ISIC - International Student Identity Card

We have answered some of the most commonly asked questions about the International Student Identity Card (ISIC), so please check the list below. If you have any other questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Who is eligible for an ISIC?

I’m not a student – is there a way I can enjoy ISIC’s benefits?

If you aren't a student, but are under 26 years old, the International Youth Travel Card (IYTC) is the right card for you.
 
If you're a full-time teacher or professor, you can apply for the International Teacher Identity Card (ITIC).
 
The IYTC and ITIC cards both offer similar benefits, services and savings to the ISIC card. 
 
Find out more about the IYTC youth card and ITIC teacher card

What do you mean by ‘full-time student’?

The definition of a full-time student depends on which country you are in. Your local office which issues ISIC card will be able to advise you.
 
Generally, full-time usually means at least 15 hours of study a week, for a minimum of 12 weeks per year.

I’m a part-time student – can I still enjoy the ISIC card’s benefits?

If you study part-time and you are under 26 years old, the International Youth Travel Card (IYTC) is the right card for you. The IYTC card offers similar benefits, services and savings to the ISIC card. 

Find out more about the benefits available to holders of the IYTC youth card

I am doing a Masters degree - can I get an ISIC?

Yes, as long as you are studying full time.

Who can get an ISIC card?

The ISIC card is available to full-time students at school, college or university, aged 12 years and above. There is no upper age limit.
 
 

Is there an age limit?

You have to be at least 12 years old to get an ISIC card. There is no upper age limit, as long as you are a full-time student.
 
Some discount providers include age restrictions in their offer. 

Where can I buy an ISIC?

Where can I get an ISIC card?

You can often get an ISIC card in the country where you live. If you're going travelling, or studying abroad, you can either get it before you set off, or when you arrive at your destination. The same applies for the IYTC and ITIC cards.
 
We have ISIC offices in 120 countries around the world.
 
Find out where you can get your ISIC card

Can I apply for an ISIC online?

Students should check here to see if they can apply online.

It usually takes three to four weeks to process your online application and deliver the card to you.
If it is not possible to order online in your country, you'll need to apply at your nearest ISIC office.

Find out more about ISIC issuing offices around the world.

There is no ISIC office in my country. How can I apply for a card?

Please contact us and we will advise you which ISIC office you should apply to.

How do I get an ISIC?

My card has been lost or stolen – how can I replace it?

You can apply for a replacement ISIC, IYTC or ITIC card at your nearest ISIC office.

ISIC cards are non-refundable and non-transferable, so you'll have to pay the full cost of a new one.

My card is expired – how can I renew it?

To renew your card, please contact the issuing office of the country where you live.

Click here for a list of worldwide issuing points

What documents do I need to get an ISIC card?

The ISIC card is only available to full-time students, so you must be able to prove you are currently studying full time at school, college or university.

When applying, please provide one of the following documents:

• A copy of your university or student identity card, clearly dated and indicating you are a full-time student or
• A signed and dated letter on official university or school stationery stating you are studying there full time. We prefer an original copy, although photocopies and faxes may be accepted.

You will also need:

• Proof of your date of birth
• A passport-sized photograph

What documents do I need to get an International Youth Travel Card (IYTC)?

The International Youth Travel Card is for people aged between 12 and 25 years old.

To get an IYTC you must be able to prove your age with one of the following documents:

• Passport or
• Birth certificate or
• An official identity card issued in your country of residence

You'll also need to bring along a passport-sized photo.

How long is my card valid for?

The standard ISIC card has a fixed validity of 16 months, from the start of the academic year.
 
The academic year depends on where you are studying. For example, in Europe, USA and India, the card is valid from 1 September until 31 December the following year.
 
If you are studying in Australia, South Africa or Argentina, your ISIC card will be valid from 1 December until 31 March, 16 months later.
 
Some ISIC cards also double as bank cards. These are valid for 12 months.

What documents do I need to get an International Teacher Identity Card (ITIC)?

The ITIC card is especially for full-time professional teachers.

To prove your full-time teaching status, you will need to bring a letter on official school or university stationery. This must state that you are employed at a recognised school, college or university for at least 18 hours per week, for a minimum of one academic year.

You will also need a passport-sized photo.

Why is the ISIC valid 16 months?

Your ISIC card's validity is related to the academic year. In some countries this starts in September (eg Europe, India), and in others it starts in December (eg New Zealand, South Africa).
 
The validity of your ISIC card is for 16 months so that you can enjoy your benefits for at least one full academic year, wherever you are studying and travelling.
 

How much does an ISIC card cost?

The cost of an ISIC card varies slightly in different countries. It is usually around the price of a local cinema ticket. Please check with your local ISIC issuing office for the current cost in your country.

Find your local ISIC issuing office

What are the benefits of an ISIC?

What benefits do I get with my IYTC/ITIC?

Benefits, services and savings to the ISIC card, although some offers might have restrictions.
 
Look up our discounts page for all  benefits marked with the IYTC and ITIC logo to find our which ones are available.

How can I make cheaper telephone calls with my ISIC?

Here's another great way to save money: With ISIConnect you can save up to 70% on international calls from 75 countries. It also gives you access to voicemail, SMS services and a free email account.
 
Find out about ISIConnect's benefits and how to set up your account

Do my friends and family also enjoy the benefits?

No, unfortunately not. ISIC offers and discounts can only be enjoyed by the cardholder. However, your family and friends might also be eligible for their own ISIC cards.

What benefits do I get with my ISIC?

Your card provides you with a wide range of discounts and special offers. This includes discounts on flights and ferries as well as at museums, bookshops and restaurants.
Discounts vary from country to country, but you're sure to make significant savings at home and when travelling abroad with your card. Make sure your ISIC card goes everywhere with you!

Find out more about great student discounts and benefits, home and away 

What help can I get in an emergency?

Your ISIC card isn't just about giving you great deals – we will also do our best to help you in an emergency. All ISIC, IYTC and ITIC cardholders have access to a 24-hour ISIC Emergency Helpline.

You can telephone this helpline free of charge. The operator will then refer you to legal, medical or travel advisors, depending on what you need. All information is available in English, Spanish, French and German.
 
Find out more about the ISIC Emergency Helpline



 

Is there a guide or booklet which lists all ISIC discounts?

Many of our ISIC offices also provide printed guides listing all the discounts, offers and services available locally. 
 
Find out from your local ISIC office if they have a discount guide available

Find out more about all ISIC's benefits around the world