Create Your USI in 5 Easy Steps
If you are a higher education or vocational student, your university will ask for your USI during your first week. Crucial Note: International students can only create a USI after they have landed in Australia and cleared customs.
1. Gather Your Identification (ID)
To verify your identity in 2026, you need at least one of the following:
- International Students: Your non-Australian passport with your valid Australian visa.
- Domestic Students: An Australian Passport, Birth Certificate, Driver’s License, or Medicare Card.
- Important: Your name on the USI must match the name on your ID and your university enrolment exactly.
2. Visit the Official Website
Go to the official government portal: usi.gov.au.
Warning: Never use a third-party site that asks for payment. The USI is a free government service.
3. The Application Process
- Select “Create a USI”: Agree to the terms and conditions.
- Personal Details: Enter your name, date of birth, and gender.
- Contact Details: Use a personal email address (not a school or work email) so you can access it after you graduate.
- Identity Check: Select your ID type (e.g., “Non-Australian Passport”) and enter your passport number.
4. Set Your Security
You will need to set a strong password (at least 15 characters in 2026) and select security questions. This ensures you can always recover your USI if you forget it.
5. Share with Your University
Once your USI is displayed on the screen, copy it immediately. Log in to your university student portal (e.g., Sydney Student, my.unimelb, or UQ my.UQ) and enter the 10-digit code under your “Personal Details” section.
Why You Need a USI (The 2026 Rules)
| Requirement | Impact of No USI |
| Graduation | You cannot receive your degree or diploma. |
| HECS/HELP Loans | You will not be eligible for government financial support. |
| VET Transcripts | You won’t have a centralized record of your vocational training. |
| Enrolment | Some universities will block your second-semester enrolment without a verified USI. |
Pro-Tip: Use “SmartGate” Data
International students often try to create a USI the moment they land. You must wait about 1 to 2 hours after passing through the airport SmartGate for the system to sync your arrival status with the USI database. If you get an error, wait a few hours and try again.
