The ISIC card is proof of student status that is accepted worldwide. It verifies students and provides them access to wide-ranging benefits and discounts worldwide. You can redeem discounts for accommodation, travel, visiting cultural institutions, and other benefits with an ISIC card.
Who Issues The ISIC Card?
The ISIC Association issues the ISIC student card. In addition, it issues the International Teacher Identity Card (ITIC) for teachers and professors and the International Youth Travel Card (IYTC) for non-students. The organisation is a non-profit registered legally in Denmark.
The ISIC Service Office d.o.o administers and manages the ISIC card globally. The ISIC Association wholly owns this office.
Distribution Of The ISIC Card
The ISIC card is available in more than 130 countries. In all 130 countries, an ISIC Exclusive Representative holds the exclusive rights to issue ISIC cards. These representatives form a global network of distribution for the ISIC cards. The representatives are also responsible for promoting and developing the ISIC cards.
In addition, they develop and manage a list of benefits, discounts, and services that ISIC card holders can avail themselves of, both local and national.
Eligibility Requirements Of The ISIC Card
Only bona fide students enrolled in higher or tertiary education and full-time secondary education are eligible for an ISIC card. The age limit starts at 12 years without an upper limit.
The ISIC card is valid only for a period of 16 months from the start of the academic year in the country of purchase.
Endorsements And Alliances
Since the ISIC’s early days, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has played a key role in its development. Also, UNESCO officially endorsed full support of the ISIC card in 1968. Some global endorsements of the ISIC card include
- AIESEC
- Community of Andean Nations
- European Law Students’ Association (ELSA)
- European Students’ Union
- European Youth Card Association (EYCA)
- Hosteling International Partnership (HIP)
- International Association of Universities
- International Pharmaceutical Federation
- World Savings Banks Institute (WSBI)
- World Youth Student Education Travel Confederation (WYSETC)
In addition to endorsements, the ISIC association has strategic global partners supporting its initiative. They are,
- Mastercard
- British Council
- Education First
- FlixBus
- Hard Rock Café
- The Economist
- Homestay
- Hostelsclub
- Hostelworld
- Hotels.com
- Lonely Planet
- SANDEMANs
- Withlocals
Benefits Of The ISIC Student Card
According to the ISIC website, you can avail of around 150,000 benefits and discounts in over 130 countries. Also, you can save money at home and abroad. Some of the major benefits are listed below.
International Identification Document
The ISIC student card is an internationally valid form of identification that you can use anywhere in the world. You can use it to prove that you’re a student whenever necessary. You can also use it to avail student-specific services and facilities without much trouble.
Transactions Are Easier
The ISIC card is a great option for travellers who need to make transactions in different currencies. With the ISIC card, you can make purchases in over 160 countries and territories. The card also offers several other benefits, including discounts on travel, entertainment, and more.
The ISIC card is a great option if you’re looking for a convenient and affordable way to transact in different currencies.
You can load money in different currencies, withdraw from ATMs, pay bills, etc. It is one of the best foreign exchange cards in the world, and its universal transaction capability is one of its biggest USPs.
Discounts
The ISIC card is a great way to get discounts on travel, accommodation, and more. With the ISIC card, you can get up to 10% off your purchase at participating retailers. You can also get discounts on flights, tours, and other activities. Also, the ISIC card can help you save money on travel, retail, food, and more. Here are just a few of the discounts you can get with an ISIC card:
- Up to 50% off on international flights
- 10-15% off at major retailers like Topshop, Forever 21, and H&M
- Discounts on food and drink at restaurants and cafes around the world
- 5-10% off at popular tourist attractions
The ISIC card is automatically included with full-time student status at many universities. With an ISIC card, you can take advantage of student discounts in over 130 countries.
Visit this page to explore the nearly endless list of discounts the ISIC student card can get you.
