Ibrahim Gardner
The International Student Identity Card (ISIC) is the only internationally recognised proof of student status, offering access to thousands of benefits and discounts worldwide, including travel, accommodation, and cultural institutions. The card is available in over 130 countries and is endorsed by UNESCO, as well as national governments, ministries of education and tourism, student organisations, and universities worldwide. To be eligible for the ISIC card, one must be a full-time student over the age of 12, attending a school, college, or university. The card is valid for 16 months, aligning with the academic year of the country where it is purchased.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | International Student Identity Card (ISIC) |
| Recognition | Internationally recognised proof of student status |
| Endorsements | Endorsed by UNESCO, national governments, ministries of education and tourism, student organisations, universities worldwide |
| Availability | Available in over 130 countries |
| Eligibility | Students in higher, tertiary, or full-time secondary education; minimum age: 12 years; no upper age limit |
| Validity | 16 months, aligning with the academic year of the country of purchase |
| Cost | Between €4 and €25, depending on the country's purchasing power; valid for one year from the date of issue |
| Benefits | Access to global student community and thousands of discounts worldwide, including travel, accommodation, shopping, and entertainment |
| Application | Apply online or purchase at an ISIC issuing office; provide proof of full-time student status and a digital photo |
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What You'll Learn
International recognition of student status
The International Student Identity Card (ISIC) is the only internationally recognised student ID card. It serves as proof of full-time student status and provides access to thousands of worldwide discounts and benefits. These include savings on travel, accommodation, shopping, entertainment, food, and cultural institutions.
The ISIC card is available in over 130 countries, with eligibility limited to students in higher, tertiary, or full-time secondary education. Students must be over the age of 12, with no upper age limit. To obtain an ISIC card, students must provide proof of full-time student status and a digital photo. Cards can be ordered online or purchased at an ISIC issuing office, with the option of a virtual or printed card. The cost of an ISIC card is between €4 and €25, or $25 in the US, and is valid for one calendar year from the date of issue.
The ISIC Association, a non-profit organisation registered in Denmark, manages the distribution and development of ISIC cards globally. The association aims to support students worldwide by facilitating the international recognition of their official student status. The ISIC card has been endorsed by UNESCO since 1968 and is also supported by national governments, ministries of education and tourism, student organisations, and universities worldwide.
In addition to the ISIC card, the ISIC Association issues the International Youth Travel Card (IYTC) for non-students under 30 and the International Teacher Identity Card (ITIC) for teachers and professors, both of which offer similar benefits and discounts.
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Discounts and benefits
The International Student Identity Card (ISIC) is a globally recognised ID card that provides students with access to a wide range of benefits and discounts. The card is available to full-time students over the age of 12 who are enrolled in higher, tertiary, or full-time secondary education. There is no upper age limit for obtaining an ISIC card, making it accessible to a diverse range of students.
The ISIC card unlocks thousands of worldwide discounts and benefits, designed to cater to a student's lifestyle and make their student life more affordable and enjoyable. These discounts and benefits cover various categories, including travel, accommodation, shopping, entertainment, food, and cultural institutions. Here are some specific examples:
- Travel Discounts: ISIC cardholders can access exclusive discounts on flights, saving them money when travelling internationally or studying abroad.
- Accommodation: The card provides access to discounted rates on accommodation, making it more affordable for students to secure lodging during their travels or when studying away from home.
- Entertainment: Students can enjoy their favourite entertainment at a lower cost with ISIC. This includes discounts on movies, performances, and other recreational activities, making leisure time more accessible and enjoyable.
- Shopping: The ISIC card offers various shopping discounts, helping students save money on their purchases, whether it's for school supplies, clothing, or other essentials.
- Food: Students can take advantage of discounts at select restaurants and eateries, making dining out or grabbing a quick bite between classes more budget-friendly.
- Cultural Institutions: ISIC cardholders can gain discounted access to museums, art galleries, and other cultural institutions, fostering a deeper appreciation for arts and culture during their student years.
The ISIC app also provides students with a convenient way to discover discounts in their vicinity, ensuring they don't miss out on any savings opportunities. The app features a map that displays nearby discounts, along with the latest vouchers and news on limited-time offers.
