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Frequently asked questions

We have answered some of the most commonly asked questions about the International Student Identity Card (ISIC), so please check the list below.


Who is eligible for an ISIC?

Who can get an ISIC?

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

I'm not a student, is there a way I can enjoy ISIC's benefits?

If you are not a student, but are under 30 years old at the time you apply for the card, 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 both offer similar benefits, services and discounts to the ISIC.

What do you mean by "full time student"?

The definition of a full time student depends on which country you are in. Your local ISIC issuing office will be able to advise you.

Generally, full time means at least 15 hours of study a week, for a minimum of 12 weeks per year.

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.

I'm a part time student – can I still enjoy the ISIC benefits?

If you are not a full time student, but are 30 years old or younger at the time you apply for the card, 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 both offer similar benefits, services and discounts to the ISIC card.

Is there an age limit?

You have to be at least 12 years old to get an ISIC. There is no upper age limit, so long as you are a full time student.

Some territories prefer to issue students in the age range of 12-18 years with an International Scholar Identity Card, which comes with all the same great benefits when compared to the International Student Identity Card. The term "scholar" is simply used to distinguish between cardholders that are enrolled in high school (scholars) and those that are enrolled in higher/tertiary education institutions (e.g. college or university).

I'm doing a Masters degree – can I get an ISIC?

Yes, so long as you are studying full time

Where can I purchase an ISIC / IYTC / ITIC ?

At your local issuing office

You can often buy an ISIC in the country where you live. If you are 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. When searching for an issuing office online, please look for the corresponding blue or orange dot to indicate that particular issuing office sells the IYTC or ITIC card, as not all do.

We have ISIC offices in 130 countries around the world.

Search for your local issuing office here.

Can I buy the card online?

Currently it is possible to purchase your ISIC / IYTC / ITIC online in the following countries:



It usually takes 3 – 4 weeks to process your online application and deliver the card to you. If it is not possible to order your card online in you country, you'll need to apply at your nearest issuing office. Search for your local issuing office here.

Can I apply via post?

If you do not live close to an issuing office, then you may be able to apply via post. Please call your nearest issuing office or visit your countries ISC website to see if this is possible.

Find your local issuing office here.

Find your country's ISIC website here.

There is no issuing office in my country. Can I apply for the card?
If there is no issuing office in your country then you can apply in another country when you travel. Be sure to take your eligibility documents with you. We are constantly developing the accessibility of the cards to countries all over the world. Please continue to check for future developments.

What documents do I need?

What documents do I need to get an ISIC?

The ISIC 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
  • - 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 or your date of birth
  • - A passport sized photograph

What documents do I need to get an IYTC?

The International Youth Travel Card (IYTC) is for youth and young adults aged up to and including 30 years old who are not fulltime students.

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

  • Passport
  • Birth certificate
  • Official Identity Card issued in your country of residence

You will also need a recent passport sized photograph of yourself.

What documents do I need to get an ITIC?

The International Teacher Identity Card (ITIC) is for full time teachers or professors.

To prove your full time teaching status, you will need 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 1 academic year.

You will also need a recent passport sized photo of yourself.

What benefits and discounts can I get with my card?

How can I find benefits and discounts?

Please use our discount search engine to search for benefits and discounts worldwide. You can also download the free ISIC App for Android and iOS devices online to search for benefits and discounts when you’re on the move.

Your card provides you with a wide range of discounts and special offers including travel, entertainment, education and software benefits. Discounts and benefits vary around the world so to make significant savings at home and when travelling abroad make sure your ISIC card goes everywhere with you!

Adjust the search settings by clicking ‘Refine results’ to get discount information per category, card type and discount type. Please note some benefits and discounts may have restrictions, or can only be redeemed online. To search for online only discounts please select ‘online’ from the discount type list.

What happens if my ISIC virtual ID is not accepted by a discount provider?

As we work towards worldwide ISIC virtual ID acceptance, please be mindful that some discount providers may have specific policies in place and will accept or deny the ISIC virtual ID at their own discretion. We will do our best to inform you within the benefit description if this is the case, however, please do let us know if you are experiencing problems with virtual ID acceptance at info@isic.org so, we can discuss a solution with the discount provider and update our information if necessary.

Can I search for discounts easily on my phone or tablet?

This website is responsive so can be viewed easily on your tablet. You can also download the free ISIC App for Android and iOS devices online to search for benefits and discounts when you’re on the move.

Can I get an ISIC MasterCard card in my country?

Please contact your local ISIC office for more details on the availability of the ISIC MasterCard programme in your country.

General Card Enquiries

How much does an ISIC/IYTC/ITIC cost?

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

How long is my card valid for?

The ISIC and ITIC are valid for up to 16 months, starting on 1 September or 1 December, depending on the academic year of the country you purchase your card.

The ITYC is valid for 12 months from the date you purchase it.

Some ISIC cards are also bank cards. These are valid for 12 months.

My card was lost/stolen?

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

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

My card has expired?

To purchase a new card, please contact the issuing office of the country where you live or study. Click here for a list of worldwide issuing points.

Can I use my ISIC as proof of identity?

The ISIC card is the only internationally-recognised proof of full-time student status. It is endorsed by organisations such as UNESCO, the European Council on Culture and the Andean Community of Nations. The card is recognised by universities, academic institutions, student organisations, national governments and ministries of education around the world.

You can therefore use it to identify yourself in different places. Please keep in mind that in some places they may require a different form of identification.

If you can't find your question answered here, please contact us and we will do our best to help.