Exemptions from USI
All vocational education and training (VET) and higher education students in Australia must have a USI. This includes any training received from an Australian provider.
Student exemptions
Students may choose to be exempt from having a USI. Without a USI, you are not eligible for:
- financial assistance under the VET Student Loans Act 2016
- a USI VET transcript
- Commonwealth supported place
- HECS-HELP assistance, OS-HELP or FEE-HELP assistance
- SA-HELP assistance for student services and amenities fees.
If an exemption is granted, you will receive confirmation from the Student Identifiers Registrar. A student must share the confirmation with their education or training provider as proof of their exemption.
USI exemption
International student exemptions
Higher education international students are automatically exempt from needing to have a USI if they meet all the criteria below:
- they studied with an Australian education or training provider in Australia
- they didn’t access Commonwealth financial assistance for their studies
- they commenced their studies before 1 January 2023
- they’re currently offshore and won’t return to Australia.
International students who complete all of their studies outside of Australia through an Australian education or training provider do not need a USI to receive their award.
You must have a USI if you study in Australia. International students cannot create a USI until they have entered Australia.
Find out more on how international students can create a USI.
USI exemption request form
Make sure you have considered the consequences before applying for an exemption using the form below.