ISIC Card Explained | Benefits, Cost, & How Students Can Apply

What is an ISIC Card?

The ISIC Card, or International Student Identity Card, is the only student identification card accepted worldwide and officially recognised by UNESCO. The card was officially launched in 1953 by students for students, and it is currently managed by ISIC Association, a non-profit organisation legally registered and operating in Denmark.

In present times, the card is not only a universally accepted identification of full-time students around the globe but also a ticket to more than 150,000 discounts in over 130 countries.

Key Highlights

• Issued in physical (plastic card) or digital (ISIC App) form.
• Recognised by colleges, Governments, education ministries and Financial Establishments around the world.
• Recognised by UNESCO since 1968 as the only acknowledged proof of full-time student status globally.
• With acceptance in more than 130+ countries, there is a team of ISIC Exclusive Agents in each country who are responsible for managing local discounts.

Physical Card vs. Digital Card: Which One Should You Get?

Whether it is a physical ISIC card or a digital ISIC card, the benefits offered are the same. It is just that both types offer a different type of ease in usage. 

Types of ISIC Cards

The ISIC association issues three different types of cards, each designed for a particular group of individuals. Getting familiar with each type will help you know the right card you must apply for to enjoy a range of benefits.

ISIC Student Card

This is the flagship card designed especially for full-time students aged 12 years and above, with no upper age limit. Whether you are enrolled in secondary school, an undergraduate program, a postgraduate program, or even pursuing a doctoral degree, you qualify for this card type as long as you are a full-time student in a recognised institution.

• It is valid for 12–16 months, depending on the country of purchase.
• Accepted as proof of student status at over 41,000 partner outlets worldwide.
• Provides easy access to 150000+ discounts across travel, food, culture, and technology.

IYTC Card

The International Youth Travel Card (IYTC) is available to youth under the age of 30. It is generally for individuals who no longer pursue full-time studies, but are looking to enjoy international travel and lifestyle discounts.

• Available to individuals under 30, regardless of student status.
• Offers the majority of the same travel discounts as the ISIC Student Card.
• Perfect option for travellers, recent graduates, and young business professionals.

ITIC Card

The International Teacher Identity Card (ITIC) is similar to the ISIC Card, issued to individuals who work as full-time teachers, lecturers, and professors. The card offers verified teaching identifications worldwide, accompanied by similar discounts and other benefits.

• Only available to full-time teachers and professors
• Accepted worldwide as proof of teaching status
• Grants a similar access to discounts and benefits, just like ISIC.

ISIC Card Eligibility: Who Can Apply?

For someone planning to get an ISIC student card, meeting a few eligibility conditions is a primary requirement. These conditions include:

• Must be a full-time student at an accredited institution
• Minimum age is 12 years with no upper limit
• Proof of full-time student status is required at enrollment.

Required Documents

While applying for an ISIC card, a few of the required documents are:

• Valid Passport / National ID
• Student ID Card or Admission Letter
• Passport-sized Photo
• Visa / Travel Ticket (generally required for bank-issued forex ISIC cards)

How to Apply for an ISIC Card

Applying for an ISIC international student card requires you to follow a simple online process. Here is a step-by-step explanation for better understanding.

Step 1: Start the process by visiting the official ISIC website (isic.org) and clicking on the 'Get Your Card' button.

Step 2: In the next step, all three types of cards will be displayed. Select 'ISIC Student Card' and click 'Order Card' for the virtual option. You can request a physical card later after paying an additional shipping fee.

Step 3: Once you have selected the card type, fill in your personal details, including first name, last name, email, phone number, date of birth, and the institution name you are currently studying in.

Step 4: In the next step, you are asked to upload a digital photo of only your face with a neutral background, a scanned copy of a photo of your identity card and valid proof of student status.

Step 5: After submitting the required documents, select the desired payment method and pay the applicable fee.

Step 6: Download the ISIC app to activate your digital card and request a physical card directly through the app, and delivery takes approximately 3–4 weeks.

ISIC Card Benefits for Students

From discounts on travel, reduced accommodation rates, offers at restaurants, to savings on electronics purchases, getting an ISIC card for students is beneficial in every sense. With a valid ISIC card, a student can enjoy savings on almost every aspect of their life.

ISIC Card Cost and Validity

While the range of ISIC card benefits is highly exciting and rewarding, a common question that often comes to students’ minds is how much the card costs and what its validity period is.

The simple answer to this question is that the pricing of the card varies by country, and it is adjusted according to IMF purchasing power data with an aim to keep it fair across global economies.

Here is a general overview of ISIC card cost and validity across the top countries:

ISIC Card for Indian Students

For Indian individuals studying abroad, exploring the local banking alternatives that bundle the ISIC card benefits with a prepaid forex card is one of smartest moves.

Top options available for Indian Students are:

HDFC ISIC Student ForexPlus Card

• Accepted at all Visa and MasterCard outlets worldwide
• Available in USD, GBP, and EUR
• Combines student identity and forex functionality at just INR 300 + GST
• Complimentary insurance covers up to ₹5,00,000
• Minimum age: 12 years
• Valid for 2 years from issuance

ICICI Student Forex Prepaid Card

• Joining fee INR 499 with benefits worth up to INR 5,000
• Complimentary ISIC membership worth INR 999
• First ATM withdrawal every month is free
• Free Uber vouchers (INR 500) and international SIM card
• Lost card liability cover up to INR 5,00,000
• Supports up to 15 currencies on one card

Also Read: Best Forex Card for Indian Students

Final Thoughts

All things considered, an ISIC card is not just a discount card; it is a reliable financial companion that supports various aspects of your student life. From enjoying discounted flights and accessing food & dining offers to unlocking travel insurance and emergency insurance abroad, the benefits are way beyond. Maximising savings is all about making the smart move at the right time. Just like an ISIC card, you can save up to 5 lakhs in your overseas education journey.  Yes, you read it right, connect with our study abroad consultants today and plan your every step with us to enjoy unmatched savings.

FAQs:

1. Is the ISIC Card accepted worldwide?

Yes, the ISIC card is recognised and accepted in more than 130 countries. It is acknowledged as proof of full-time student status by UNESCO.

2. Who is eligible for ISIC?

Any individual aged 12 or above enrolled as a full-time student in a recognised school, college, or university is eligible for an ISIC Card. The key highlight is that there is no upper age limit, which makes it valuable for undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral students alike.

3. What travel discounts are available with the ISIC Card?

With an ISIC card, you can get discounts on flights, trains, buses, ferries and hotels across 130+ countries. More than 1200 transport providers and 2,400+ accommodation partners around the world offer discounted prices and fares for ISIC cardholders.

4. Can I get an ISIC card for free?

Getting a standard ISIC card for free is not possible. However, it costs as little as INr 300 + tax via HDFC Bank in India. Also, ICICI Bank offers a complimentary membership of ISIC as a welcome benefit with its Student Forex Prepaid Card.

5. Can I renew my ISIC Card after it expires?

Yes, it is possible to get your ISIC card renewed after expiry by submitting updated proof of full-time enrollment. Students must renew at least 4–6 weeks before expiry to avoid any gap in access to discounts and benefits.