Savanna Hoffman
The International Student Identity Card (ISIC) is the only internationally recognised student ID card. It provides students with access to thousands of discounts and benefits worldwide, including savings on entertainment, food, and travel. The card was first created in 1953 by students and is now issued in over 100 countries. Students can apply for the ISIC card online by submitting the required documents and filling out an application form. Additionally, international students can obtain a state ID card or a driver's license in the United States, which offers similar benefits and is useful for identification purposes.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name of Card | International Student Identity Card (ISIC) |
| Who issues the card | The ISIC Association, a non-profit organisation legally registered in Denmark |
| Who can apply for the card | Full-time students at school, college or university |
| Documents required | Scanned copy of proof of identity (passport or driver's license), digital photo, method of payment |
| Cost of card | Between €4 and €25, determined by each country's purchasing power |
| Time taken to process application | 3-4 weeks |
| Benefits of the card | Provides student status verification, thousands of discounts worldwide, access to the global student community |
| Additional benefits in the US | Can be used as a form of identification |
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What You'll Learn
International Student Identity Card (ISIC)
The International Student Identity Card (ISIC) is the only internationally accepted proof of full-time student status. It was first created by students in 1953 and has been endorsed by UNESCO since 1968. The ISIC card is now issued to students in over 100 countries, with a presence in some schools, colleges and universities.
The ISIC card provides students with access to thousands of discounts and benefits worldwide, including travel, accommodation, and cultural institutions. It also offers access to the global student community. The card is valid for 16 months, aligning with the academic year of the country where it is purchased.
To be eligible for an ISIC card, you must be a full-time student in higher, tertiary, or full-time secondary education, and at least 12 years old. There is no upper age limit. When applying, you will need to provide proof of student status, such as a local student ID with a picture, or a letter from your school along with another photo ID. You will also need to upload a digital photo of yourself with a white or blue background.
You can order your ISIC card online and receive a virtual card, with the option to receive a printed card by mail. Alternatively, you can check if your school issues ISIC cards on campus. With the ISIC mobile app, you can access your digital student card, discover discounts, and redeem them instantly.
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Eligibility and application process
The International Student Identity Card (ISIC) is the only internationally recognised student ID card. It provides proof of full-time student status and offers students access to thousands of discounts and benefits worldwide. The card was first created in 1953 by students and is now issued in over 100 countries. The card has been endorsed by UNESCO since 1968 and is also endorsed by national governments, ministries of education and tourism, student organisations, and universities worldwide.
To be eligible for an ISIC card, you must be a full-time student at school, college, or university. There is no upper age limit.
The application process for an ISIC card can be completed online or by visiting a local ISIC office. To apply online, you will need to:
- Go to the ISIC website and select your country of residence.
- Upload the required documents, including a digital photo (a passport photo or a selfie with a white or blue background) and a scanned copy of your proof of identity (passport or driver's license). If you are under 16, you will also need to provide a scan of your legal representative's identity card.
- Fill out the application form.
- Provide your method of payment (PayPal or credit card).
If you choose to apply online, the processing time for your application and delivery of your card can take up to 4 weeks. You can choose to receive your card virtually or physically.
Alternatively, you can visit a local ISIC issuing office to purchase a card. These offices are located worldwide, but it is recommended to check if there is one close to your location. The same documents are required when applying in person, and the card's cost varies by country, typically ranging from €4 to €25.
It is important to note that international students in the United States may also consider obtaining a state ID card, as passports can be inconvenient and challenging to replace if lost or stolen. All F or M nonimmigrant visa holders are eligible for a US State ID, and the process typically involves contacting the DSO or RO for guidance and information on the local DMV requirements.
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Required documents
The International Student Identity Card (ISIC) is the only internationally recognised student ID card. It provides student status verification and thousands of discounts worldwide. The ISIC card was first created in 1953 and is now issued to students in over 100 countries.
