Lana Oconnell
The International Student Identity Card (ISIC) is a globally recognised student ID card that provides students with access to thousands of worldwide discounts and benefits. The card was first created by students in 1953 and is now available in over 130 countries. The ISIC card is endorsed by UNESCO and is recognised by academic institutions, student organisations, and governments worldwide. Students can use the card to save money on travel, accommodation, entertainment, food, and more. The card is valid for 16 months and can be ordered online or purchased on campus at many schools.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | International Student Identity Card (ISIC) |
| Recognition | Internationally recognised proof of student status |
| Availability | Available in over 100-130 countries |
| Eligibility | Students in higher, tertiary, or full-time secondary education, aged 12 or above |
| Cost | Between €4 and €25, depending on the country |
| Validity | 16 months, aligning with the academic year of the country of purchase |
| Benefits | Access to thousands of discounts and benefits worldwide, including travel, accommodation, and cultural institutions |
| Endorsements | Endorsed by UNESCO, national governments, ministries of education and tourism, student organisations, and universities worldwide |
| Application | Can be ordered online or obtained on campus |
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International recognition
The International Student Identity Card (ISIC) is the only internationally recognised proof of full-time student status. It is available in over 130 countries, with ISIC Exclusive Representatives responsible for its distribution, promotion and development in each one. The card is recognised by academic institutions, student organisations and governments in over 100 countries.
The ISIC card has been endorsed by UNESCO since 1968, when the organisation issued an official endorsement in full support of the card. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization recognised the ISIC card as a unique document that encourages cultural exchange and international understanding. The UNESCO logo has appeared on the card since 1993.
The ISIC Association, a non-profit organisation legally registered in Denmark, issues the cards. The ISIC Service Office d.o.o, seated in Belgrade, Serbia, administers and manages the ISIC card at a global level. The ISIC Association aims to support students globally by facilitating the international recognition of their official student status.
The ISIC card offers students access to thousands of worldwide discounts, as well as benefits on travel-related services and products, including limited emergency evacuation and repatriation services. It also provides travel insurance and protects travel documents.
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Discounts and benefits
The International Student Identity Card (ISIC) is a document that provides students with access to a variety of discounts and benefits worldwide. The card is available in over 130 countries and is recognised by academic institutions, student organisations, and governments in more than 100 of them. The ISIC card is also endorsed by UNESCO and a wide range of national governments, ministries of education and tourism, student organisations, and universities worldwide.
The ISIC card offers discounts and benefits related to travel, accommodation, and cultural institutions. It also provides access to entertainment and food discounts, as well as savings on daily life expenses. The specific discounts and benefits available to ISIC cardholders vary by country, but they can include access to thousands of global discounts and benefits.
In addition to the standard ISIC card, there are also the International Youth Travel Card (IYTC) and the International Teacher Identity Card (ITIC). The IYTC is for non-students who are 30 years old or younger, while the ITIC is for full-time teachers or professors. These cards offer similar benefits and discounts as the ISIC card, providing savings at home and abroad.
The ISIC card can be ordered online or obtained on campus at many schools. The cost of the card varies by country, but it is generally between €4 and €25. The card is valid for one full calendar year from the date of issue, and there is no upper age limit for obtaining one as long as the applicant is a full-time student.
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Eligibility
The International Student Identity Card (ISIC) is available to students in higher, tertiary, or full-time secondary education. Students must be a minimum of 12 years old to qualify for the card, but there is no upper age limit. The ISIC card is available in over 130 countries, and eligibility varies slightly between them. However, full-time student status must be proven in all countries, and students must be attending a school, college, or university. Many schools issue ISIC cards on campus, but they can also be ordered online. When ordering, proof of student status, such as a local student ID with a picture or a letter from the school, is required, along with a digital photo of the applicant.
The ISIC card is the only internationally recognised student ID card, endorsed by UNESCO since 1968 and accepted in over 100 countries. It serves as proof of full-time student status and provides access to a wide range of benefits and discounts globally, including travel, accommodation, and cultural institutions. The card is valid for 16 months, aligning with the academic year of the country where it is purchased. The cost of the card varies by country, typically ranging from €4 to €25, and is determined by each country's purchasing power.
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 are widely recognised and accepted.
It is important to note that eligibility for the ISIC card may vary slightly depending on the specific country and issuing organisation. Students are encouraged to check with their local ISIC issuer or exclusive representative for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding eligibility requirements and necessary documentation.
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Distribution
The International Student Identity Card (ISIC) is available in over 130 countries. Distribution is handled by the ISIC Exclusive Representatives in each country, who are responsible for ISIC card distribution, promotion, and development.
The ISIC card can be obtained by applying on the ISIC website. Applicants must provide proof of their student status, and the card is valid until the end of their study year. The cost of the card varies depending on the country, with the option of a digital or physical card available. In the UK, the ISIC card costs £12 for a virtual card and £15 for a physical card. In Spain, the digital version costs €11, while the physical card costs €15.90, including shipping and handling.
The ISIC card is typically valid for 16 months, aligning with the academic year of the country where it is purchased. Renewal can be done online or at ISIC issuing centers, with a new photograph required. It is important to renew the card before it expires to continue benefiting from the discounts and services.
The ISIC card is a valuable asset for students studying abroad, providing internationally recognized proof of student status and access to various benefits, discounts, and services worldwide.
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History
The International Student Identity Card (ISIC) was first created by students in 1953. The idea was initiated by the Norwegian and Dutch Union of Students, with support from the Coordinating Secretariat of National Unions of Students (COSEC) of Denmark. The decision was made at the 3rd International Student Conference, with the aim of making the card available as soon as possible across the world.
The ISIC card was originally intended to be a form of identification for full-time students, providing access to discounted airfares internationally. Students could purchase the card to explore new countries and cultures at a lower cost. This supported the mission statement of the ISIC Association, which is a non-profit organisation: "Increasing international understanding through the promotion of travel and exchange opportunities among students, young people and the academic community."
The ISIC card has been endorsed by UNESCO since 1968, and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization has been involved in the card's development almost from the beginning. UNESCO recognises the ISIC card as the only internationally accepted proof of full-time student status, and as a document that encourages cultural exchange and international understanding. The UNESCO logo has appeared on the card since 1993, following a renewed Memorandum of Understanding.
The ISIC card is now available in over 130 countries, with no upper age limit for obtaining one. The card is valid for 16 months, aligning with the academic year of the country where it is purchased. Many schools issue ISIC cards on campus, and students can also order them online. The ISIC Association also issues the International Youth Travel Card (IYTC) for non-students, and the International Teacher Identity Card (ITIC) for teachers and professors.
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Frequently asked questions
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, including travel, accommodation, and cultural institutions.
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, but you must prove you are a full-time student when you apply.
The card's cost varies by country and is typically between €4 and €25. The price is determined by each country's purchasing power, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
Many schools issue ISIC cards on campus, or you can order one online. You will need to upload proof of student status and a digital photo of yourself with a white or blue background.
