ISIC Card: Complete Guide to International Student Identity Card 2025
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Table of Contents
- What is ISIC Card for Students?
- Types of ISIC Cards in 2025
- ISIC Card Benefits for Students
- Who is Eligible to Apply for ISIC?
- Eligibility Criteria for ISIC Card for Students
- How to Apply for an International Student Identity Card?
- What are the Different Types of Discounts Availed Through ISIC Card?
- How Long is ISIC Card Validity?
- What is the Cost of an ISIC Card?
- ISIC Card vs Other Student ID Cards
- ISIC Card Renewal and Replacement
- Countries Issuing ISIC Cards in 2025
- Unlock Student Opportunities with ISIC Card
The International Student Identity Card (ISIC card) is the only internationally recognised student ID endorsed by UNESCO. Issued in over 130+ countries, this card serves as a global proof of student status providing exclusive access to 150,000+ discounts worldwide.
Students, if the ISIC card isn't on your radar yet, you're passing up a golden ticket to a realm brimming with opportunities and discounts. So, what exactly is the ISIC card, and what wonders does it unlock? Let us lead you into the details of this extraordinary student privilege abroad.
What is ISIC Card for Students?
ISIC card is a globally recognised student identity card, which is available to full time students aged 12 years and above. The card aims to facilitate students’ access to international opportunities and benefits through discounts and services tailored to their lifestyle.
Presently, the International Student Identity Card enjoys recognition from universities, academic institutions, student organizations, and governments in approximately 130 countries.
ʲپܱ |
Details |
Launch Year |
1953 |
Recognised By |
UNESCO, European Council of Culture, and Other Global Organizations |
Countries Issuing ISIC Cards |
134 countries |
Current Holders |
5.3 million (2024) |
Total Brand Partners |
150,000+ |
Average Savings per Student |
USD 500 (minimum) annually |
Average Age of ISIC Card User |
18 - 26 years |
Top ISIC Card Usage Categories |
Travel (32%), Shopping (27%), Education (21%), Events (10%) |
Also Read: Exams to Study Abroad in 2025: Top 13 Suggestions for Young Aspirants
Types of ISIC Cards in 2025
No matter if you are a student or not any more. If you are below the age of 30 years you are still eligible for other types of ISIC cards which include:
Type of Card |
Description |
Eligibility |
ISIC |
Standard card for students |
Full-time students aged 12+ |
ITIC |
International Teacher Identity Card |
Full-time teachers/lecturers |
IYTC |
International Youth Travel Card |
Non-students under 30 years |
ISIC Card Benefits for Students
Before we proceed with understanding the eligibility and process to apply for ISIC card it is crucial to familiarize ourselves with notable benefits of ISIC cards for students in 2025, which include:
- -ڰԻ:Like other Prepaid Forex Cards, you can easily load the ISIC card with the required foreign currency and use it for cash withdrawals from ATMs abroad.
- Forex Protection:Protects against forex rate fluctuations, ensuring the locked-in exchange rates maintain the loaded amount's value.
- Convenient Reloads:Instantly reload the card via Net Banking, Phone Banking, or in-person visits to a branch, eliminating the need for wire transfers.
- Global Acceptance:Widely accepted wherever MasterCard is, providing seamless transactions worldwide.
- Universal Student Identity:Recognized globally as a student identity card, granting access to student facilities worldwide.
- Secure Transactions:Embedded chip ensures safe and secure transactions, protecting against phishing and financial risks.
- Complimentary Insurance:Includes insurance against misuse, air accident cover, and coverage for lost baggage.
- Easy Tracking:Online tracking of transactions, balance, and the option to change the IPIN for added convenience.
- Free International SIM:Obtain a pre-recharged international SIM card for free upon acquiring an ISIC card, providing added connectivity.
Also Read:What is a Forex Card and How Is It Useful When You Are Moving Abroad?
Who is Eligible to Apply for ISIC?
The ISIC Card is designed for full-time students aged 12 and above, attending school, college, or university. There is no upper age limit for obtaining an ISIC student card, provided you can demonstrate current full-time student status.
*If you are on a study or semester break, it's advisable to check with your local ISIC organization to confirm eligibility.
Eligibility Criteria for ISIC Card for Students
Students applying for International Student Identity Card must meet the following requirements:
- Be enrolled full time student in an accredited school, college or university
- Be at least 12 years of age
- Must provide:
- Proof of enrollment (student ID, fee receipt, or admission letter)
- Recent passport size photo
- Valid government ID (passport, national ID)
Also Read:Best Universities for Indian Students Abroad (2025)
How to Apply for an International Student Identity Card?
