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International Student Identity Card (ISIC): All You Need to Know
If you’re a college student looking to save money on travel, shopping, and more, the International Student Identity Card (ISIC) is a resource worth knowing about.
In this guide, I’ll explain what the ISIC is, how much it costs, what benefits it offers, and how to apply for it.
Let’s get started:
What Is the ISIC?
The International Student Identity Card (ISIC) is an internationally recognized student ID card that proves your full-time student status worldwide.
In addition to being an identity card, an ISIC opens the door to thousands of student discounts and benefits worldwide.
Cardholders can save, among others, on:
- Travel (flights, rail passes, hotels)
- Cultural attractions (museums, heritage sites)
- Retail purchases
- Entertainment
Essentially, it’s a student discount card combined with an ID, making it easier to prove you’re a student when abroad or even at home online.
Who Can Get an ISIC?
The card is available to full-time students at school, college, or university.
There’s no upper age limit as long as you’re a full-time student (minimum age is generally 12 years).
How Much Does the ISIC Cost?
An ISIC is very affordable.
A virtual ISIC card typically costs around $20, and a physical plastic card costs about $5 extra.
There are no recurring monthly fees. It’s a one-time purchase that lasts until the card expires.
Benefits and Discounts the ISIC Offers
One of the biggest reasons to get an ISIC is access to student discounts.
As an ISIC cardholder, you can access various deals, including national and local offers.
Here are some key perks:
- Retail and Shopping Discounts: ISIC has advertised discounts with major stores like Microsoft, Macy’s, and Target, as well as clothing and gear brands such as Nike and The North Face.
- Travel Savings: Cardholders can access student-only airfare deals on certain airlines, rail passes and bus tickets, and car rental discounts.
- Entertainment and Experiences: Your ISIC can save you money on fun activities. This includes movie tickets, museum entries, concerts, and other cultural events.
- Technology and Software: Cardholders can get discounts on software like the Adobe Creative Cloud suite  or hardware from companies like Apple (on top of Apple’s education pricing).
- Food & Miscellaneous: You can search the ISIC benefits database by city or zip code to find local restaurants, gyms, or shops offering ISIC student rates.
Keep in mind that discounts can change over time and vary by location.
So it’s a good idea to browse the official ISIC benefits directory (or the ISIC app) for the latest offers.
How to Apply for the ISIC
Getting an ISIC is a straightforward process.
You can apply either:
- Through your school: Many colleges and universities issue ISIC cards on campus (often via the study abroad office or student affairs office).
- Online: If your school doesn’t issue them, you can apply online via the official ISIC website. Students can go to the ISIC website and follow the online application process.
When you apply online, you will receive a virtual ISIC card (a digital card accessible via the ISIC app or your email).
Once approved, you can order a physical card mailed to you.
What You Need to Apply for the ISIC
Whether applying in person or online, you must provide a few things to prove your identity and student status.
Make sure you have the following ready:
- Proof of student status (e.g., a student ID card issued by your college)
- Government-issued ID (e.g., a passport or driver’s license)
- Passport-style photo: The photo must meet passport-style requirements: a clear headshot of you facing the camera, with a neutral expression, against a plain light-colored background. The photo should be in color, showing your full face clearly, and it should be recent (taken within the last 6 months) so it reflects your current appearance. No hats or sunglasses are allowed. You’ll upload this photo in digital format as part of the application.
Tip: You can take your ISIC photo at home with an online tool like PhotoAiD. It’s available as a web service, but you can also download PhotoAiD on your iPhone or get PhotoAiD on Android.
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The online application will walk you through the process of entering your details (e.g., name, birth date, school) and uploading the documents.
Once you submit everything and pay, the ISIC team will verify your documents.
The good news is that verification usually doesn’t take long.
You might get approval within a few business days (often, they just need to confirm your student proof is valid). After approval, you’ll receive your digital ISIC card (often via email with instructions to download the ISIC app and activate your card there).
If you requested a physical card, it’ll be printed and mailed to you.
How Long Does It Take to Get the ISIC?
The timeline can depend on how you applied:
If you apply at a campus office, you might get your card immediately or within a day. If you apply online and request a physical card by mail, the process typically takes a few weeks.
Pro Tip: Apply at least 3 weeks before you need your card. This buffer gives enough time for processing, mailing, or any hiccups.
How Long Is the ISIC Valid?
Generally, an ISIC is valid for one year from the issue date.
If you’re still a full-time student after your ISIC expires and want to continue using the discounts, you must purchase a new card for the following year. There isn’t an automatic renewal.
Importantly, the ISIC is only valid while you’re a student. If you were to leave school (graduate or drop to part-time) during that year, technically, the card’s intent is no longer applicable.
Related:
- Student ID Picture (Official Requirements & Online Photo Maker)
- Gdańsk University of Technology Student ID Photo
Sources
Discover other documents we support
Frequently asked questions
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.
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