International students and students studying overseas
International students
International students must have a USI when studying vocational education and training (VET) and higher education in Australia.
You can only create a USI once you have arrived in Australia.
Before arriving
Before arriving in Australia, you can:
- enrol to study without a USI
- let your education or training provider know you will create a USI after you have entered the country.
You are not required to provide a USI at enrolment because you cannot create one until you enter Australia.
On arrival
After arriving in Australia, you can:
- use your Australian visa and non-Australian passport to create a USI
- share your USI with your education or training provider
- update your personal details on your USI.
Departing Australia
A USI cannot be created after you depart Australia.
After leaving Australia:
- you may not be able to graduate or receive a statement of attainment if you leave Australia and have not created a USI
- your Australian visa cannot be used as verifiable identification to create a USI or update personal details.
Australian students studying overseas
If you are an Australian student studying overseas with an Australian education or training provider, you still need a USI.
You can create your USI from overseas using your Australian passport.
Learn when and how to create a USI if you are doing all or part of your studies in Australia.
In some circumstances international higher education students can be exempt from needing a USI.
Find out what ID international students must have to apply for a USI.
TIS National provides immediate phone interpreting as well as pre-booked phone interpreting, for the cost of a local call for a person or organisation in Australia who needs an interpreter.
You can contact us while in Australia or overseas.