Did you know that all students doing nationally recognised training need to have a Unique Student Identifier (USI)? So, if your child is doing (or planning on doing) Vocational Education Training (VET) when they finish school, or while they’re still at school (VET for secondary students) they will need a USI. Find out all about the USI and how to help your teen keep track of their nationally recognised training records and results.

What is a USI?

The USI is an individual reference number that is allocated to each student undertaking nationally recognised training in Australia. The USI is made up of ten numbers and letters and looks something like this: 3AW88YH9U5. All students who are enrolling in, continuing with, or completing nationally recognised training need a USI – and it stays with them for life!

What’s the USI for?

The USI gives students access to a secure online USI account which keeps a record of all the nationally recognised training and qualifications they have achieved since 1 January 2015.

The USI online account keeps track of all the training a student completes, whether they undertake study at a private or public training organisation (e.g. TAFE), or complete an apprenticeship, certificate or diploma course.

The USI keeps student training records together, even if they move locations, change training organisations or undertake studies at different times in their life.

Why get a USI for my teen?

If your teen is a new or continuing student undertaking nationally recognised training, they will need a USI in order to receive their qualification or statement of attainment from their training organisation.

One of the main benefits of the USI is that students will have easy access to a complete record of their VET achievements and results throughout their life. This will be especially beneficial if they have lost their hard copy records or if the provider is no longer operating.

This can be used when applying for a job, seeking a credit transfer or demonstrating pre-requisites when undertaking further training.

Privacy is also an important aspect of the USI system. One of the features of the USI system is the ability for account holders to set permissions from within their USI account to enable or disable viewing access for training providers to their training records.

How does my teen get a USI?

It is free and easy for students to create their own USI online. As a parent/carer, you can also create a USI on their behalf.

While students may create their own USI, training organisations (and/or schools) are also able to create USIs for students. Your teen’s training organisation may do this as part of the enrolment process when your teen begins studying. Where this service is provided, training organisations will let students know.

For more information about the USI, you can either ask your teen’s training organisation or visit www.usi.gov.au.