Douglas Olsen
The International Student Identity Card (ISIC) is the only internationally recognised student ID card. It provides proof of student status and access to thousands of discounts and benefits worldwide. The card is available to full-time students at school, college, or university, with prices varying by country, typically ranging from €4 to €25. The ISIC card can be a convenient way to verify your student status and access discounts without having to carry your passport or other identification. However, some users have reported limited opportunities to use the card, especially for shorter trips. So, when considering whether to get an ISIC card, it's important to weigh the potential benefits of the discounts and benefits against the cost and your specific needs.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To provide proof of student status and access to discounts |
| Recognition | Accepted in over 100 countries |
| Cost | Between €4 and €25, or £12 for a virtual card and £15 for a physical card in the UK |
| Validity | One full calendar year from the date of issue |
| Application | Online or at a local ISIC office |
| Requirements | Proof of student status, digital photo, and country of issue |
| Delivery Time | 3–4 weeks for physical cards |
| Alternatives | International Youth Travel Card (IYTC) and International Teacher Identity Card (ITIC) |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Cost
The cost of an International Student Identity Card (ISIC) varies depending on the country of issue. The price typically ranges from €4 to €25, £10 to £25, or $12 to $25. The card's cost is determined by each country's purchasing power, per the International Monetary Fund (IMF), to allow for fair pricing. The price includes access to both physical and digital versions of the card, as well as eligibility for thousands of global student discounts.
The ISIC card is the only internationally recognised student ID card, providing proof of full-time student status and access to discounts and benefits worldwide. It is widely recognised by academic institutions, student organisations, and governments in over 100 countries. The card can be particularly useful when studying or travelling abroad, offering discounts on travel, accommodation, food, culture, and entertainment.
While the card provides access to a range of benefits, some individuals have shared their experiences where they found limited use for the card during short trips or when alternative forms of student identification were accepted. It is important to consider the length of your trip or study period and the potential savings from discounts to evaluate if the cost of the card is worthwhile for your specific situation.
The ISIC card can be obtained by applying online or visiting a local ISIC issuing office. The application process typically takes around 3 to 4 weeks, and the card is valid for one full calendar year from the date of issue. It is important to plan ahead and allow sufficient time for the application and delivery process before travelling or studying abroad.
In summary, the cost of the International Student Identity Card varies depending on the country of issue, typically ranging from €4 to €25 or the equivalent in local currency. The card offers access to various benefits and discounts worldwide, catering specifically to individuals planning to study or travel abroad. However, the usefulness of the card may vary based on individual circumstances, and it is recommended to consider the potential savings from discounts relative to the cost of the card.
International Students: Living in the US
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Eligibility
The ISIC Association also issues the International Youth Travel Card (IYTC) for non-students who are 30 years old or younger. With an IYTC card, individuals can still take advantage of thousands of similar benefits and discounts that the ISIC student card offers. Additionally, full-time teachers or professors can enjoy teacher discounts with the International Teacher Identity Card (ITIC), which is also internationally recognised and offers numerous savings, both at home and abroad.
Bringing Dependants to the UK as an International Student
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Discounts
An International Student Identity Card (ISIC) is a widely recognised form of identification for students aged 12 and over. Besides being a legitimate proof of identity, it also offers several discounts. However, the value of these discounts in justifying the cost of the card has been questioned by some users.
For instance, a user who travelled with their college-aged sons found that their sons could avail of student discounts by simply showing their college IDs. Another user who studied in Austria for a semester recalled using their ISIC card only once or twice for discounts. Similarly, a user on Reddit commented that they were able to use their university ID 90% of the time to get discounts at museums, cafes, and restaurants.
On the other hand, some users have found the ISIC card useful. One user on Reddit mentioned that they used their ISIC card twice and found it helpful as a backup form of identification. They also noted that the card comes with basic travel insurance, which they considered worth the cost.
The ISIC card provides discounts at various places, including McDonald's, Booking.com, and Samsung. Additionally, it can be used to obtain discounted fares for transportation, such as trains and planes, although the availability of such discounts may vary depending on the location and specific providers.
In conclusion, while the ISIC card does offer discounts, the value of these discounts in justifying the cost of the card may depend on individual circumstances, such as the length of travel, the locations visited, and the availability of alternative forms of student identification.
International Students: Getting a Car Loan
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Proof of student status
The International Student Identity Card (ISIC) is a non-profit initiative that provides thousands of discounts worldwide and access to the global student community. The card is endorsed by UNESCO and various national governments, ministries of education and tourism, student organisations, and universities worldwide. The ISIC card is proof of student status and can be used for identification in multiple countries worldwide.
To obtain an ISIC card, you must provide proof of your student status and identity, as well as a recent passport-sized photograph. Accepted documents for verifying student status vary depending on the country but generally include documents that feature the student's full name, the name of their school, and the semester they are enrolled in. For example, in the US, a Social Security card, W-2 tax form, or a pay stub can be used to verify student status.
It is important to note that some countries may require additional forms of personal identification. For instance, the ISIC card is not accepted as a form of identity in the United States, where only government-issued IDs are recognised. Therefore, it is recommended to check the local regulations of your destination country in advance.
The ISIC card can be purchased online or at a local issuing office. The ISIC mobile app also allows users to access their digital student card and explore available discounts and services.
International Students: Claiming the EIC in Canada
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Ease of access
The ISIC card (International Student Identity Card) is the only internationally recognised student ID card. It is widely accepted as legitimate proof of student status. This means that, with an ISIC card, you can prove your identity without having to carry around your passport or driving licence. This can be especially useful when travelling, as you may not want to carry your passport with you at all times.
The ISIC card is also a way to access thousands of student discounts and benefits worldwide. These include discounts on entertainment, food, and travel, as well as access to the global student community. The ISIC app can help you discover discounts around you on a map and keep up with the latest news and limited vouchers.
The cost of an ISIC card varies by country, ranging from €4 to €25. In the UK, a virtual card costs £12, while a physical card costs £15. The card is valid for one full calendar year from the date of issue.
To get an ISIC card, you can apply online through the ISIC website or visit a local ISIC office. You will need to provide proof of your student status, a digital photo of yourself, and select the country where you are a student.
International Students: Borrowing Money from Banks
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
The International Student Identity Card (ISIC) is the only internationally recognised student ID card. It provides proof of full-time student status and gives students access to thousands of discounts and benefits worldwide.
Any full-time student at school, college, or university is eligible for the ISIC card.
The card's cost varies by country but is typically between €4 and €25. In the UK, the ISIC card costs £12 for a virtual card and £15 for a physical card.
The ISIC card is valid for one full calendar year from the date of issue.
The ISIC card can be worth getting for students who plan to travel or study abroad, as it provides internationally recognised proof of student status and access to thousands of discounts worldwide. However, some users have reported that they did not find it useful for shorter trips, as they were able to receive student discounts with their college ID or passport.
