The Student Training Activity Reporting System (STARS) is the IT system that underpins the new vocational education and training (VET) data reporting process. It connects with Student Management Systems (SMSs) and State and Territory Training Authorities, supporting the validation and submission of VET activity data without the need to extract NAT files.
On this page:
STARS uses APIs to connect with SMSs, allowing data to be submitted efficiently between systems. RTOs will primarily capture, validate and submit their data through their existing SMS, or relevant STA system, in line with the VET Information Standard and Data Provision Requirements. This will reduce manual handling, minimise errors and streamline the flow of data between RTOs, STAs and NCVER.
While RTOs will primarily interact with STARS through their SMS, the system supports a more efficient and consistent reporting process across the VET sector, including for RTOs reporting across multiple jurisdictions.
The transition to the new reporting environment is being progressively rolled out from 2026, with RTOs transitioning to the new VET Information Standard and reporting arrangements by 31 December 2028.
VDS Developer Portal
The VDS Developer Portal is a technical resource for SMS vendors, RTOs with in-house systems, and other stakeholders who need to connect their systems to VDS APIs. It is intended for users with technical knowledge and experience working with APIs.
The portal provides the technical information and resources needed to build, test and manage connections to STARS. This includes API specifications, technical guidance, business rules, workflows, release information and supporting reference material. The portal is structured to help developers understand both the reporting outcomes their systems need to support and the technical capabilities required to achieve them.