VET Data Streamlining

VET Data Streamlining program

The national VET Data Streamlining (VDS) program is changing how vocational education and training (VET) activity data is collected, reported and used across Australia.

VDS aims to make data reporting more efficient. The changes will streamline data validation and submission, reduce manual handling and help minimise errors.

More timely data will provide better information about student progress and support decision-making across the VET sector.

The national changes include:

the new VET Information Standard (VET IS)

updated Data Provision Requirements (DPRs)

the Student Training Activity Reporting System (STARS).

VDS is a joint initiative of the Australian, state and territory governments, and the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER).

This page will help the Victorian VET sector understand the changes, prepare for the transition and stay up to date as Victoria’s arrangements are confirmed.

Major changes to national VET data reporting

VDS introduces 3 major national changes to how VET activity data is collected, managed and reported.

The VET Information Standard (VET IS) is the new national standard for collecting and reporting VET activity data.
It will replace AVETMISS and introduce new data structures, elements and reporting rules.
VET IS also moves towards event-based reporting, which means that registered training organisations (RTOs) only have to submit data on a student when it has changed or is new. This will provide more current information about a student's training journey.
Learn about VET IS on the NCVER website(opens in a new window).

What the changes mean for Victoria

Victoria will transition to VET IS by 1 January 2029. We are developing the requirements and systems needed and will support the Victorian VET sector through the change.

How RTOs report depends on their funding arrangements, including whether they deliver government-funded training.

RTOs delivering Victorian government-funded training will use the indirect reporting pathway.
These RTOs will continue to report VET data through the Skills Victoria Training System (SVTS), Victoria’s VET data collection and reporting platform. Victoria will send the national data to the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) on their behalf.
Until Victoria advises otherwise, these RTOs should continue reporting under current arrangements using AVETMISS data through SVTS. RTOs can fully transition to VDS once all organisations they report data to have completed the transition.
We will advise RTOs when Victoria's reporting arrangements change.
RTOs that deliver only fee-for-service training will use the direct reporting pathway.
These RTOs will submit data through their student management system (SMS) directly to NCVER and STARS.
Fee-for-service-only RTOs can choose to transition to VET IS from 1 October 2026, if they have a VET IS compliant student management system (SMS) provider. These RTOs must transition by 1 January 2029.
We will provide more information as Victoria’s requirements and transition arrangements are confirmed.
More information
See NCVER’s guidance on when RTOs can transition(opens in a new window)
Learn about reporting under VET IS and DPRs(opens in a new window)

Prepare for Victoria’s transition

RTOs can start preparing for the changes now by:
- reviewing your data quality and validation
- reviewing your data reporting and governance
- reviewing your business processes
- identifying subject matter experts in your organisation
- starting the conversation with your SMS provider
- contacting the Victorian VET Data Streamlining team if you have questions.
We will provide more information and support as Victoria's requirements and transition arrangements are confirmed.
The national VDS program is rolling out progressively. The national transition period ends on 31 December 2028. VET IS reporting will be mandatory for all RTOs from 1 January 2029.
Victoria plans to transition to VET IS on 1 January 2029.
National release – July 2026
VET IS and DPRs published
STARS phased rollout begins
Fee-for-service-only RTOs can transition from 1 October 2026
Define the system – 2026 to early 2027 (now underway)
Victorian requirements developed
Impacts assessed
Sector engagement begins
Design and build – 2027 to 2028
Victoria’s requirements published
Technical design
System and process changes
Test and prepare – second half of 2028
RTO and SMS vendor testing
Victoria transitions – 1 January 2029
Training and support
National transition ends
VET IS reporting through SVTS from 1 January 2029
2028 AVETMISS data finalised in early 2029
Note: The timeline may change. We will update this page if it does.

Updates and more information

For questions about Victoria’s transition, email the Victorian VET Data Streamlining team at VETDataStreamlining@ecodev.vic.gov.au

For information about the national program:

Learn about the VDS program and how to register for national VDS showcases and updates

Learn about VET IS on the NCVER website