Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What is happening?
    In 2012, the Student Services Levy (SSL) for Victoria University of Wellington (VUW) students will be $650 for an internal student studying 25 points or more.

  2. What services are included in the Levy?
    The Student Services Levy is used to fund services for students that are not covered by tuition fees, such as counselling, health services, financial support and advice and careers guidance. From 2012, it will also be used to fund services such as student advocacy, student publications, student representation and Orientation.

    The services to be funded by the SSL will be:

    a. Advocacy and legal advice
    • Independent student advocacy and legal advice services
    • Student Accommodation advocacy and advice
    • Student Representation Structure Support
    • Student consultation
    b. Careers information, advice and guidance
    • Career Development Information and Advice
    c. Counselling Services and Pastoral care

    d. Employment Information
    • Employment Information and Advice
    • Stakeholder management and information events
    e. Financial Support and advice
    • Assistance and advice to students on financial issues.
    f. Health Services
    • Medical Centre services
    • Disability services
    g. Media
    • Supporting the production and dissemination of information by students to students
    • Includes Salient and VBC
    h. Childcare services
    • Early Childhood Services (student crèches)
    i. Clubs and societies
    • Clubs and Societies administrative, training and funding support
    • Providing facilities for clubs and societies
    • Rep group funding and support
    j. Sports, recreation and cultural activities
    • Delivery of sport, recreation and cultural activities
    • Funding for activities
    • Recreation Centre
    • Hub Central Building development as activities venue

  3. Can I borrow the levy on the Student Loan?
    Yes, because it is a compulsory levy.

  4. Do all students (full-time and part-time) pay the Levy?
    Yes.

  5. Do distance students pay the Levy?
    Distance learners pay a discounted rate of $325, including GST.

  6. What about students who are only enrolled in the third trimester?
    Students enrolled in the third trimester only will be able to claim a two-thirds refund.

  7. What about students who are only enrolled in the first trimester?
    Students enrolled in the first trimester are eligible to access the services listed below for the year (i.e. February to February)

  8. Will I receive a refund for the Levy if I withdraw from study?
    If you withdraw from University within the first two weeks of the first term you will get a fees refund and a refund on the Student Services Levy.

  9. Why is the Levy more than in 2011?
    The total paid by full-time, on-campus students will in fact decrease. Previously, students paid a Student Services Levy plus a compulsory membership fee to VUWSA. In 2011, the Levy was $522 and the VUWSA membership was $143.70, a total of $665.70. In 2012, the Levy will be $650 – a reduction on what was paid in 2011. Students studying less than 25 points and distance students qualify for a rebate of the total Levy.

  10. Does the student association still have a role in providing services?
    At this stage we are negotiating with VUWSA to provide some services for the University funded from the SSL. They will provide them to all students, whether the students are members of VUWSA or not. Students will access these services in the same way as they have in the past.

    The University is currently still negotiating with VUWSA on the delivery of these services. At this stage the services are likely to include student media, student advocacy, student representation and structure administration and some recreation and event support.

  11. Can students still join VUWSA?
    Students are given an option to join VUWSA when they enrol. Joining VUWSA is free and currently around two-thirds of students appear to be choosing to join. Students can join VUWSA at any time.

  12. Will students still have input into the way their money is being spent?
    The University is committed to ensuring that students still have a say in how their money is spent, and we will work in partnership with student groups, including VUWSA, to ensure consultation occurs. Students may be interested in the summary report below that provides details of services provided by the Levy and the related expenditure in 2011. This information is intended to provide context for and an understanding of the Levy utilisation.

    Download the Student Services Levy 2011 Report (PDF, 828 KB) for more information.

  13. What will be happening in the future?
    As 2012 is the first year that this system will be in place, the University will be working in partnership with students throughout the year to ensure these services meet their needs. We will review the services provided under the levy in 2013.

  14. Do you have any more questions?
    If you have any questions about this, please email student-finance@vuw.ac.nz.