USI

Unique Student Identifier (USI) 
 
A Unique Student Identifier (USI) is your individual education number for life. It also gives you an online record of your vocational education and training (VET) undertaken in Australia. 

If you are at university, TAFE or doing other nationally recognised training, you need a USI. Without one, you cannot get Commonwealth financial assistance or your qualification or statement of attainment.

A USI is your individual education number for life. It also gives you an online record of your vocational education and training (VET) undertaken in Australia. You can create a USI at https://www.usi.gov.au. 

If you are at university, TAFE or doing other nationally recognised training, a USI is required. Without one, you will not be eligible to receive Commonwealth financial assistance or obtain your qualification or statement of attainment. (From 1 January 2023, all higher education students, including those who commenced prior to 2021, must have a USI.) 

Students seeking Commonwealth support, in the form of a Commonwealth supported place and /or a HELP loan, are required to submit their USI at the time they apply for support. Other students are not legally required to have a USI until the point of degree conferral. While it is preferable to collect the USI at the time of enrolment as a matter of practice, it is not mandatory for international students at enrolment. Once onshore, international students are encouraged to obtain a USI as soon as possible.


Offshore international students exemption

For offshore international students, the Minister for Education has granted an exemption through legislative instrument. This exempts offshore international students from requiring a USI if they are unable to be assigned one due to a lack of necessary supporting documentation and will not complete any of their study onshore in Australia. The exemption also applies to international students who completed their course of study in Australia before January 1 2023 and have returned to their home country.