The VET Data Streamlining (VDS) Program is transforming how vocational education and training (VET) activity data is collected, validated and shared across Australia. The program will deliver richer, timelier and more secure VET data, supporting better outcomes for students, training providers, governments and industry. The program is being implemented collaboratively by the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations (DEWR), National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER), state and territory governments, regulators and the broader VET sector.
Building the future of VET data
The VDS Program represents a significant step towards a modern, connected and responsive national VET data system. By improving the quality, timeliness and accessibility of training data, the program will help ensure Australia's skills system is equipped to meet future workforce and economic needs.
About the VDS Program
The VDS Program is a key initiative under the Enhanced VET Data and Evidence reforms and supports the objectives of the National Skills Agreement. It aims to modernise Australia's VET data ecosystem by improving the accuracy, consistency, timeliness and security of nationally reported training activity data.
Through the VDS Program, the sector will move towards:
- More frequent and efficient data reporting
- Improved data quality and validation
- Faster access to training activity information
- Stronger national data standards
- Enhanced evidence for policy development and workforce planning
When fully implemented, the VDS Program will reduce the time between data creation, submission, validation and use, enabling more responsive decision-making across Australia's skills and training system.
NCVER's Role
As Australia's national VET data custodian, NCVER plays a central role in the design, implementation and operation of the new VET data environment. NCVER is working closely with governments, regulators, software vendors and training providers to deliver modern data collection and reporting arrangements that support the future needs of the sector.
NCVER's responsibilities include:
- managing national VET data collection and reporting processes
- implementing and maintaining the new VET Information Standard
- delivering guidance and support materials for providers and software vendors
- operating the future Student Training Activity Reporting System (STARS)
- ensuring national VET data remains secure, reliable and accessible.
VET Information Standard
The VET Information Standard establishes a consistent national framework for collecting and reporting VET activity data.
The VET Information Standard replaces the Australian Vocational Education and Training Management Information Statistical Standard (AVETMISS) as the national standard for reporting VET activity data. While AVETMISS has supported national VET reporting for many years, the new standard has been designed to meet the needs of a more modern, connected and responsive VET data environment.
It provides greater flexibility, improved data quality, more frequent reporting capabilities and stronger support for the future information needs of students, providers, governments and industry.
It defines the national standard for reporting obligations:
- data elements and definitions
- business rules including validation and data quality requirements
- data submission processes.
The Standard has been designed to support a richer national dataset while reducing ambiguity and improving consistency across jurisdictions and providers.
Learn more:
Visit the VET Information Standard website for detailed specifications, implementation guidance and technical resources.
Data Provision Requirements (DPRs)
The DPRs sit alongside the VET Information Standard and set out the regulatory reporting obligations for registered training organisations (RTOs). The DPRs specify what data must be reported, when it must be reported and the requirements that organisations must meet when submitting VET activity data. Together, the DPRs and the VET Information Standard provide the framework for consistent, high-quality national VET reporting.
Learn more: Visit the VET Data Provision Requirements page for information on reporting obligations, timeframes and transition arrangements
Student Training Activity Reporting System (STARS)
STARS is the new national system being developed to enable the efficient submission of VET activity data to NCVER. The system will modernise data collection processes and support more frequent reporting through enhanced validation, security and automation capabilities.
Key features include:
- Streamlined data submission
- Improved validation and error management
- Enhanced security and privacy controls
- Faster processing and availability of data
- Support for future data and reporting requirements
Benefits for the VET Sector
The VDS Program will deliver significant benefits across the vocational education and training system, including:
For Training Providers
- Simpler and more efficient reporting processes
- Improved validation and data quality controls
- Faster identification and resolution of reporting issues
- Reduced administrative burden over time
For Governments and Regulators
- More timely access to national VET data
- Stronger evidence for policy development and funding decisions
- Enhanced ability to monitor participation, outcomes and workforce trends
For Industry and Students
- Better visibility of emerging skills needs
- Improved understanding of training pathways and outcomes
- More reliable information to support decision-making
Overall benefits include more efficient data flows, a richer national dataset, improved cybersecurity protections and enhanced analytical capability across the sector.
Transition Arrangements
The VDS Program will be progressively introduced across the sector, with transition activities occurring from 2026 to the end of 2028. From 2029 it will be mandatory for all RTOs to report using the VET Information Standard.
Training providers and Student Management System (SMS) suppliers will have time to prepare for the new reporting arrangements before revised requirements become mandatory.
Throughout the transition period, NCVER will partner with DEWR to provide:
- implementation guidance
- technical specifications
- training and webinars
- testing opportunities
- regular communications and updates.
Providers should monitor program updates and engage early with their SMS vendors to support readiness activities.
Resources and Support
NCVER will partner with DEWR to progressively release resources to assist providers and vendors, including:
- VET Information Standard documentation
- Technical implementation guides and data mapping documentation
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Webinar recordings
- Training materials
- Transition planning resources
Related resources
- VET Information Standard
- VET Information Standard website
- Data Provision Requirements (DPRs)
- VET Data Streamlining Program
- Developer Portal – information and technical resources for Student Management System suppliers to connect to STARS
- Transition resources
- Register for VDS showcases and program updates
Stay Informed
NCVER is committed to maintaining strong engagement with the VET sector throughout the transition. To stay up to date with the VDS Program:
- Subscribe to program updates
- Attend showcase events and webinars
- Participate in consultations and testing activities
- Access the latest implementation guidance and resources
For enquiries about the VDS Program, contact the NCVER VDS team at: support@ncver.edu.au