Unique Student Identifier (USI)
USI
USI is the acronym for Unique Student Identifier. It is a reference number that creates an online record of your training and qualifications attained in Australia. If you don’t have a USI, then you can’t be awarded your qualification or statement of attainment.
Under the Unique Student Identifiers Act 2014, all RTOs must ensure they have a valid USI for any student that enrols in nationally recognised training from 2015. This means (unless you have an exemption issued by the USI registrar) that as a student you must provide us with your USI. For information about USIs including how to create one visit, www.usi.gov.au.
As a student studying in Australia, you will need to obtain a USI. A USI is a unique reference number that is assigned to you and is used to track your training and qualifications across all Australian providers.
We understand that obtaining a USI can be confusing, which is why we have put together this guide to help you understand what a USI is and how to obtain one.
What is a USI?
A USI is a unique reference number that is assigned to you and is used to track your training and qualifications across all Australian providers. It is a requirement for all students studying nationally recognised training in Australia.
Your USI will be linked to your National Vocational Education and Training (VET) Data Collection record, which contains information about your VET training in Australia. This information can be accessed by you and your registered training organisations.
How to obtain a USI?
Obtaining a USI is free and can be done online through the USI website. To obtain a USI, you will need to provide personal identification information, such as your full name, date of birth and proof of identity.
Once you have obtained a USI, it is important to provide it to AIA, as well as any other registered training organisations you may be studying with. This will ensure that your training and qualifications can be accurately tracked across all providers.
It is also important to keep your USI information up to date, as changes to your personal information, such as a name change, must be updated on your USI account. If you have any questions or concerns about obtaining or updating your USI, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Why do I need it?
A USI is your individual education number. You keep this number for life and will use it for all of your higher education or training, at any university, TAFE or other nationally registered training organisation in Australia.
Your USI identifies you as a student who has undertaken vocational education and training (VET) and/or higher education studies. It also creates an online record of your Australian training achievements in the form of a USI Transcript. It is also used to connect your student loan information to your personal details.
You can log in and check or update your details at any time. For more information, view the USI government website.
From 1 January 2021, new higher education students will need a USI in order to be eligible for a Commonwealth supported place (CSP) and Commonwealth financial assistance (HECS-HELP, FEE-HELP or OS-HELP).
From 1 January 2023 all VET and Higher Education students (Australian residents and international students), including those who commenced prior to 2021, must have a USI in order to graduate and receive their award.
Applying for a USI is fast and free, and you keep the same USI for life.
If you have studied a VET course in the last five years, you will have an existing USI. Find your USI online, don’t apply for a new one.
Make sure that the details you provide to AIA (such as your full name and date of birth) match the details you use to create your USI. Please use your legal name as it appears on your passport or other official identification.
If you are an international student, you cannot apply for a USI while you are overseas, but can apply once you have arrived in Australia. Enrolment without a USI is enabled on AIA student application for international students.
APPLY FOR
A USI
IDENTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
You need one form of identification to create a USI:
Acceptable forms of identification:
- Australian Passport
- Non-Australian Passport (with Australian visa)
- Australian Birth Certificate
- Australian Driver’s Licence
- Medicare Card
- Certificate of Registration by Descent
- Centrelink Concession Card
- citizenship Certificate
- ImmiCard
REQUIREMENTS