Applying for an ISIC card is a straightforward process and can be done either online or through a visit to an ISIC office. Let us delve into the details of both methods:
ISIC Card Online Application Process
Acquiring an ISIC card online is the most convenient method. Just follow these steps:
Step 1:Visit the ISIC official website.
Step 2:Navigate to the "Get your Card" section.
Step 3:Click on "Order Card" under the Virtual ISIC card option; you can later receive a physical card.
Step 4:Complete your personal information.
Step 5:Upload the necessary documents and a photo with a blue or white background.
Step 6:Provide proof of full-time student status, such as a college ID or acceptance letter, with a clear date.
Step 7:Upload an additional ID proof.
Step 8:Select the payment method and pay the applicable fees.
The processing of your online application may take around 3-4 weeks to be processed and card delivery.
ISIC Card Offline Application Process
You can also purchase an ISIC card by visiting an ISIC issuing office. These offices are globally distributed, and you can find the one nearest to your location. Present the same set of documents required for the online application during the in-person process.
The processing of your online application may take around 3-4 weeks to be processed and card delivery.
What are the Different Types of Discounts Availed Through ISIC Card?
Just above you had a fair glimpse of the ISIC card benefits you could cash on, moving further we have this special section where you can learn more about the different discounts your are eligible as a ISIC card holder
The International Student Identity Card (ISIC) offers students worldwide recognition and access to numerous benefits:
Category |
Benefits |
Travel & Transportation |
Up to 50% off on train, bus, and ferry tickets (Europe & Asia) Discounts on major airlines: British Airways, Qatar Airways, Lufthansa Savings at Hostelling International and other global hostel chains |
Education & Courses |
Access to Microsoft Office 365, Adobe Creative Cloud at discounted student rates Offers on language courses, TOEFL, IELTS, GMAT prep Free/discounted e-learning: Udemy, Coursera, Skillshare |
Shopping & Food |
Exclusive deals at H&M, Levi’s, Samsung, Lenovo, Apple Meal discounts at Burger King, Pizza Hut, Subway |
Museums & Experiences |
Free/discounted access to 5,000+ museums, exhibitions, concerts, and cultural events |
How Long is ISIC Card Validity?
The ISIC card validity period is 1 year, ensuring that from the moment of issuance, ISIC student card benefits and privileges remain accessible for the entirety of the duration.
What is the Cost of an ISIC Card?
The ISIC card price differs between countries but typically ranges from USD 4 to USD 25 (INR 296 to INR 1857). The ISIC card cost is directly tied to the purchasing power in each country, a calculation conducted by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to ensure equitable pricing in various locations.
The ISIC costs in a few of the prominent student destinations are as follows:
Country |
Virtual Card |
Additional Plastic Card (if you already own a virtual ISIC) |
Australia |
A$30 (INR 1,680) |
A$14.50 (INR 812) |
Canada |
C$20 (INR 1,248) |
C$5 (INR 312) |
Ireland |
€10 (INR 911) |
€5 (INR 455) |
United Kingdom |
€12 (INR 1,093) |
€3 (INR 273) |
United States |
US$20 (INR 1,664) |
US$5 (INR 416) |
Also Read:7 Best Countries To Study Abroad for Indian Students
*Note: Prices are provided as examples and are subject to change. For the latest pricing information in your country, please refer to the official ISIC website.
ISIC Card vs Other Student ID Cards
To understand the benefits of ISIC card over the other various student ID cards options we have listed a comparative table between ISIC card vs other student ID cards:
Feature |
ISIC Card |
University ID |
Student Beans/UNiDAYS |
Global Recognition |
Yes |
No |
No |
Travel Discounts |
Yes |
No |
No |
Physical & Digital Version |
Yes |
Varies |
No (digital only) |
UNESCO Backing |
Yes |
No |
No |
Eligibility Beyond University |
Yes |
No |
No |
ISIC Card Renewal and Replacement
Renewing your ISIC card is a straightforward process that can be done once your current card expires. To renew you must reapply just as a new application by submitting updated documents that prove your current student status.
In case of lost or misplaced ISIC card, you should immediately contact the issuing office for assistance while in the meantime, you can continue using the digital version of your ISIC card via the mobile app which serves as an official backup.
