International Student Cards: Benefits And Eligibility

what does international student card mean

The International Student Identity Card (ISIC) is an internationally recognised ID card that provides proof of student status and offers access to various benefits and discounts globally. It 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, and the card is valid for 16 months, aligning with the academic year of the country where it is purchased. The ISIC card is endorsed by UNESCO and various other organisations and governments and is a useful way for students to access benefits and prove their identity without carrying other forms of ID.

Characteristics Values
Name International Student Identity Card (ISIC)
Who issues it The ISIC Association, a non-profit membership organisation legally registered in Denmark
Who manages it ISIC Service Office d.o.o, a company seated in Belgrade, Serbia
Who distributes it ISIC Exclusive Representatives in each country
Who is eligible Full-time students over the age of 12 in higher, tertiary, or full-time secondary education
Requirements Proof of full-time student status, photo, and proof of identity
Cost Between €4 and €25, depending on the country
Validity 16 months, aligning with the academic year of the country of purchase
Benefits Provides internationally recognised proof of student status, access to discounts and benefits globally

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Who can get an International Student Identity Card (ISIC)?

The International Student Identity Card (ISIC) is available to students in over 100 countries. It was first created by students in 1953 and is now issued in over 130 countries. The ISIC card is the only internationally accepted proof of full-time student status and is recognised by UNESCO.

All full-time students at accredited colleges and universities are eligible for an ISIC card. Students must be able to provide proof of their full-time student status at the time of application. This can include a local student ID with a picture or a letter from the school along with another photo ID. There is no upper age limit for obtaining an ISIC card, but there is a minimum age requirement of 12 years. The card's validity is for 16 months, aligning with the academic year of the country where it is purchased.

Teachers and youth aged 26 and under are eligible for discounts through the International Teacher ID or International Youth Travel cards. The ITIC card is the only internationally recognised ID card that provides full-time teachers or professors with numerous teacher discounts and savings both at home and abroad. To apply for an ITIC card, one must work at least 18 hours per week at an accredited educational institution for a minimum of one academic year.

The ISIC card provides students with thousands of discounts worldwide and access to the global student community. The card can be ordered online, and students will receive a virtual card with the option to request a printed card by mail.

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What are the benefits of an ISIC card?

The International Student Identity Card (ISIC) is the only internationally accepted proof of full-time student status. It is available in over 100 countries, with ISIC Exclusive Representatives responsible for its distribution, promotion and development in each one. The card is managed at a global level by the ISIC Service Office d.o.o, a company seated in Belgrade, Serbia.

The ISIC card offers thousands of discounts and benefits worldwide, including travel, accommodation, and cultural institutions. It is endorsed by UNESCO, which has recognised the card as a unique document that encourages cultural exchange and international understanding. The card is also endorsed by a wide range of national governments, ministries of education and tourism, student organisations and universities worldwide.

The ISIC card is available to full-time students at school, college or university, with no upper age limit. Students must provide proof of their status and a digital photo to obtain the card. The validity of the card spans 16 months, aligning with the annual study cycle of the country where it is purchased.

The ISIC Association is a non-profit organisation that aims to support students globally, making their academic life easier, more affordable and more enjoyable. The Association also issues the International Youth Travel Card (IYTC) for non-students under 30, and the International Teacher Identity Card (ITIC) for teachers and professors.

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How to apply for an ISIC card

The International Student Identity Card (ISIC) is the only internationally accepted proof of full-time student status. It is available to students in over 100 countries and is recognised by UNESCO, national governments, ministries of education and tourism, student organisations, and universities worldwide.

The ISIC card offers its users various benefits and discounts on travel, accommodation, and cultural institutions. It also provides access to the ISIC mobile app, which helps users discover discounts, vouchers, and offers nearby.

To apply for an ISIC card, you must be a full-time student at an accredited college or university. Many schools issue ISIC cards on campus, so the first step is to check with your educational institution. If they do not provide ISIC cards, you can order one online. The process typically involves the following steps:

  • Upload proof of your student status. This can be your local student ID with a picture or a letter from your school along with another form of photo ID.
  • Provide a digital photo of yourself with a white or blue background.
  • Depending on your preference, you may receive a virtual card or opt to receive a printed card by mail.

It is important to note that the ISIC card is not just for students. If you are a full-time teacher or professor, you can apply for the International Teacher Identity Card (ITIC), which offers similar benefits and discounts. Additionally, if you are 30 years old or younger, you are eligible for the International Youth Travel Card (IYTC) and can enjoy the advantages offered by the ISIC global community.

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The cost of an ISIC card

The International Student Identity Card (ISIC) is the only internationally recognised proof of full-time student status. It is available in over 100 countries, endorsed by UNESCO, and offers access to a wide range of benefits and discounts globally.

While the exact cost of an ISIC card is not readily available, the process of obtaining one is straightforward. Students can order their ISIC cards online and receive a virtual card, with the option to request a printed card by mail. Many schools also issue ISIC cards on campus. To apply, students must provide proof of full-time student status and a digital photo.

The ISIC card is designed to fit a student's lifestyle and offers savings on daily expenses, entertainment, food, and travel. It is a valuable tool for students planning to study abroad, providing access to a global network of discounts and benefits.

In addition to the ISIC card, the ISIC Association also offers the International Youth Travel Card (IYTC) for non-students under 30 and the International Teacher Identity Card (ITIC) for teachers and professors, which provide similar benefits and discounts. These cards are part of the ISIC global community and contribute to the organisation's goal of supporting students worldwide.

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The history of the ISIC card

The International Student Identity Card (ISIC) is an internationally recognised card that serves as proof of student status and offers access to various benefits and discounts globally, including travel, accommodation, and cultural institutions. The card is now available in over 100 countries, with no upper age limit for obtaining one.

The ISIC card was first created by students in 1953. The decision to create the card was an initiative of the Norwegian and Dutch Union of Students, supported by the Coordinating Secretariat of National Unions of Students (COSEC) of Denmark. This decision was made at the 3rd International Student Conference, with the aim of making the card available as soon as possible across as much of the world as possible. The original purpose of the ISIC card was to provide full-time students with access to special discounted airfares, allowing cardholders to explore the world and discover new countries and cultures. This supported the card's mission statement: "Increasing international understanding through the promotion of travel and exchange opportunities among students, young people and the academic community."

In 1968, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) officially endorsed the ISIC card, recognising it as the only internationally accepted proof of full-time student status and a unique document encouraging cultural exchange and international understanding. Since then, the ISIC card has been endorsed by a wide range of national governments, ministries of education and tourism, student organisations, and universities worldwide.

The ISIC Association, a non-profit organisation, is responsible for issuing the ISIC card and managing its distribution, promotion, and development. The association aims to support students globally by making their student lives easier, more affordable, and more enjoyable. In each country, an ISIC Exclusive Representative is responsible for distributing the cards and managing the benefits and discounts available to cardholders.

Frequently asked questions

The International Student Identity Card (ISIC) is a way for students to prove their student status internationally. It is recognised by UNESCO and provides access to thousands of discounts and benefits worldwide.

Any full-time student over the age of 12, currently attending a school, college, or university is eligible for an ISIC card. There is no upper age limit.

You can apply for an ISIC card online or by visiting a local ISIC office. You will need to provide a digital photo, proof of full-time student status, and proof of identity. The cost of the card varies by country.

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