Words by Beth Mountford (she/her) and Janhavi Gosavi (she/her)
Victoria University of Wellington Students’ Association (VUWSA) are once again fighting to stop the Student Services Levy (SSL) from being raised.
VUWSA’s main concern with the SSL is that our students pay the biggest student levy in the country. We strongly believe it's important for all students to understand where their money is going, so keep reading.
The SSL is a compulsory charge for students which covers services such as Mauri Ora, Victoria University Recreation, VUWSA, and yours truly, Salient. In 2022 the SSL was calculated for each student on a per-EFTS basis. For a full time student this is currently $1,045.
It is standard for levies to increase yearly, but for full time students, the SSL increased by 20% from 2021 to 2022. This is by far the highest increase of all NZ universities, with the second highest increase being AUT at 7.62%.
The proposed increase from the University is a further 6% to cover the projected deficit of the new per-EFTS system.
Occupancy charges are paid for through the SSL and it pays for the upkeep of non-academic spaces. The occupancy charge at VUW for 2019 was 25% of our SSL, again the highest of all NZ universities, with the second highest being Waikato at 18%.
VUWSA have recommended capping VUW’s occupancy charge at 15%, using the remaining estimated 10% savings to increase funding for student services (which is what the SSL is meant for) and to cover the projected deficit.
VUWSA also recommended scrapping the rebate system for 2023, because while only some students get the rebate, all students effectively fund the rebate.
VUWSA conducted a survey from 11-29 July, to consult with students regarding changes to the SSL. The survey had received 862 responses as of 27 July.
79% of respondents were against increasing the SSL in 2023. 76% of participants supported VUWSA’s recommended cap on the occupancy charge.