International Student Discounts: What You Need To Know

Studying abroad can be expensive for international students, but there are plenty of discounts available to help reduce costs. These deals can lower daily expenses and improve the overall quality of life, allowing international students to make the most of their overseas university experience. International students can take advantage of discounts on everything from transportation to entertainment, fashion, and food. Many countries and companies offer exclusive deals to international students, and a valid student ID is often all that is needed to unlock these benefits.

Characteristics and Values of Discounts for International Students

International student discounts in the US

International students in the US can access a wide range of discounts to help them save money while studying. Most of the time, you will need to prove your student status to access these deals, so it's a good idea to carry your school ID or other proof of enrolment.

A great way to access discounts is by signing up for a student card. The International Student Identity Card (ISIC) is a globally recognised card that provides thousands of discounts in over 130 countries. The card is available to full-time students over the age of 12 and is valid for one year from the date of issue. The cost of the card varies depending on your home country, ranging from $4 to $25. With the ISIC app, you can easily discover discounts around you and access limited vouchers. The Student Advantage Card is another option, allowing students to get discounts at major US stores like Target and Best Buy. The Student Lovers Card also offers access to deals and promotions at over 1,500 businesses across the US.

If you're looking for discounts on travel, having a student ID can help you save on flights, with most airlines offering reduced prices for students. You can also use your student ID to get cheaper tickets to museums and sporting events across the US. The Museum of Modern Art in New York, for example, offers a discount of nearly 50%. Additionally, with a Student Advantage Card, you can get a 20% discount on standard fares with Greyhound buses.

For entertainment, Amazon, Hulu, and Spotify offer student discounts on their annual and monthly plans. Amazon Student gives you the perks of an Amazon Prime membership at half the price, while Spotify is available at a 50% discount for students. Apple Music also offers a 50% discount for students.

Many clothing stores in the US also offer discounts to students, with some chains accepting your student ID in branches worldwide. Popular brands like Topshop, Levi's, and Madewell provide student discounts, helping you save on your wardrobe expenses.

Lastly, don't forget to check your school email lists or websites for discount coupons. These often include promotions for popular brands, such as Best Buy, Dick's Sporting Goods, JCPenney, and Old Navy.

International student discounts in Canada

International students in Canada can access a wide range of discounts to help them save money on everyday expenses. These include discounts on groceries, transportation, technology, software, retail, and entertainment.

International Student Identity Card (ISIC)

The International Student Identity Card (ISIC) is a popular option for international students, as it is the only internationally recognised student ID, with discounts available in 130 countries. In Canada, the ISIC card provides access to a wide range of discounts on travel, shopping, and museums. Students can manage their ISIC through the free ISIC app, where they can access their digital card and browse and filter discounts. To be eligible for an ISIC card, students must prove that they are currently studying full-time at a school, college, or university.

Student Price Card (SPC)

The Student Price Card (SPC) is Canada's most popular student discount program, costing $11.99 CAD per year. This membership grants students access to over 450 discounts, with savings of up to 25% on various brands. SPC's website often showcases eligible discounts that students can receive with the SPC card. To be eligible for an SPC card, students must show a valid student ID when signing up and may be asked to present it when claiming discounts. SPC memberships are valid for one year from activation and must be renewed annually.

Other Discounts

International students in Canada can also access various other discounts without needing an ISIC or SPC card. These include:

• Technology and software discounts from Apple, Dell, Lenovo, Adobe, and Microsoft.
• Retail discounts from Samsung, Best Buy, Uniqlo, H&M, Roots, Eddie Bauer, and TOMS Shoes.
• Entertainment discounts on movie tickets, museums, and car rentals.
• Food and grocery discounts from Bulk Barn and various fast-food chains such as Subway and McDonald's.
• Transportation discounts from Via Rail, Greyhound, and local public transport providers.

International student discounts in the UK

International students in the UK can take advantage of a wide range of discounts to help them save money. These include deals on food, shopping, travel, and entertainment.

Firstly, it is worth noting that many discounts are available to all students, regardless of their country of origin. Students can save money on food at restaurants such as McDonald's, Burger King, Greggs, and Domino's Pizza. There are also discounts available at high street stores such as Boots, as well as online retailers like ASOS, Missguided, and Amazon Prime.

