Lori Meadows
The International Student Identity Card (ISIC) is an internationally recognised ID card that provides proof of student status and offers thousands of benefits and discounts worldwide, including travel, accommodation, and cultural institutions. The ISIC card is available to full-time students over the age of 12 who are currently enrolled in a school, college, or university. 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 card is endorsed by UNESCO and is accepted in over 100 countries.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | International Student Identity Card (ISIC) |
| Recognition | Internationally recognised proof of student status |
| Availability | Available in over 100 countries |
| Endorsements | Endorsed by UNESCO, national governments, ministries of education and tourism, student organisations, and universities worldwide |
| Benefits | Provides access to thousands of discounts and benefits worldwide, including travel, accommodation, and cultural institutions |
| Eligibility | Available to full-time students over the age of 12 in higher, tertiary, or full-time secondary education |
| Validity | Valid for 16 months, aligning with the academic year of the country of purchase |
| Cost | Cost varies by country, typically between €4 and €25, £12 for a virtual card in the UK, and $25 at the Catholic University of America |
| Application Process | Apply online or visit a local ISIC office, provide proof of student status and identity, and pay the required fee |
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What You'll Learn
International recognition of student status
The International Student Identity Card (ISIC) is the only internationally recognised proof of full-time student status. The ISIC card is available in over 100 countries, with no upper age limit for obtaining one. The ISIC Association, a non-profit organisation, is behind the ISIC card, which was first created by students in 1953. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has endorsed the ISIC card since 1968, recognising it as a unique document that encourages cultural exchange and international understanding. The card is also endorsed by national governments, ministries of education and tourism, student organisations, and universities worldwide.
To obtain an ISIC card, students must provide proof of their full-time student status, such as a local student ID with a picture or a letter from their school along with another photo ID. The card typically takes 3-4 weeks to arrive and can be ordered online or purchased at a local ISIC issuing office. The cost of the card varies by country, with prices ranging from €4 to €25, or £12 for a virtual card and £15 for a physical card in the UK.
The ISIC card offers students access to thousands of worldwide discounts and benefits, including travel, accommodation, and cultural institutions. These discounts can be easily accessed through the ISIC mobile app, which also allows students to discover discounts in their area and redeem them instantly. The ISIC card can also be used as a form of identification when travelling and provides limited emergency evacuation and repatriation benefits for student travellers.
The ISIC Association also issues the International Youth Travel Card (IYTC) for non-students under the age of 30 and the International Teacher Identity Card (ITIC) for teachers and professors, which offer similar benefits and discounts as the ISIC card.
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Discounts and benefits
The International Student Identity Card (ISIC) is a document that provides internationally recognised proof of student status. It offers access to a wide range of benefits and discounts around the world, including travel, accommodation, and cultural institutions.
The ISIC card provides thousands of discounts and benefits worldwide. The specific benefits and discounts available depend on the country in which the card is purchased, as each country's ISIC Exclusive Representative is responsible for managing a portfolio of local and national benefits and discounts for ISIC holders. Here are some examples of the types of discounts and benefits that may be available:
- Travel: The ISIC card provides access to exclusive discounts on travel opportunities, including flights, trains, and buses. This allows cardholders to explore new countries and cultures at reduced rates.
- Accommodation: ISIC cardholders can access discounted rates on accommodation options such as hotels, hostels, and Airbnbs.
- Cultural institutions: The card offers discounts on entry to museums, galleries, and other cultural attractions, making it easier for students to engage with the arts and local tourism offerings.
- Food and drink: Discounts and free drink vouchers are often available for various restaurants, cafes, and bars, especially in the main cities.
- Sports and activities: ISIC cardholders can access discounted gym memberships and reduced rates for activities such as bungee jumping and base flying.
- Services: The card provides a range of service discounts, such as cheaper phone repairs, bike sharing, and lower costs for job application pictures.
- Shopping: ISIC cardholders can benefit from discounts at various retailers, including those offering house items and other student essentials.