Security Against Foreign Exchange Fluctuations
The ISIC card is a great way to hedge against potential losses due to currency fluctuations. When you use your ISIC card to make purchases in a foreign currency, the card will automatically convert the purchase amount into your home currency at the current exchange rate. This helps to protect you from losses if the value of the foreign currency falls after you make your purchase.
Easy To Load And Transfer Money
The ISIC card is also a great way to send money to friends and family members who live in different countries. With the ISIC card, you can easily load money onto their account and then have them withdraw the money from an ATM in their country.
This is a great way to send money to someone who doesn’t have a bank account or doesn’t want to pay the fees associated with traditional money transfer methods. You only need an email address and a password to set up an account.
To load money onto your ISIC card, simply log into your account and select the ‘Add Money’ option. You can choose how much money you want to load onto your card. The money will be sent to your card within 1-2 business days.
Once you have money on your ISIC card, you can use it to make purchases online or in-store, withdraw cash from ATMs, or transfer funds to another cardholder. The ISIC card is a safe and convenient way to send and receive money, so why not give it a try
Applying For An ISIC Card
Getting the ISIC card can be a tricky process without proper guidance. You can either apply for the card by visiting your nearest ISIC office directly or by applying online. Let’s explore both methods.
Online Process To Apply For An ISIC Card
It is easy and convenient, and you can apply from anywhere. All you have to do is, visit the ISIC website, select your country, fill out a form and upload all the required documents.
- You’ll need a digital photograph in JPEG format. You can upload a passport-size photograph or a selfie with a white or blue background.
- You will also need a scanned copy of your proof of full-time student status. Note that the date of the issue should be clearly visible. You can use your university card or even an official letter of acceptance.
- You will have to submit a scanned copy of your identity proof. Your driving license and passport are valid options.
- For the payment method, you can use your card or a PayPal account.
Once you’ve completed the process, it’ll take 3 to 4 weeks for the card to reach you. The number of weeks greatly depends on the efficiency of your country’s postal service.
Steps involved in applying for the ISIC card online.
Offline Process To Apply For An ISIC Card
You’ll have to visit your nearest ISIC card issuing office to get the ISIC student card offline. You can find these offices around the world. You can submit the same documents as you’d for the online application process and get your ISIC student card.
How Much Does The ISIC Card Cost?
The ISIC card cost varies depending on the country of issue. It depends heavily on the purchasing power of the country where the card is issued. This method allows the ISIC Association to keep the cost fair for everyone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question 1: My Country Doesn’t Issue The ISIC Student Card; Is There A Way For Me To Get It?
Answer: If your country doesn’t have an ISIC issuing office, there is still a way for you to get the ISIC card. If you’re going abroad to study, you can apply to the country you’re going to. But you will have to have all your eligibility documents in order.
Question 2: I Am Not Able To Access Online Benefits Using My ISIC Student Card. What Do I Do?
Answer: If you cannot access online benefits, your card might be inactive in the ISIC database. You can visit the ISIC card activation page and initiate the activation process. The activation will take 1 or 2 days, and you will receive an email notifying you of successful activation.
Contact the ISIC Association if you have issues accessing online benefits even after activating your card.
Question 3: I Was Refused A Benefit Even Though The Discount Was Promoted; What Do I Do?
Answer: The ISIC Association takes issues like this very seriously. If a retailer or service promoted a discount or benefit and denied you the same, please report it to the ISIC Association, clearly describing the situation.
Question 4: Can I Use My Phone Or Tablet To Look For Discounts?
Answer: The website is responsive, so you’ll have no issues using it on a mobile device. But if you use it often and need the convenience of a mobile application, you can go ahead and download the ISIC app for Android or iOS devices. The app will allow you to search for benefits and discounts whenever necessary.
Question 5: Can I Get An ISIC Card Even If I Am Not A Student?
Answer: No, you cannot get an ISIC student card if you’re not a student. Although, if you’re 30 years or younger, you can apply for the International Youth Travel Card (IYTC). This card offers similar benefits, discounts, and services as the ISIC card.