When applying for an ISIC card, you will need to provide the following documents:
- A scanned copy of your proof of identity: This can include your passport or driver's license. If you are under 16, you will also need to provide a scan of your legal representative's identity card.
- Digital photo: A passport photo is best, but a selfie with a white or blue background is also acceptable.
- Method of payment: You will need to pay using PayPal or a credit card.
If you are an international student in the United States, you may also want to consider getting a state ID card. While your passport can function as identification, a state ID card is more convenient and easier to replace if lost or stolen. To obtain a state ID card, you will need to contact the DSO or RO, who will guide you through the process and provide information on the local DMV requirements. You must wait at least ten days after arriving in the US to apply for a State ID.
Additionally, if you plan to drive in the US, you will need to obtain a driver's license. The application process for a driver's license is similar to that of a State ID, with the addition of aptitude tests to ensure safe driving. The cost of obtaining a driver's license varies by state but typically ranges from $20 to $80. If you are under 18, you will first need to obtain a driving permit and drive with a licensed adult for at least a year before taking your driver's license exam.
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Cost
The cost of obtaining an International Student Identity Card (ISIC) is not explicitly stated. However, the ISIC is issued to students in over 100 countries and provides access to thousands of discounts worldwide, making student life more affordable.
In the United States, international students may want to obtain a state ID card, which costs $25. This is because passports, which international students are likely to have, can be difficult to replace if lost or stolen. The process for obtaining a state ID can be complicated and frustrating, but all F or M nonimmigrant visa holders are eligible.
Alternatively, international students in the US may want to obtain a driver's license, which typically costs between $20 and $80, depending on the state. Obtaining a driver's license can be a good idea for students who are comfortable with the thought of driving and live in an area where it is convenient. However, if the student is under 18, they will first need to obtain a driving permit and drive with a licensed adult for at least a year before taking their driver's license exam.
Students can also obtain a college or university ID card, which is issued by their institution and allows access to on-campus facilities such as dining halls, fitness centres, and computer labs. These student IDs often provide access to discounts at local businesses and restaurants, helping students save money.
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Benefits
The International Student Identity Card (ISIC) is the only internationally accepted proof of student status, allowing you to verify your student identity anywhere in the world. It is recognised by academic institutions, student organisations, governments, and other bodies in over 100 countries.
The ISIC provides access to a global student community and thousands of discounts and special offers worldwide. These include discounts on travel, entertainment, food, drink, culture, sports, and online shopping. For example, cardholders can get discounts on ferry tickets in Greece, museum entries, and tourism-related purchases. The ISIC also helps students save money on their daily life by providing discounts on groceries and healthcare. Students can also use the card to get free and discounted access to software required for their courses.
The ISIC card is available to full-time students over the age of 12 and enrolled in a school, college, or university. There is no upper age limit on the card, but you must prove your full-time student status when applying. The card can be obtained for free with the Value Package or Health Insurance Plus. Alternatively, it can be purchased from a local ISIC issuing office at a price between €4 and €25. The card can be obtained physically or virtually through the ISIC app.
In addition to the ISIC card, international students can benefit from obtaining a college or university ID card. These cards allow students to access on-campus facilities such as dining halls, fitness centres, and computer labs. They can also serve as discount cards around town and on campus, providing various student discounts at local businesses.
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Frequently asked questions
The International Student Identity Card (ISIC) is the only internationally recognised student ID card. It provides students with access to thousands of discounts and benefits worldwide, as well as proof of student status.
If you are a full-time student at school, college or university, you can apply for the ISIC card.
To get an ISIC card, go to the ISIC website and select the country where you are a student. You may be eligible to apply online, or you may need to visit a local ISIC office. If applying online, you will need to upload a digital photo of yourself, as well as a scanned copy of your proof of identity (passport or driver's license) and your method of payment. The application process takes 3-4 weeks.
The cost of the card varies by country and is determined by each country's purchasing power, ranging from €4 to €25.
