Exemptions from the USI | Unique Student Identifier

All Vocational Education and Training (VET) and Higher Education students must have a Unique Student Identifier (USI) if they are studying in Australia, or with an Australian provider.

Students may apply for an exemption from having a USI, however they must understand the consequences if they do not have a USI.

When applying for Commonwealth financial assistance or a Commonwealth supported place you must have a USI. Commonwealth financial assistance includes:

VET student loans
a Commonwealth supported place
HECS-HELP assistance or FEE-HELP assistance
OS-HELP assistance
SA-HELP assistance in relation to student services and amenities fees.

International and Offshore Students

International students completing all or some of their studies in Australia must have a USI, unless granted an exemption.

International students do not require a USI if they completed all their study outside of Australia.

International higher education students do not require a USI if they commenced their study before 1 January 2023 and are not in Australia to receive their award.

Students: refer to the International students and students studying overseas page for more information.

Education or training providers: more information can be found at International Students – Exemptions from the USI.

Requesting an exemption from the USI

Students wishing to apply for an exemption from having a USI can apply here. You will need to provide the reasons you are applying for an exemption and accept the listed consequences of not having a USI.