To access student discounts in the UK, it is recommended to sign up for a student discount platform such as UNiDAYS or Student Beans. These websites and apps are free to use and offer a wide range of deals from leading brands and retailers. Students can also sign up for a TOTUM card, which is the UK's number one student discount card. TOTUM offers deals on eating out, fashion, travel, and fitness. There is a small fee for the TOTUM Pro card, but the TOTUM Lite card is free.

International students can also apply for the International Student Identity Card (ISIC), which is accepted in 130 countries worldwide and provides discounts in areas such as travel, restaurants, and educational software. The cost of this card varies depending on the student's home country.

Additionally, students attending universities in London can register for an 18+ Student Oyster photocard, which offers 30% off adult-rate travel cards and bus and tram season tickets.

Other tips for saving money as an international student in the UK include:

• Always carry your student discount card with you and remember to ask about student discounts when purchasing something.
• Look out for signs advertising student discounts at the checkout, in shop windows, and on websites.
• Use a student discount search engine or Google the retailer plus "student discount" to find deals.
• Sign up for a student bank account, which often includes benefits such as an interest-free overdraft.
• Take advantage of free or discounted software and apps for students, such as Microsoft Office and Norton Security.

International student discounts in Australia

International students in Australia can benefit from a range of discounts on everyday items, travel, clothing, food, accommodation, entertainment, and more.

International Student Identity Card (ISIC)

One of the best ways to access a wide range of discounts is by obtaining an International Student Identity Card (ISIC). The ISIC card acts as a global student ID, providing access to discounts on transportation, flights, clothing stores, restaurants, movie theatres, and more. With an ISIC card, students can explore all that Australia has to offer while saving money. Some examples of ISIC discounts include:

• Up to 40% off international airfares at STA Travel.
• Two-for-one admission at SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium.
• 20% off YHA hostels.
• 10% off Jucy campervan hire.

Public Transport

Depending on the state in Australia, international students may be able to access student concessions on public transport. For example, students living in the Australian Capital Territory, Northern Territory, South Australia, Tasmania, Queensland, or Western Australia are eligible for concession fares if they are studying full-time at an accredited institution. In Sydney, only international exchange and scholarship students are entitled to transport concessions, while international students in Melbourne can benefit from the iUSEpass for annual savings on public transport.

University Tuition

Some Australian universities have offered tuition fee rebates and discounts for international students, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic when many students were studying remotely. For example, the University of Adelaide offered a 20% fee rebate for international students studying offshore, while the University of Queensland provided a 12.5% tuition decrease for students starting their studies online from offshore.

Technology and Software

Technology companies such as Microsoft, Apple, and Samsung offer student discounts on select products, including laptops, tablets, and smartphones. Telecommunication providers like Optus, Vodafone, and Telstra also have student deals on SIM-only plans, mobile phones, and internet services.

Fashion and Retail

International students can access fashion and retail discounts through websites like UNiDAYS, which offers deals from top clothing brands such as Urban Outfitters, ASOS, Adidas, and Topshop.

Entertainment and Streaming

Popular streaming services like Spotify and iTunes offer student subscription discounts of up to 50% off the original price. Students can also take advantage of free or discounted access to software such as Microsoft Office and Adobe products.

International student discounts on flights

International students can enjoy discounts on flights with several airlines. Turkish Airlines, for instance, offers a 15% discount on international flights and a 20% discount on domestic flights for students. To access these discounts, students must create a Miles&Smiles membership and verify their student status. Lufthansa also offers special student fares on one-way and return flights from select countries. Similarly, Scandinavian Airlines' SAS Young initiative offers young adults aged 12 to 25 fare discounts of up to 70% on all SAS flights. Singapore Airlines also offers "student privileges," including discounts on economy, premium economy, or business class flights.

Additionally, booking platforms like Kayak and StudentUniverse have student-specific portals that offer flight discounts. StudentUniverse, for example, offers student flight deals with top airlines like British Airways, United Airlines, and Cathay Pacific for various international destinations. Students can also find cheap flights on momondo.com, which provides the cheapest available international flights, although they may not be specific student discounts.

It is important to note that student discounts may vary depending on the route, class, date, and other factors. Some airlines may also offer additional perks, such as extra baggage allowances and flexible flight changes, along with their discounted fares. Therefore, it is advisable to check with the airline or booking platform directly to understand the specific terms and eligibility requirements for student discounts.

While some sources mention that Norse Atlantic offers upgrades at lower prices than other airlines, it is not clear if they have a specific student discount program. However, students can explore various options to find the best deals and take advantage of the discounts offered by different airlines and booking platforms.

Frequently asked questions