If you’re planning on doing recognised training or study, then you’ll need to sort out your USI. Your USI (Unique Student Identifier) is your individual education number. It’s yours for life. It’s made up of 10 numbers and letters, and it’s specific to you. So if you’re a new student doing recognised training, then you’d use your USI to identify yourself. It’s the same for an ongoing student. Your USI also gives you an online record of any VET training undertaken in Australia.
Why you need a USI
There’s a few reasons. Without one, you can’t get Commonwealth financial help. Or your qualification or statement of attainment. You also won’t be eligible for further education support like HECS-HELP. So you’ve pretty much got no choice – you need a USI.
You only need one USI, so don’t create another one – check if you already have one first.
How to get one
It’s easy and it’s free. It’ll take you less than five minutes to create your USI.
There is no minimum age for a USI but you do need ONE valid form of ID. There are a few options:
- Australian passport
- Non-Australian passport (with Australian visa)
- Australian birth certificate
- Australian driver’s licence
- Medicare card
- Certificate of registration by descent
- Centrelink concession cards
- Citizenship certificate
- ImmiCard
Creating a USI
- Access the Student Portal.
- Select ‘create USI’.
- Enter a personal email address (avoid using training, work or shared email address).
- Provide one form of ID.
- Secure your account with multi-factor authentication (MFA). If you don’t have a personal mobile or email for MFA, you can still access your USI account using your username, password and security questions.
- Your USI account is now activated.
It’s recommend that you use the same identification document to create your USI, your Tax File Number (TFN) and myGov account.
Keep the ball rolling
Getting your Unique Student Identifier (USI) is a big step – and it’s worth keeping the momentum going. While you’re getting set up, it’s a great time to also create a myGov account and apply for your Tax File Number (TFN). These are key tools you’ll use throughout your study and working life, from enrolling in courses to getting paid and lodging your tax return. It might feel like a bit of admin now, but taking the time to set these up early will save you stress later and put you in control of your future. You’ve already started – keep going, you’ve got this.
myGov
myGov is a secure online portal that lets you access multiple Australian Government services in one account. These include:
- Centrelink (payments and support)
- Medicare (health services and claims)
- Australian Taxation Office (tax and income details)
- Workforce Australia (jobs and employment support)
- Unique Student Identifier (USI)
Linking your USI to your myGov account gives you a simple and secure way to access your training records, manage your details, and view or download your VET transcript all in one place. You can learn how to create a myGov account by visiting the website or watching this video.
Tax 101: What you actually need to know
Starting a new job? Got your first payslip and thinking “wait… where did my money go?” You’re not alone. Tax can feel confusing at first, but it doesn’t have to stay that way.
Our Tax 101 guide breaks down the basics in plain English so you can understand what’s going on with your money – and feel more in control.
Here’s what you’ll learn:
- What a Tax File Number (TFN) is, how to get one, and why it matters
- What is tax and why tax is taken out of your pay
- How tax returns actually work
- Common mistakes to avoid (so you don’t get caught out later)
Find out more
Check out the government Unique Student Identifier website. It’s also where you’ll find out if you already have a USI.