WHY IS NATIONAL VET REPORTING CHANGING​

VET Data Streamlining (VDS)

Last updated: 15/07/2026

Australia must be ready to respond quickly to emerging challenges and market opportunities to remain a global leader in Vocational Education and Training (VET).  While VET data in Australia is collected to understand how and why students engage in training, identify emerging skills shortages, and increase participation in VET, the data we collect and how we collect it has changed minimally in 30 years.  Over that same period the way students engage in training, and the way training is delivered, has shifted substantially.   

The VET Data Streamlining (VDS) program will modernise the way that VET activity data is collected, managed and used across Australia.  It will focus on the individual student journey, bring insights to governments more quickly to recognise and respond to trends in the broader economy, and streamline the way data is reported to reduce burden.

FROM LATE 2026

The VDS program will be rolled out progressively

Training providers will have until 31 December 2028 to transition to the new VET Information Standard and data submission processes.  

 

From January 2029, all training providers must be compliant with new national standard and reporting obligations.
 

For more information about the VDS program

VISIT DEWR WEBSITE​

The VDS Program is a collaborative effort involving

  • Commonwealth

  • state and territory training authorities

  • the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER)

  • and VET sector regulators

It is being developed in close collaboration with stakeholders across the VET sector, including training providers, VET peak bodies, and VET system suppliers.

 

Key dates​

These key dates outline the transition timeframe for RTOs and SMS suppliers.

SMS 
Suppliers

RTOs with
in-house 
SMSs

RTOs 
delivering only
 FFS activity

RTOs 
delivering any
funded activity

July 

2025

Preparation Commences

Targeted comms and
engagement to start transition

September

2025

Developer Portal Released

Public access to initial
developer on-boarding resource

July
2026

VET IS and DPRs Published

Public release of approved
VET Information Standard and Data Provision Requirements

2nd half of

2026

Data Reporting Commences

STARS is available and
RTOs can submit VET 
Information Standard data

2nd half of

2026

Early Adopter Onboarding

RTOs delivering only FFS transition to VET Information Standard reporting

2027 to
2028

Funded RTO Transition

States and territories 
begin transition 

2029 

All RTO Transition Ends

All RTOs must now report in VET Information Standard format

February
2029 

Program Complete

The last AVETMISS
 data submission due