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International student type

Last updated: 15/07/2026

The international student type element in the VET Information Standard indicates whether an international student is pursuing their training within or outside of Australia.

This page explains what the international student type is, the available classifications, and when an RTO needs to report this information.


Capturing international students training: onshore or offshore

International student type helps distinguish between international students studying within Australia (onshore) and those studying from a location outside Australia (offshore).

Classification

Description

International onshore

An international student undertaking education and training who temporarily resides in Australia and holds a student visa or temporary residency permit

International offshore

An international student undertaking education and training residing in an overseas country


Reporting International student type

  • International student type is reported at enrolment level.  RTOs can report this information either at the program enrolment, or with each individual subject enrolment.

  • If reporting the international student type is expected to change over the course of the program enrolment, NCVER recommends reporting at the subject enrolment level.

  • Where an RTO reports the international student type at the program enrolment level but provides different information at the subject enrolment level, the subject enrolment value will be prioritised for reporting.


International students can provide their term address

The VET Information Standard enables international students to provide both a term address and a permanent address, enabling RTOs to capture a student’s temporary address while they study and a permanent address separately.

Term address is the temporary address where a student, who is studying in Australia, resides during their study period.  The following data is required to support the term address:

  • Building/property name

  • Flat/unit details

  • Street property number / Lot number

  • Street type code (Street name) 

  • Suburb name

  • State code

  • Postcode


USI requirements for international students

International students studying onshore (in Australia) require a USI. Students cannot create a USI until they have arrived in Australia, even if they have already enrolled with the RTO.

International students studying offshore (not in Australia) do not require a USI.
For more information, see the USI Office website.