Student Services Levy Report
Download the Student Services Levy Report for more information.
Student Services Fee
The Student Services Fee funds student services and activities not covered by tuition fees—find out how much you'll contribute and how to have your say.
The compulsory Student Services Fee (SSF) supports the delivery of many of our student services, student association activities (VUWSA), student representative groups, and facilities and spaces that students use. The funds cannot be used for academic learning or academic administration costs. The government determines what categories of student services the Student Services Fee can fund.
The fund ensures equitable access to services that support your studies and enhance your student experience. You’ll need to pay this fee, whether you’re studying full time or part time, and whether you’re a domestic or an international student.
On this page, you'll find key information on the fee:
What you'll pay in 2026
For 2026 enrolments, how much you'll pay is based on:
- the total point value of courses you're enrolled in (up to 150 points / 1.25 EFTS)
- whether you're studying from within the Wellington region ($10.441 per point) or elsewhere ($5.221 per point).
2026 studying in Wellington rate
If you're studying from within the Wellington region, either on campus or online, your Student Services Fee rate is calculated at $10.441 per point.
- If you enrol in a single course that is worth 15 points (0.125 EFTS), you'll pay $156.601.
- If you enrol in 120 points (1EFTS) worth of courses—an average workload—you'll pay $1,252.801.
2026 studying away from Wellington rate
If you're studying from elsewhere within New Zealand or overseas, your Student Services Fee rate is calculated at $5.221 per point.
- If you enrol in a single course that is worth 15 points (0.125 EFTS), you'll pay $78.301.
- If you enrol in 120 points (1EFTS) worth of courses—an average workload—you'll pay $626.401
1 Figures include GST.
Student Hardship Fee
The Student Hardship Fee is charged annually to all enrolled students.
For enrolments in 2026, the Student Hardship Fee is $32 (GST included) per year. This fee is used to assist students suffering exceptional financial hardship.
Withdrawals and refunds
If you withdraw from your course(s) before the deadline for course changes (typically within the first few weeks of the trimester), you will receive a refund for both your tuition and the Student Services Fee.
Your SSF refund will be calculated based on the points withdrawn.
Further details are outlined in the Student Services Fee Procedure (PDF). If you believe that your individual circumstances are not addressed in this document, contact info@vuw.ac.nz.
Services funded by the Student Services Fee
The Student Services Fee that you pay helps cover the cost of providing a wide range of student services, facilities, and student spaces.
Learn more about the services funded by the Student Services Fee.
Alongside services managed by Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington, VUWSA receives funds by way of a contract to deliver activities and services. Some examples of VUWSA activities include student advocacy, representation, Orientation Week, Salient magazine, student events, Community Pantry, and menstrual products.
How we set the Student Services Fee rate
Te Herenga Waka–Victoria University of Wellington has a formal partnership with VUWSA and Ngāi Tauira through the Advisory Committee for the Student Services Fee (ACSSF), which provides oversight and advice on the price and allocation of the Student Services Fee.
Committee membership consists of equal numbers of staff representatives from the University and student representatives from VUWSA and Ngāi Tauira. The Committee meets monthly from March to November each year to discuss the fee, budget and services supported by the fee, and to carefully consider student feedback relating to the fee and its use.
VUWSA are contracted by the University to provide services to all enrolled students on behalf of the University and receives SSF funds to deliver these supports. VUWSA provides insights from, and consults with the student community on how SSF funds may be best spent to maximise value for students.
Recommendations are made to the Vice-Chancellor and approved by the University Council.
The SSF price is decided by the cost of delivering services and activities. These costs include staffing costs, space use, technology and other operational expenses. Each year, the cost is adjusted and increased based on student need.
A breakdown of expenditure is publicly published through the SSF End of Year Report. The report breaks down the details against the types of service clusters as outlined in the TEC Funding Conditions.
Student input
Student representatives on the Committee—VUWSA and Ngāi Tauira—ensure the SSF is being allocated in students’ best interests. They do this through the Student Assembly and consultation with the broader student community.
The Student Assembly is a forum led by students for students and includes a diverse range of student communities. The purpose of the Assembly is to make sure students get information and an opportunity to shape the rate of the SSF and how the money raised is spent.
Feedback from the students received via the annual Have Your Say Student Satisfaction Survey is also used to inform the allocation of the Student Services Fee each year.
Some examples of where new money will be spent in 2026 include:
- additional support in the Student Finance Advisory team
- support navigator roles in Te Amaru–Disability Services
- expansion of The Bubble peer support space to Pipitea and Te Aro campuses
- student wellbeing programmes
- additional investment for VUWSA and Ngāi Tauria.