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What is a Unique Student Identifier (USI)?

A USI is your individual education number for life, providing you with an online record of your vocational education and training (VET) undertaken in Australia. 

If you are a new or continuing student undertaking nationally recognised training, you will need a USI in order to receive your qualification or statement of attainment. This includes nationally recognised training delivered by secondary schools.

The USI provides access to an online record of your nationally recognised training in the form of a USI Transcript. This can be used when applying for a job, seeking a credit transfer or demonstrating pre-requisites when undertaking further training.

When you apply to study at TAFESA via SATAC you will be required to provide your USI.

Higher education students

The Australian Government has extended the unique student identifier (USI) from vocational education and training (VET) to the higher education sector.

From January 2021, new higher education students are required to apply for or hold a USI before census date. By 2023, all students (including those who commenced prior to 2021), will need to have a USI. The USI will replace the Commonwealth Higher Education Student Support Number (CHESSN), which will be decommissioned gradually.

International students studying in Australia

International students studying in Australia with an Australian training organisation will need a USI.
All international students in Australia will have been issued with an Australian Visa. This will allow them to use their passport with an Australian visa, once they arrive in Australia, as a form of ID when creating their USI.

Further Information

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