Support Act 2003 (Cth) and updated Student Services, Amenities, Representation and Advocacy Guidelines. This means that 40% of all annual SSAF collected by La Trobe must be allocated to the LTSU and LTSA to provide student-led services, programs and events.
La Trobe’s current model no longer meets these new requirements, so transition arrangements are underway in 2026.
Our goal is to make the transition smooth for students with no disruption to your services and programs. So, no matter where or how you study – on campus, online or regional – you can expect a reliable, high‑quality experience as student-led organisations commence their delivery.
What are the changes that students can expect?
1. A stronger, student‑led system
- Student‑led organisations will deliver services for students with a minimum of 40% of SSAF funding provided by the University to deliver in addition to their own organisation’s activities.
- Student Advocacy services will continue to be managed by the LTSA.
- During 2026, regular student updates will provide updates on services and programs that may be transitioning to Student-led Organisations.
2. A stronger partnership between students and La Trobe
- La Trobe and our Student‑led Organisations will continue to work together through Funding and Services Agreements that outline the services, governance, quality and reporting requirements.
- Student‑led organisations will manage their own digital and information systems, increasing organisational independence, mitigating risks and enhancing privacy for students.
- The La Trobe Student Council will bring together a wider range of student voices (including international, regional and online students) to help shape how the remaining 60% of SSAF funding is allocated, in partnership with all students.
3. A model built for the future
- La Trobe has strengthened its governance and partnership approaches to meet the new legal and accountability requirements associated with the management of SSAF established by the Australian Government.
- New quality assurance and contract management approaches will ensure SSAF funds are spent responsibly, safely and transparently, with clear evidence of benefit to students.
4. Reliable, continuous support for every student
- You’ll continue to access high‑quality services delivered by both La Trobe and student‑led organisations across Australia and online.
- The transition will be carefully coordinated to minimise disruption and strengthen collaboration between student leaders and representatives, the University and external partners.
Give us your feedback and ideas
La Trobe wants students to help shape how SSAF is spent. Your ideas and feedback directly guide what programs, services and initiatives are funded each year. You can provide feedback in the following ways:
- Student Feedback form – let us know what you would like to see your SSAF spent on.
- SSAF Annual Survey – completing the SSAF survey when it is sent to all students.
- Student Council – speaking with your Student Council representatives.
For more information
Visit our SSAF website or contact the Student Voice and Partnership team at studentpartnership@latrobe.edu.au.