Exemptions from the USI
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.