The Unique Student Identifier (USI) is a student’s lifelong education number. It also creates an online record of your Australian training achievements (currently only for VET, TAFE and RTO and Higher Education or University from 2021 onward).
I don’t have a USI:
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I don’t know my USI?
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IMPORTANT: Your name entered in your USI record must also match the name on your identification documents provided to CMI and the name entered on your Student Record at Cairnmillar. If the name entered in your Paradigm student record is not the same name recorded when you created your USI, your USI will not be validated.
How to Add your USI to your Cairnmillar Student Record (Paradigm)
You can add your USI on Paradigm. See: Change or Update Student Details
You will be required to confirm your details every 6 months as normal. The new confirm details screen requires your USI.
New students (starting a new program of study from 2021 onward) will be prompted to provide your USI when you Apply for FEE-HELP.
USI Name Change
Your legal name used for your official student record needs to match the name on your USI and your TFN.
If your name has changed since you first registered for a USI then you need to let the USI Registry know.
To change your details with Cairnmillar instead or as well, see:
Why Do I need a USI?
The USI streamlines student identification, combining VET and higher education into one identifier. It tracks a student’s entire tertiary education journey and assists in education data, policy, and programs. Legislative amendments have been made to incorporate higher education into the Student Identifiers Act 2014, and stakeholders are being consulted for a smooth transition.
For more information, visit: https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Bills_Legislation/bd/bd1920a/20bd072.
You can learn about USI at: https://www.usi.gov.au/about.