To apply for a Commonwealth supported place (CSP) or Higher Education Loan Program (HELP) loan you need a Unique Student Identifier (USI). You also need a USI to graduate at the end of your degree.

The USI was introduced into higher education on 1 January 2021 and replaces an earlier individual identification number called a Commonwealth Higher Education Student Support Number (CHESSN).

Depending on when you started study you may have a CHESSN, a USI or both.

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Unique Student Identifier (USI)

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A USI is made up of a combination of 10 numbers and letters and is your education number for life.

Your USI will be used to connect your student loan information to your personal details.

Your USI is NOT your student ID number (which is issued by your higher education provider).

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From 1 January 2023, all higher education students, including those who commenced prior to 2021, must have a USI to:

  • be eligible for a CSP and HELP loan (HECS-HELP, FEE-HELP, OS-HELP, SA-HELP, STARTUP-HELP);
  • graduate and receive their award.

Once you have a USI and you have given it to your higher education provider, you will be able to use it to access myHELPbalance to keep track of your available HELP balance.

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If you don’t have one, you can create your USI now at Get your USI.

If you have previously studied you may already have a USI. You can check at Find your USI | Unique Student Identifier

Commonwealth Higher Education Student Support Number (CHESSN)

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Your CHESSN was the unique identification number that was in place (since 2015) before the introduction of the USI. Your CHESSN is NOT your student ID number (which is issued by your higher education provider).
 
The Australian Government began decommissioning CHESSNs in 2021, with the introduction of USIs.

Your USI is now your primary identifier and replaces the CHESSN.

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You can still use your CHESSN, if you have one, to access myHELPbalance to check your available HELP balance.

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You can find your CHESSN on your Commonwealth Assistance Notice (CAN) given to you by your higher education provider at the start of each study period.

Your provider will have sent your CAN to your personal or student email address or made it available to you via your student portal.

If you can't find your CAN, you can contact the student administration area of your provider.