Unique Student Identifier or USI. What is it, and why do you need it?

Not sure what a USI is? Watch this brief video for more information.
A Unique Student Identifier (USI) is a reference number made up of numbers and letters that gives students access to their USI account. A USI will allow an individual's USI account to be linked to the National Vocational Education and Training (VET) Data Collection allowing an individual to see all of their training results from all providers including all completed training units and qualifications. The USI will make it easier for students to find and collate their VET achievements into a single authenticated transcript. It will also ensure that students' VET records are not lost. The USI is 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 completed from when the USI comes into effect on 1 January 2015. A student needs a USI when enrolling or re-enrolling in nationally recognised training after 1 January 2015. This includes if the student is enrolling for the first time, if they are studying with a private training organisation, completing an apprenticeship or skill set, certificate or diploma course. It also applies to students continuing or completing (re-enrolling) training, including nationally recognised training undertaken in secondary school.

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

Benefits of 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. There will be significant benefits for training organisations 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 organisations will benefit from longitudinal data on course completions which will inform the development of future VET sector policy initiatives. The USI initiative will serve as a building block for a range of VET reforms by providing accurate and comprehensive information about students' training achievements and movements within the VET system. Students, training organisations, employers, and governments will all benefit from the USI in some way.

Applying for a USI

The USI scheme is free. The USI Office does not charge a fee for individuals creating their USI and maintaining their USI account, which will bring together their records of nationally recognised training completed after 1 January 2015. 

Individuals can create their USI for free by themselves. It is a quick and easy process and will only take a few minutes of your time. Or if you like you can learn more about the steps to create a USI below.

Step 1 Get at least one form of ID from the list below ready:
IMPORTANT: The details you enter when you create your USI must match exactly with those shown on the form of ID used. If you have no form of ID from the list above, please contact your training organisation or the training organisation you intend to study with. More information on proof of ID and different types. Step 2 Click on ‘Create your USI’.
Step 3 Agree to the terms and conditions.  Step 4 Fill in your personal and contact details. Step 5 Enter the requested details as shown on your form of ID (see list above). Step 6 Set your USI account password and questions for security. Step 7 Your USI will now be displayed on the screen. Step 8 You should write down your USI somewhere safe or enter it into your phone for safe keeping. Step 9 Your USI will also be sent to you by either your email, phone or by mailing address (which ever you choose as your preferred contact method when creating your USI). Step 10 Be sure to bring your USI with you each time you enrol in VET. And remember creating your USI is free!

Duplicate USI

When you create your USI the system will check existing accounts and advise if there is a USI account already established.  If you or your training organisation become aware of the possibility of you having two USIs, either party should report the issue to the USI Office. The USI Office will work with the relevant parties to resolve the issue and advise you of the outcome.

Forgotten USI 

If you forget or lose your USI you can retrieve it online. You will need to enter a few details to verify who you are to display your USI. The details must be the same as those you entered when you applied for a USI or, if you did so, when you last updated your USI account. 

Help

Visit the USI help centre for further help.  If you wish The IAMA to create your USI for you. You will need to request and give permission for the college to do this. Please follow the following links in order to download the appropriate request/permission form as well as the Privacy Notice for this process.  

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