Unique Student Identifier (USI)

What is a USI?

The Unique Student Identifier or USI is a reference number made up of 10 numbers and letters that:

  • creates a secure online record of your recognised training and qualifications gained in Australia, even from different training organisations
  • will give you access to your training records and transcripts
  • can be accessed online, anytime and anywhere
  • is free and easy to create and
  • stays with you for life

From 1 January 2015, Gen Institute is prevented from issuing a nationally recognised VET qualification or statement of attainment when you complete your course if you do not have a Unique Student Identifier (USI).  If you have not yet obtained a USI you can apply for it directly at http://www.usi.gov.au/create-your-USI/.

  • Gen Institute will require every enrolling student to provide their USI. This will be recorded within the Student Management System (SMS).
  • Gen Institute will not issue AQF certification documentation to an individual without being in receipt of a verified Student Identifier for that individual.
  • Gen Institute, will verify the USI or using automated service available in Student Management System.
  • Where a student has an exemption from the USI requirement under the Student Identifiers Act Gen Institute will inform the student prior to either the completion of the enrolment or commencement of training and assessment, whichever occurs first, that the results of the training will not be accessible through the Commonwealth and will not appear on any authenticated VET transcript prepared by the Student Identifiers Registrar.

The USI initiative

Currently, it is not possible for students to obtain a complete record of their VET enrolments and achievements from a single online source. This is inconvenient not only for students and employers, but can also make it more difficult for training organisations to assess pre-requisites, credit transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). Incomplete data about access to and use of the VET sector also inhibits the development of evidence-based VET programs.

A USI is effectively an account or reference number made up of numbers and letters.  The USI will allow all of an individual’s training records, entered in the national vocational education and training (VET) data collection, to be linked.

The USI will make it easier for students to find, collate and authenticate their VET achievements into a single transcript. It will also ensure that students’ VET records are not lost.

The USI will be available online and at no cost to the student. This USI will stay with the student for life and be recorded with any nationally recognised VET course that is undertaken from when the USI comes into effect.
The USI initiative will:

  • Seamlessly link information about a student’s VET achievements, regardless of where they studied
  • Enable students to easily access secure digital transcripts of their achievements
  • Give students access to, and more control over, their educational information

There will be significant benefits for training providers resulting from the introduction of the USI. For example, the USI initiative will enable students to provide training providers with access to an online authenticated record of student attainment. This will assist with the recording of enrolment details and will help to streamline the assessment of course prerequisites, credit transfer and the assessment of eligibility for funding assistance.

In the longer term, training providers will benefit from longitudinal data on course completions which will inform the development of future VET sector policy initiatives.

For more information please visit the Unique Student Identifiers website at www.usi.gov.au

*Calls from your home phone to a “13” number from anywhere in Australia are the cost of a local call. Local call charges may vary depending upon the telephone service provider, and mobiles may incur a higher charge.

Access is now open to the USI Registry System – Training organisations and students can now access the USI Registry System to create USI. For more information please visit www.usi.gov.au

The Unique Student Identifier initiative is now supported by a new website.  Keep up to date with all new information and visit the new website.  Add it you your favourites so you can follow developments.

The new website can be found at www.usi.gov.au and will be the one-stop shop for providing ongoing support and information to students, training organisations and systems developers.
At the new USI website www.usi.gov.au you can find information about:

Visit the new Unique Student Identifiers now at www.usi.gov.au