Ibrahim Gardner
International students can benefit from having an International Student Identity Card (ISIC), which is the only internationally accepted student identity card. The ISIC card provides student status verification, access to thousands of discounts worldwide, and entry to the global student community. Additionally, college or university IDs are useful for international students as they allow access to on-campus facilities and can be used to obtain student discounts in the surrounding area. While not all locations or institutions require an International Student ID, it can be beneficial for accessing certain discounts and offers.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Who issues the card? | ISIC Association |
| Who is it for? | Full-time students at school, college, or university |
| Age limit | 30 years old or younger |
| Benefits | Thousands of discounts worldwide, access to the global student community, student status verification |
| Requirements | Valid passport with a visa, Form I-94, Form I-20, EAD card, Form I-797, and social security number |
| Use cases | Accessing dining halls, fitness centers, and computer lab machines on campus, getting discounts at stores and restaurants |
| Alternative | College or university ID |
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What You'll Learn
International Student Identity Cards (ISIC)
The International Student Identity Card (ISIC) is a document that serves as internationally recognised proof of student status. It was first created by students in 1953 and has been endorsed by UNESCO since 1968. The ISIC card is now issued in over 100 countries, although some sources state that it is available in over 130 countries. The ISIC Association, a non-profit membership organisation, is behind the ISIC card. The association aims to facilitate the international recognition of students' official status and make their student lives easier, more affordable, and more enjoyable.
The ISIC card is the only internationally accepted student identity card. It provides student status verification and thousands of discounts worldwide, including travel, accommodation, and cultural institutions. It also grants access to the global student community. The ISIC card is available to full-time students at school, college, or university, with a minimum age requirement of 12 years. There is no upper age limit. The validity of an ISIC card is 16 months, aligning with the academic year of the country where it is purchased.
Students can apply for the ISIC card by ordering online and receiving a virtual card, with the option to also receive a printed card by mail. To order, students must upload proof of student status, such as a local student ID with a picture or a letter from the school along with another photo ID, as well as a digital photo of themselves with a white or blue background. Many schools also issue ISIC cards on campus.
In addition to the ISIC card, the ISIC Association also issues the International Youth Travel Card (IYTC) for non-students aged 30 or younger and the International Teacher Identity Card (ITIC) for teachers and professors. These cards offer similar benefits and discounts as the ISIC card.
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Eligibility for ISIC
The International Student Identity Card (ISIC) is the only internationally accepted form of student identity, providing student status verification, thousands of discounts worldwide, and access to the global student community.
To be eligible for an ISIC card, you must be a full-time student at school, college, or university. You must be able to prove that you are currently studying full-time. When applying, you will need to provide one of the following documents:
- A copy of your university or student identity card, clearly dated and indicating that you are a full-time student.
- A signed and dated letter on official university or school stationery stating that you are studying there full-time. An original copy is preferred, but photocopies and faxes may be accepted.
- Proof of your date of birth, such as a passport, birth certificate, or official identity card issued in your country of residence.
- A recent passport-sized photograph of yourself.
In some countries, you can purchase the ISIC card online, while in others, you must visit a local issuing office. The processing time for online applications is typically 3-4 weeks, including delivery. If you are travelling and there is no issuing office in your country, you can apply in another country, but be sure to carry your eligibility documents with you.
It is important to note that the ISIC card is not accepted as a form of identity in the United States, where only government-issued identification is recognized. Additionally, some countries may have specific identification requirements, so it is recommended to check the local regulations in advance.
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Benefits of ISIC
The International Student Identity Card (ISIC) is the only internationally accepted proof of full-time student status. It is recognised by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) as a unique document that encourages cultural exchange and international understanding. Here are some of the benefits of having an ISIC card:
Access to the Global Student Community
ISIC provides students with access to a global network of fellow students, enabling them to connect, share experiences, and gain support during their academic journey. This community fosters a sense of belonging and can enhance their overall student experience.
Thousands of Discounts Worldwide
The card offers thousands of discounts in over 130 countries, including savings on travel, accommodation, cultural institutions, and more. These discounts can significantly reduce the financial burden of student life, making it easier for students to explore and gain valuable cultural experiences during their studies.
Internationally Recognised Status Verification
ISIC serves as a globally recognised verification of student status. This is especially useful when travelling or seeking access to exclusive student opportunities, as it eliminates the need for additional documentation and simplifies the process of proving student status.
