Reporting under the VET Information Standard requires RTOs to meet the 2026 Data Provision Requirements amendments, which set out obligations for submitting accurate and timely data on training activity. These requirements are supported by the Guide to RTO Data Provision Requirements and form part of the VET Data Streamlining Program, aimed at improving the accuracy, timeliness and security of national VET data.
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The information on this page relates to reporting under the VET Information Standard. If you report using AVETMISS, please see National VET Data Policy.
This information is for Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) and is based on the Guide to RTO Data Provision Requirements. It helps RTOs understand how to report under the VET Information Standard. The guide outlines the obligations under the Data Provision Requirements Amendments (DPRs) implemented in 2026 and complements the NCVER VET Information Standard website which provides practical guidance for RTOs going through their transition.
Refer to the Guide to RTO Data Provision Requirements for more information.
The changes to the DPRs and the VET Information Standard are being implemented under the VET Data Streamlining Program. The VET Data Streamlining (VDS) Program is the foundation of the Enhanced VET Data and Evidence initiative, aimed at enhancing the accuracy, timeliness, and security of VET activity data.
Requirement to maintain a VET data system
You must maintain a VET data system that:
- stores reportable data in digital form
- supports reporting through the required pathway
- allows data to be collected and submitted as required
Most RTOs will meet this requirement by using a Student Management System (SMS) that supports the VET Information Standard.
If you develop your own student management system, it must meet technical requirements for reporting. You can learn more about this by going to the technology and systems page on the VET Information Standard website.
Obligation to provide reportable data
What you must report
You must provide data about all students who undertake nationally recognised training with you, and all accredited training that you deliver.
This includes students who complete training, withdraw, or do not successfully complete.
What is reportable data?
You need to report data when it is both available to your organisation and relevant under the VET Information Standard.
Data is considered available when it has been collected or generated by your organisation, or is held by staff, contractors or third parties delivering training or assessing on your behalf.
Data is considered relevant when it is included in current version of the VET Information Standard as a mandatory requirement.
When to report data
You must provide data as it becomes available and within the required reporting timeframes. This allows you to report progressively as activity occurs or within defined reporting periods.
| Quarter 1 | Quarter 2 | Quarter 3 | Quarter 4 |
| 1 January – 31 March | 1 April – 30 June | 1 July – 30 September | 1 October – 31 December |
| RTO quarter 1 submission due by 30 April | RTO quarter 2 submission due by 31 July | RTO quarter 3 submission due by 31 October | RTO quarter 4 submission due by 31 January |
You are responsible for ensuring that all data you provide is complete, accurate and meets the requirements of the VET Information Standard.
Reporting pathways
How you submit data
The pathway you use depends on your training arrangements, including whether you deliver government funded training. You should follow the requirements set by any relevant authority.
There are two reporting pathways:
Direct pathways
RTOs submit data to NCVER using their Student Management System (SMS) directly into the Student Training Activity Reporting System (STARS).
- RTOs that deliver only fee-for-service training
- RTOs who do not provide government funded training
- RTOs who deliver government funded training in these states and territories: ACT, NSW, NT and SA
Indirect pathways
RTOs submit data to a state or territory government using their SMS and the state or territory pass it on to the NCVER and into the STARS system on their behalf.
- RTOs who deliver government funded training in these states: QLD, TAS, VIC and WA.
The pathway you use depends on your training arrangements, including whether you deliver government funded training. You should follow the requirements set by any relevant authority.
Student Training Activity Reporting System (STARS)
STARS is the IT system that underpins the VET data reporting process. It connects with student management systems and State and Territory Training Authorities, enabling the sector to validate and submit data. For more information on STARS go to the technology and systems page on the VET Information Standard website.