Step 9: Organise your unique student identifier
A USI is a lifelong ID for study in Australia. It gives you access to your official training records online.
What is the USI?
A USI is your government-issued education number which uniquely identifies you as someone who has undertaken education or training in Australia. Your USI stays with you for life, and gives you access to an online record of your nationally recognised training in the form of a USI VET transcript.
For more information, see the USI website.
Creating your USI if you are in Australia, or an Australian citizen
Step 1: Create your USI
You can create your USI on the Australian Government website below. You will need at least one valid form of identification.
Step 2: Share your USI details with the University
Once you have your USI, you need to share it with the University of Melbourne so it’s recorded on your student account.
Who needs a USI?
Higher education students must have a valid USI to access a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) and Commonwealth Financial Assistance (HECS-HELP, FEE-HELP, OS-HELP, SA-HELP). This now includes Commonwealth funded students that commenced prior to 2021.
If you do not access a CSP or Commonwealth Financial Assistance, you must provide a USI before you complete your studies to be eligible to graduate. Earlier deadlines may apply to ensure your USI is recorded before you complete your course. This will apply to you if you are an international student, or a domestic full-fee paying student that does not have a -HELP loan.
When do I need to provide my USI?
If you are a new student commencing your course in 2022 or later, you will be prompted to provide your USI as part of your initial course enrolment.
If you commenced your course before 2022, The University will contact you via email when it is time for you to supply your USI, however you can opt to provide yours sooner.
What happens if I don’t provide a USI?
It’s important to provide your USI by the deadline indicated as it is an Australian government requirement and there can be serious consequences if you do not supply your USI, including:
- New students including domestic graduate researchers – you will be unable to enrol to commence your course
- Domestic coursework students receiving Australian Commonwealth funding – your enrolment will be cancelled after your earliest subject census date
- All students and graduate researchers completing their course from 1 January 2023 – you will be ineligible to graduate until you provide your USI
- Graduate researchers – you may not be able to submit your thesis for examination.
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Get Started at Melbourne!
From completing your student induction to preparing for your first assessment, work your way through the commencement checklist to ensure a smooth transition into university.