International students and students studying overseas

Studying in Australia

International students studying in Australia with an Australian education or training provider need to get a USI to receive their award. 

Students travelling to Australia to study are issued with an Australian visa. You must land in Australia and go through customs before you can create a USI using your non-Australian passport and visa as a form of ID.

If you have not been issued with an Australian visa, you will not be able to use your non-Australian passport to create a USI.

Planning to study in Australia but have not arrived yet

If you are an international student planning to study in Australia but are not in the country yet, contact your education or training provider and let them know you will provide a USI when you arrive. 

Studying outside of Australia

International students who have completed all their study outside of Australia do not need a USI. 

Studied in Australia but have since left the country

International higher education students do not require a USI if they completed all their study before 1 January 2023 and are not in Australia when they receive their award. If you complete your studies after 1 January 2023 and you did not get a USI whilst in Australia, you will need to apply for an exemption using our exemption form.

International vocational education and training (VET) students who did not get a USI whilst in Australia will need to apply for an exemption using our exemption form.

Australian students studying overseas

Australian students studying overseas with an Australian education or training provider need to get a USI.