Additionally, if you need to update personal information, such as address, email or photo, you can do so easily through the online ISIC portal.
Countries Issuing ISIC Cards in 2025
The updated list of the global ISIC distribution network operating over 100 territories worldwide in legends like AO (Affiliate Organization), ER (Exclusive Representative), PER (Provisional Exclusive Representative) include:
Country |
Issuing Authority |
Albania |
Contemporary Student Solutions Albania |
Argentina |
Goou S.R.L |
Australia |
Savvy Youth & Student |
Austria |
eduverify GmbH |
Bangladesh |
LUMINOUS / Resource Link Bangladesh |
Belgium |
BYSS |
Brazil |
CME TECNOLOGIA LTDA |
Canada |
Canadian Federation of Students-Services |
Chile |
Goou S.R.L |
China |
Beijing Ruisheng Kaichuang International Cultural Exchange Co., Ltd. (KCICE) / YouTao (Shanghai) Management Consulting Co. Ltd. |
Colombia |
CLUB ANDIAMO SAS / STUDENT TRAVEL CENTER |
Croatia |
STA putovanja |
Cyprus |
ATHANASIA G. DIMOPOULOU LIMITED PARTNERSHIP |
Czech Republic |
GTS Alive s.r.o. |
Denmark |
KILROY Denmark A/S |
Egypt |
Egyptian Student Travel Services, ESTS |
Estonia |
FESU |
Finland |
KILROY Finland OY |
France |
Global Youth & Student Community |
Germany |
Reisedienst Deutscher Studentenschaften GmbH |
Greece |
ATHANASIA G. DIMOPOULOU LIMITED PARTNERSHIP |
Hong Kong (SAR) |
Hong Kong Student Travel Limited |
Hungary |
OTP Travel Kft. |
Iceland |
KILROY Iceland ehf. |
India |
ALIVEID EDUCOM PRIVATE LIMITED |
Indonesia |
INTERNATIONAL STUDENT SERVICES |
Ireland |
Student Marketing Network LTD. |
Israel |
ISSTA |
Italy |
CGS Italia |
Japan |
Academic Pass, Inc. |
Kenya |
Charleston Travel |
Kuwait |
GTS Alive ME DMCC |
Latvia |
ISIC Latvia |
Lebanon |
Campus Travel |
Malaysia |
STC Travel Sdn Bhd |
Malta |
NSTS-Education Lifestyle Mobility |
Mexico |
Credenciales de Valor SA de CV |
Netherlands |
Kilory Netherlands B.V. |
New Zealand |
Savvy Youth & Student |
Nigeria |
CHARLCOLES TRAVEL AND TOURS LIMITED / Gladstone Hope Enterprises Ltd / STUDENT DEAL |
Norway |
KILROY Norway A/S |
Pakistan |
Alive Pakistan |
Peru |
INTEJ |
Poland |
Almatur Association |
Portugal |
ISIC Portugal |
Romania |
GTS Alive SRL |
Russia |
LLC TALARII / LLC “Nowitex Language Centre” |
Saudi Arabia |
EF Education First LLC. |
Serbia |
Global Travel Group |
South Africa |
Better Days Consultancy Pty Ltd / SYTS (PTY) LTD |
South Korea |
KISES |
Spain |
VIAJOVEN |
Sri Lanka |
United Ventures Pvt Ltd |
Sweden |
KILROY Sweden AB |
Switzerland |
Fugira Ltd |
Taiwan (POC) |
THE EDUCATION FOUNDATION OF EUROPE |
Thailand |
SHARP INTERCHANGE CO,.LTD |
Tunisia |
SYTravel Tunisia |
Turkey |
ISIC Turkey |
Ukraine |
YOUTH NGO STUDENTLAND |
United Arab Emirates |
GTS Alive ME DMCC |
United Kingdom |
ISIC UK Limited |
USA |
WANDRIAN VENTURES, INC / CKM SYTS |
Uzbekistan |
ISIC Uzbekistan |
Venezuela |
IVI Venezuela |
Vietnam |
NOUSITE VIETNAM COMPANY LIMITED |
Unlock Student Opportunities with ISIC Card
To conclude, the ISIC card is a valuable tool for students, offering global discounts and benefits. With a 1-year validity, its straightforward application process ensures accessibility. Stay updated on the official ISIC website for the latest features, making ISIC your key to a world of student privileges.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the ISIC card worth it?
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How does ISIC work?
Is the ISIC a valid student ID?