New higher education students now need a Unique Student Identifier (USI) 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 higher education students, including those who commenced prior to 2021, must have a USI in order to graduate and receive their award. This includes all students who started before 2021, and all onshore international students. Continuing students should also get their USI as soon as possible. 

A USI is a student's lifelong education number. 

What do students need to do? 

Students who are commencing study in 2021 should: 

• check if they already have a USI (from previous vocational education or training) 
• get a USI as soon as possible 
• provide their USI to their Tertiary Admissions Centre or Higher Education Provider when requested. 

Read more in our student FAQs. 

What do Higher Education Providers need to do? 

Higher Education Providers need to: 

• encourage new students to apply for a USI as soon as possible 
• request and record the USIs of commencing students on enrolment 
• ensure any student commencing in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) has provided a USI prior to census date 
• ensure the CAF or eCAF includes the student’s USI 
• report the USI as part of the DESE reporting cycle. 

Read more in our Higher Education Provider FAQs. 

Communications resources and key messages 

We’ve made it easy to let students know about the USI through your channels. Use our content tiles along with the messaging below.  

Message 1: 

If you’re studying, make sure you get a USI as soon as possible. You’ll need it to: 

• access HECS-HELP 
• graduate from your degree 
• enrol in a Commonwealth Supported Place. 

It’s super easy to get one – just jump on to usi.gov.au to get yourself set for study!  

Message 2: 

If you intend to complete your degree at the end of 2022 and graduate in 2023, you will need a USI to receive your degree. Get your USI now! 

Message 3:  

Think you might already have a USI? If you have completed any VET or TAFE courses, you may already have a USI. Check if you have one now.