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Eligibility and application process
The International Student Identity Card (ISIC) is the only internationally recognised student ID card. It is available in over 130 countries. The card provides proof of full-time student status and offers access to thousands of worldwide discounts and benefits. These include savings on travel, accommodation, shopping, and entertainment.
To be eligible for an ISIC card, you must be a full-time student over the age of 12, attending a school, college, or university. There is no upper age limit for the card, but you must be able to prove your full-time student status when you apply. If you are on a break from your studies, you should check with your local ISIC issuer to confirm your eligibility.
To apply for an ISIC card, you can either visit a local ISIC issuing office or order a card online. If you are ordering online, you will need to upload proof of your student status, such as a local student ID card with a picture, or a letter from your school along with another photo ID. You will also need to provide a digital photo of yourself with a white or blue background.
The cost of an ISIC card varies by country, ranging from €4 to €25. The price is determined by each country's purchasing power, as set by the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The card is valid for one calendar year from the date of issue, and online orders of physical cards can take 3 to 4 weeks to arrive.
It is recommended that you purchase your ISIC card at least three weeks before travelling or studying abroad to ensure you receive it in time.
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ISIC card cost
The International Student Identity Card (ISIC) is the only internationally accepted proof of full-time student status, endorsed by UNESCO since 1968. It provides access to thousands of discounts worldwide, as well as access to the global student community. The ISIC card is not free, but the cost varies depending on the country and the issuing institution.
In the United States, for example, the cost of an ISIC card is typically around $25. Many schools issue ISIC cards on campus, and students can also order online and receive a virtual card, with the option to request a printed card by mail.
In other countries, the cost of an ISIC card may be included in the tuition fees or student services fees charged by the educational institution. Alternatively, the cards may be provided at a discounted rate or even for free, particularly if the school, college, or university is an official ISIC issuer.
It is important to note that the ISIC card is typically issued in line with the annual study cycle of the country where the card is purchased. Therefore, students should consider the timing of their purchase to maximize the validity period of their card.
For those who are no longer students but are under 30 years old, the International Youth Travel Card (IYTC) offers similar benefits and discounts, especially when travelling abroad. The IYTC card may be a more cost-effective option, as it provides access to the ISIC global community and its perks.
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ISIC card alternatives
The International Student Identity Card (ISIC) is the only internationally accepted proof of full-time student status. It provides students with access to thousands of discounts worldwide, as well as access to the global student community. The card is available to full-time students at school, college, or university, with no upper age limit.
However, if you are looking for alternatives to the ISIC card, there are a few options available. Here are some alternatives to the ISIC card:
- International Youth Travel Card (IYTC): The IYTC card is offered by the ISIC Association and provides similar benefits and discounts as the ISIC card. It is designed for individuals who are 30 years old or younger and may be especially useful if you are travelling abroad. To obtain an IYTC card, you must provide proof of age with an official identity card, passport, or birth certificate.
- International Teacher Identity Card (ITIC): The ITIC card is another offering from the ISIC Association and is tailored specifically for full-time teachers or professors. It provides internationally recognised identification and offers numerous savings and discounts, both at home and abroad. To be eligible for the ITIC card, you must work at least 18 hours per week at an accredited educational institution for a minimum of one academic year.
- School-issued Student IDs: Many schools, colleges, and universities issue their own student identification cards. These IDs often serve as proof of student status and may provide access to various benefits and discounts, especially on campus or within the local community. Check with your educational institution to find out what type of student ID card they provide and the associated benefits.
- Country-specific or Regional Student Cards: Some countries or regions may have their own student card programmes that offer benefits tailored to local students. These cards may provide discounts on transportation, cultural attractions, or other student-related services within the specific country or region.
It is important to note that while these alternatives may provide certain benefits, they may not have the same level of international recognition as the ISIC card. The ISIC card is endorsed by UNESCO and is widely accepted as proof of student status globally, which can be especially useful when travelling or studying abroad.
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Frequently asked questions
The ISIC is an internationally recognised ID card that provides students with thousands of worldwide discounts and benefits. It is the only internationally accepted proof of full-time student status.
Eligibility for the ISIC card is limited to students in higher, tertiary, or full-time secondary education, with a minimum age requirement of 12 years. There is no upper age limit for obtaining an ISIC card.
The card's cost is determined by each country's purchasing power, per the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Prices range from €4 to €25, with a validity of one full calendar year from the date of issue.
