The International Student Identity Card (ISIC) is a globally recognized ID that proves you're a full-time student and gives you access to thousands of student discounts worldwide.

Anyone who’s a full-time student at a school, college, or university can apply. There’s no upper age limit, but applicants must typically be at least 12 years old.

A virtual ISIC card costs around $20. If you want a physical plastic version, it usually costs about $5 more. It’s a one-time purchase valid for one year.

ISIC cardholders get access to deals in:

• Travel: student fares on flights, rail passes, and car rentals
• Retail: discounts at stores like Target, Nike, and Microsoft
• Entertainment: savings on movies, museums, concerts
• Technology: deals on Adobe software, Apple products, and more
• Food & Local Offers: restaurant and gym discounts in select cities

Visit the official ISIC website or download the ISIC app to browse deals by location or category.

You can apply:

• Through your school, if it participates (e.g., study abroad office)
• Online, via the official ISIC website. You’ll get a digital card and can also request a physical one.

• Proof of full-time student status (e.g., student ID)
• Government-issued ID (e.g., passport, driver’s license)
• Passport-style photo (recent, clear, plain background, no hats/sunglasses)

• On campus: Same day or within one business day
• Online (digital only): A few business days after verification
• Online (with physical card): Up to 2 weeks, including mailing time.

The card is valid for 12 months from the issue date. If you’re still a full-time student, you’ll need to reapply each year.

No. You must purchase a new card after it expires, and reconfirm your student status.

The ISIC is intended for current full-time students. If your student status changes, you’re technically no longer eligible for the card.