Cultural Exchange and International Understanding
UNESCO's endorsement of the ISIC card highlights its role in promoting cultural exchange and international understanding. By facilitating student mobility and providing access to cultural institutions worldwide, ISIC helps students broaden their horizons, gain valuable cultural insights, and develop a deeper understanding of the world.
Obtaining an ISIC card is simple and can be done through the official ISIC website or through authorised representatives in each country. With its numerous benefits, the ISIC card is an invaluable tool for any full-time student seeking to make the most of their academic journey and explore the world.
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Alternatives to ISIC
The ISIC (International Student Identity Card) is the only internationally accepted student identity card. It provides student status verification, access to thousands of discounts worldwide, and entry to the global student community. However, there are a few alternatives to the ISIC card that can be used to obtain student discounts:
University ID Card
A university ID card can often be used in place of an ISIC card to obtain student discounts. Many establishments will accept a university ID card as proof of student status, even if it is not an official ISIC card. This is a good option for students who do not have time to apply for an ISIC card or who are unable to obtain one for other reasons.
Travel Cards
Some countries or regions may offer their own student travel cards that provide similar benefits to the ISIC card. For example, the IYTC card offers similar benefits and discounts as the ISIC card and is especially useful for travellers. However, it is important to note that these cards may not be accepted as widely as the ISIC card.
Age Verification
In some cases, simply providing proof of age may be sufficient to obtain student discounts. For example, when booking youth flight fares with STA Travel, passengers may be able to present a valid passport or birth certificate to prove their age and eligibility for the discount. This can be a good option for those who do not have a valid student ID card.
Promotions and Discounts
Students can also take advantage of various promotions and discounts offered by travel agencies and airlines. For example, STA and ISIC often run promotions where they offer discounted or free ISIC cards with the purchase of a flight. Additionally, some online travel agencies and airlines allow users to apply promo codes to their flights, which can help offset the cost of a student ticket.
While the ISIC card is the most widely accepted form of student identification internationally, these alternatives can be useful in certain situations where an ISIC card is not available or applicable. It is always a good idea to research the specific requirements and accepted forms of identification for the country or region you are visiting.
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Country-specific requirements
The requirements for international student IDs vary depending on the country and the specific purposes for which the ID is needed. Here are some country-specific considerations:
United States: In the United States, having a form of photo identification is crucial for various activities during your time as a student. While a passport can be used as identification, it is recommended to obtain a state ID card as passports can be cumbersome and challenging to replace if lost or stolen. A driver's license is also accepted as a form of identification and allows individuals to legally drive. The cost of obtaining a driver's license varies by state but typically ranges from $20 to $80. It's important to note that some establishments, such as restaurants, may not accept passports as valid identification for certain activities, such as ordering alcohol.
Italy: When visiting certain attractions in Italy, proof of birth date may be required for student discounts. While some places may simply ask for the student's age, others may require official identification or a health record. An international student ID may be useful in such cases if other forms of ID are not available. It's worth noting that Italian state museums often offer free admission for children under 18, but reservations may be needed.
Canada: In Canada, a valid form of photo identification is required for various purposes. A passport is generally accepted as a form of ID, especially in pharmacies. However, for activities such as ordering alcohol, a Canadian ID or passport may be specifically requested.
It is always recommended to check the specific requirements of the country you are visiting or residing in as an international student. Each country may have its own accepted forms of identification, and the requirements can vary depending on the context in which the ID is needed. Additionally, some countries may offer specific discounts or benefits to international students through recognised ID cards, such as the International Student Identity Card (ISIC) or the International Teacher Identity Card (ITIC). These cards can provide access to various discounts and services worldwide.
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Frequently asked questions
The ISIC is the only internationally accepted student identity card that provides student status verification, thousands of discounts worldwide, and access to the global student community.
If you are a full-time student at school, college, or university, you can apply for the ISIC card. The ISIC card is issued to students in over 100 countries.
The ISIC card provides thousands of discounts worldwide and facilitates the international recognition of students' official status. Many college towns and cities have stores and restaurants that offer discounts to students with a valid student ID.
An ISIC card is not mandatory for international students. However, it can be beneficial for accessing various discounts and offers. In some cases, certain countries or institutions may require a valid student ID card for student rates or discounts. Therefore, it is recommended to check the specific requirements of your destination country or institution.
