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?
The ISIC is available to full time students at school, college or university, aged 12 years and above. There is no upper age limit.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Yes, so long as you are studying full time
What documents do I need?
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 (for example: passport, birth certificate, Official Identity Card issued in your country of residence)
- A recent passport sized photograph of yourself
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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
Please contact your local ISIC office for more details on the availability of the ISIC MasterCard programme in your country.
General Card Enquiries
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.