Glossary of terms

This is a list of common terms used in the USI Registry System, many of which have specific meaning in the USI context.

USI account holder: any person with an active USI account.

Student: any person enrolled to study in Australia.

Education or Training Provider: any person or organisation that delivers education or training in Australia.

Authorised Representative: A person or organisation given permission by the USI account holder to make enquiries, update the USI account holder’s personal or contact details, or to get a copy of the USI account holder’s VET transcript. More about Authorised Representatives.

Third Party: depending on the context, this could mean an employer, education or training provider, licensing body, or another professional organisation working in the education or training sector.

Nationally Recognised Training: any program that leads to vocational qualifications and credentials recognised across Australia.

VET: vocational education and training that prepares students for the workplace, including through an apprenticeship. VET is delivered through TAFE and other registered training organisations (RTOs). 

Higher Education: also known as tertiary education, higher education consists of awards spanning Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) levels 5-10 which includes but is not limited to diplomas, advanced diplomas, associate degrees, bachelor's degrees (including honours), master's degrees and doctoral degrees. 

Statement of Attainment: a formal nationally recognised qualification with a unit code attached. A statement of attainment demonstrates that the holder has completed all required competencies under that qualification.  

Award: a degree, diploma, certificate or other certification of academic achievement granted to a student by a higher education institution.