Explore The World With An International Student Card

The International Student Identity Card (ISIC) is a document that provides internationally recognised proof of student status. It is endorsed by UNESCO and offers access to various benefits and discounts globally, including travel, accommodation, and cultural institutions. The card is available in over 130 countries and is issued to students in full-time secondary, tertiary, or higher education. The ISIC card is managed by the ISIC Association, a non-profit organisation, and aims to support students by making their academic life more affordable and enjoyable.

International Student Identity Card (ISIC)

The International Student Identity Card (ISIC) is the only internationally recognised proof of full-time student status. It is recognised by universities, academic institutions, student organisations, national governments and ministries of education around the world. The card was first created by students in 1953 and is now issued to students in 98 countries, with more than 5 million cards purchased annually. The ISIC card is endorsed by UNESCO, which has recognised it as a unique document that encourages cultural exchange and international understanding. The card is also endorsed by other organisations, including the European Council on Culture and the Andean Community of Nations.

The ISIC card offers students access to a large number of discounts and benefits worldwide, including travel, accommodation, and cultural institutions. These benefits can be easily accessed through the ISIC mobile app, which allows students to discover discounts nearby, get the latest news, and redeem limited vouchers. The app also provides access to a digital student card, which can be especially useful in ''just in case'' scenarios, such as losing another form of ID. The ISIC website also has a section dedicated to offers and services available to ISIC cardholders.

To be eligible for an ISIC card, individuals must be full-time students over the age of 12 and currently attending a school, college, or university. There is no upper age limit for obtaining an ISIC card, but proof of full-time student status is required. This can include a scanned copy of a university card or an official letter of acceptance. In addition, a scanned copy of a proof of identity document, such as a passport or driver's license, and a method of payment are required to apply for the card. The card's cost varies by country but is generally between US$4-25, with the price determined by each country's purchasing power.

The ISIC card can be ordered online, with the option to receive a virtual card or a printed card by mail. Many schools also issue ISIC cards on campus. The validity of the ISIC card is 16 months, aligning with the academic year of the country where it is purchased. Overall, the ISIC card provides international students with a widely recognised form of identification and access to a variety of benefits and discounts, making it a valuable tool for students studying and travelling abroad.

ISIC eligibility requirements

The International Student Identity Card (ISIC) is available in over 130 countries. It is the only internationally accepted proof of full-time student status and is recognised by UNESCO. The card provides students with access to thousands of benefits and discounts globally, including travel, accommodation, and cultural institutions.

To be eligible for an ISIC card, you must be a full-time student enrolled in an accredited college or university. This includes students in higher, tertiary, or full-time secondary education, with a minimum age requirement of 12 years old. There is no upper age limit for obtaining an ISIC card, but those aged 26 and under are eligible for additional discounts.

When applying for an ISIC card, you will need to provide proof of your student status. This can include a copy of your university or student identity card, clearly indicating that you are a full-time student, or a signed and dated letter on official university or school letterhead stating that you are studying there full-time. Some schools issue ISIC cards on campus, or you can order online and receive a virtual card, with the option to also request a printed card by mail.

The ISIC card is not accepted as a form of identification in some countries, including the United States, so it is important to check the local regulations in advance if you are planning to travel. However, the card is endorsed by a wide range of national governments, ministries of education and tourism, student organisations, and universities worldwide.

ISIC card distribution

The International Student Identity Card (ISIC) is a document that serves as internationally recognised proof of student status. It was first created by students in 1953 and is now issued in 98 countries, although some sources state over 130 countries. The ISIC card is endorsed by UNESCO and is recognised as a unique document that encourages cultural exchange and international understanding.

The ISIC card is administered and managed at a global level by the ISIC Service Office d.o.o, a company seated in Belgrade, Serbia. This office is wholly owned by the ISIC Association. However, the distribution of the cards is carried out by ISIC Exclusive Representatives, who have the exclusive rights to issue ISIC cards in their respective countries. These representatives are responsible for card distribution, promotion, and development, as well as managing the benefits and discounts available to cardholders in their country.

Many schools issue ISIC cards on campus, but they can also be ordered online. Students can receive a virtual card and have the option to request a printed card by mail. To order, students must provide proof of their student status, such as a local student ID with a picture or a letter from their school, along with another form of photo ID. There is a minimum age requirement of 12 years for eligibility, but no upper age limit. The card is valid for 16 months, aligning with the academic year of the country where it is purchased.

The ISIC card provides thousands of discounts and benefits worldwide, including travel, accommodation, and cultural institutions. It also grants access to the global student community, allowing students to connect and access a range of services and opportunities. The ISIC Association aims to support students during their academic journey by making their student life easier, more affordable, and more enjoyable.

Benefits of the ISIC card

The International Student Identity Card (ISIC) is a globally recognised card that offers a wide range of benefits and discounts to students. The card is issued in over 130 countries and is recognised in 133 countries, including India, the United States, and across Europe. The ISIC card is endorsed by UNESCO and various national governments, ministries of education, tourism, student organisations, and universities worldwide.

The ISIC card provides students with access to a global student community and numerous benefits and discounts worldwide. Here are some of the key benefits:

• International Recognition and Proof of Student Status: The ISIC card is recognised in over 130 countries and serves as internationally accepted proof of full-time student status. This recognition makes it easier for students to access student discounts and benefits worldwide.
• Discounts on Travel, Accommodation, and Cultural Institutions: ISIC cardholders can access various discounts on flights, accommodation, and entry to museums, archaeological sites, and other cultural institutions. For example, an ISIC cardholder mentioned receiving a 50% discount on a ferry ticket in Greece.
• Discounts on Food, Shopping, and International Calls: The card provides discounts on food at restaurants and grocery stores, shopping, and international phone calls.
• Discounts on Educational Resources and Software: ISIC cardholders can access discounts on educational courses, books, and software. This includes popular software for programming and ethical hacking, which can be expensive for students.
• Access to Exclusive Offers and Services: The ISIC card unlocks exclusive offers and services worldwide, including limited vouchers and discounts that may not be available to the general public.
• Convenience and Savings: The ISIC card is a convenient way to pay for expenses while studying abroad, helping students save money on their living and study costs.
• Digital Accessibility: The ISIC mobile app provides easy access to the digital student card, allowing cardholders to explore and redeem offers instantly. The app also helps students discover discounts in their vicinity and stay updated with the latest news and vouchers.

The ISIC Association

The ISIC card provides students with thousands of discounts worldwide and access to the global student community. It is recognised as proof of student status and is endorsed by UNESCO, national governments, ministries of education and tourism, student organisations, and universities worldwide. The card is valid for 16 months, aligning with the academic year of the country where it is purchased.

Frequently asked questions