To access these benefits and discounts, ISIC cardholders can use the ISIC mobile app to discover offers around them, get the latest news, and redeem limited vouchers. The app also provides a digital version of the ISIC card, making it convenient for students to always have their student ID with them.
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Eligibility and application process
The International Student Identity Card (ISIC) is available in over 130 countries. The eligibility criteria for the ISIC card are as follows:
- Students must be enrolled in higher, tertiary, or full-time secondary education.
- Students must be a minimum of 12 years old.
- There is no upper age limit for obtaining an ISIC card.
- Students must be enrolled full-time at an accredited institution. This includes high schools, colleges, and universities.
- Part-time students, interns, and students on a gap year may also be eligible, depending on the requirements of the issuing country.
The ISIC card is issued for 16 months, aligning with the academic year of the country where it is purchased. The card can be renewed annually.
To apply for the ISIC card, students can submit an online application on the ISIC official website or visit the ISIC offices to apply in person. The application process involves completing an online form and uploading supporting documents, including proof of student status (such as a local student ID with a picture or a letter from the school) and a digital passport-sized photograph with a white or blue background. Once the application is approved, the ISIC card will be delivered to the student's address or can be picked up from an issuing center. The prices for an ISIC card vary by country but are generally affordable for most students.
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ISIC Association
The ISIC Association is a non-profit membership organisation that is behind the management, growth, and development of the International Student Identity Card (ISIC). The organisation is composed of 150+ community members, including 46 full-member organisations. It is governed by the ISIC Association Constitution and Convention and overseen by the ISIC Association Board. The day-to-day central administration and operations are undertaken by the ISIC Service Office, which is wholly owned by the ISIC Association.
The ISIC Association was first created by students in 1953 and is now registered in Denmark. The ISIC card is available in over 100 countries, with no upper age limit for obtaining one. The minimum age requirement is 12 years, and eligibility is limited to students in higher, tertiary, or full-time secondary education. The validity of an ISIC card is 16 months, aligning with the academic year of the country where it is purchased.
The ISIC Association's mission is 'Making student life better' by playing a key supporting role in the lives of students globally. They aim to help make student life easier, more affordable, and more enjoyable by facilitating the international recognition of students' official status. The ISIC 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.
The ISIC card provides thousands of discounts worldwide and access to the global student community. The ISIC 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. These cards offer similar benefits and discounts as the ISIC card.
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Other cards issued by the ISIC Association
The ISIC Association, the non-profit organisation behind the International Student Identity Card, issues two other cards: the International Youth Travel Card (IYTC) and the International Teacher Identity Card (ITIC).
The IYTC is available to individuals who are 30 years old or younger and are not full-time students. It offers similar benefits and discounts as the ISIC card, and cardholders are still part of the ISIC global community.
The ITIC is for full-time teachers and professors. It is an internationally recognised ID card that provides numerous savings, both at home and abroad. Teachers and professors can enjoy teacher-specific discounts with the ITIC card.
The ISIC Association is legally registered in Denmark, and the ISIC Service Office d.o.o, seated in Belgrade, Serbia, administers and manages the cards at a global level. ISIC Exclusive Representatives in each country are responsible for ISIC card distribution, promotion, and development.
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Frequently asked questions
The International Student Identity Card (ISIC) is an internationally recognised ID card that provides thousands of discounts and benefits worldwide, including travel, accommodation, and cultural institutions.
Students in higher, tertiary, or full-time secondary education who are over the age of 12 are eligible for the ISIC card. There is no upper age limit. Teachers and youth under 26 are eligible for the International Teacher ID or International Youth Travel cards.
You can order an ISIC card online or purchase one at an ISIC issuing office. You will need to provide proof of student status and a digital photo. The card can be delivered virtually or physically.
The cost of the ISIC card varies by country, typically ranging from €4 to €25. In the UK, the virtual card costs £12, while the physical card costs £15.
