The Student Services Fee is a compulsory fee charged to help fund a range of support services available to all students. Services include:
- Advocacy and legal advice
- Careers support, advice and information
- Clubs and societies
- Counselling services
- Employment information
- Financial support and advice
- Health services
- Media
- Sports, recreation and cultural activities
How the fee is charged
The Student Services Fee amount varies by campus and enrolment type. For Dunedin-based study, the fee is charged based on EFTS (up to a capped maximum), while other campuses have set full-year and one-semester rates.
Students enrolled in courses taught entirely by distance are not charged the Student Services Fee.
The Otago University Students' Association (OUSA) membership is voluntary in 2026 and there is no charge for membership.
Student Services Fee information
Refunds and exemptions
There are some limited circumstances where you can receive a refund or exemption. In these cases, you will not be able to use any of the services that the Student Services Fee helps fund.
Refunds may apply if you fully withdraw from your studies within the tuition fee refund period, or in specific postgraduate research situations. Any eligible refund is usually processed automatically by Student Finance.
Exemptions are also available to specific groups of students. Most exemptions are processed automatically to your fee account by Student Finance.