Crest of the Australian Government Unique Student Identifier-Logo

USI in higher education

Domestic Students

From 1 January 2023, all higher education students, including those who commenced prior to 2021, must have a USI to:

  • be eligible for a Commonwealth supported place (CSP) and Commonwealth financial assistance (HECS-HELP, FEE-HELP, OS-HELP, SA-HELP) 
  • to graduate and receive their award.

International Students

International students who commenced study after 1 January 2023 and will complete 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 are automatically exempt from needing 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.

What do students need to do? 

Students who are commencing study 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. 

Did you find the information you were looking for on this page?
On a scale of 1 to 5, please provide a rating for how useful the information on this page was in answering your question.
Poor
Excellent
Did you find the content on this page easy to understand?
Don’t include personal or financial information. For example your phone number, email or credit card details.

If you need help, please call us on 1300 857 536 or from outside on Australia +61 2 6240 8740. Our contact centre is open between 8:30am-6.30pm (Australian Eastern Standard Time), Monday to Friday (excluding national and South Australian public holidays).

OR

If you would like to provide feedback, please complete the feedback form.

Office of the Student Identifiers Registrar (OSIR)
Last Modified on Thursday 3rd August 2023 [693]