International Student Identity Card: ISIC Card Benefits, Features

ISIC Card: The International Student card acts as an identity proof for students who plan to study abroad. ISIC Card offers thousands of discounts and access to the global student community. These can range from travel and accommodation savings to deals on meals, entertainment, and cultural attractions.

The International Student Identity Card (ISIC) is more than just a student ID—it’s a passport to thousands of discounts, travel perks, and educational benefits worldwide. Sounds interesting, right? Let’s read more about the ISIC card, its benefits, eligibility, where to get it and a lot more in this blog.

What is ISIC Card?

ISIC Card for international students is the only globally recognised student ID Card which offers multiple offers to students This helps them save money and budget wisely when embarking on a study abroad journey. The card serves three purposes in one card- student identity, INR prepaid and ISIC benefits card.

Key highlights of International student card are listed below:

• The ISIC is endorsed by UNESCO and the ISIC Association, a non-profit organization issues the International Student Identity Card to students.
• The ISIC Card has a 14-digit alpha-numeric number mentioned in the top right corner.
• Any student over the age of 12 who is currently enrolled full-time in a recognized educational institution can apply for an ISIC Card.
• The ISIC card issued by the ISIC association is valid for one year.
• The ISIC card price in India is INR 1280/- inclusive of all taxes.
• ISIC Card issued for Indian students planning to study abroad is valid in more than 125 countries, including the US, UK, Australia, Canada, Europe, etc.
• Besides the ISIC Association, YES Bank and HDFC Bank also issue International Student Identity Cards.

ISIC Full Form

The full form of ISIC is International Student Identity Card. It is a globally accepted identification card specifically designed for students enrolled in full-time education programs. The card was first introduced in 1953 and has since grown into a widely recognized document, offering students numerous benefits.

The International Student Identity Card allows students to prove their academic status internationally, making it easier to access discounts, travel perks, and educational resources. It serves as an essential document for those looking to study abroad, travel, or avail of student-exclusive deals.

ISIC Card Benefits

ISIC Card offers various benefits to international students. Since it is a globally recognized student identity card, you can leave your passports safely at home by simply carrying an ISIC Card. This saved you from passport loss or theft while studying abroad. Check out the other benefits the ISIC Card offers-

• It offers 1,50,000+ benefits, offers, and discounts specifically designed for students.
• Benefits and offers can be availed in shopping, entertainment, education, travel, food and beverages, accommodation, and much more.
• It is valid in more than 125 countries.
• You get free student travel insurance coverage with an ISIC Card.
• Convenient access to e-wallet, loading money, and making payments.
• Choose your location to see discounts in your city by opting for an ISIC Card.

What is ISIC Card Number?

The ISIC Card Number is a 14-digit alphanumeric unique identification number assigned to each International Student Identity Card (ISIC) holder. This number acts as a verification tool, proving that the cardholder is a legitimate full-time student. It is printed on both physical and digital ISIC cards and is required for accessing student benefits worldwide. If you lose your International student card, you can retrieve your ISIC number through the ISIC website or app and request a replacement card.

You can find your ISIC number:

1. On Your Physical ISIC Card: It is printed on the front side.
2. In the ISIC App: If you have a digital card, your ISIC number is displayed in the app.
3. On Your ISIC Account: Log in to the official ISIC website to retrieve your card details.

Also Read: Forex Scams are popular these days. Know all about Forex Scams, its types and popular incidents to save yourself from falling into it.

How to Get an International Student Identity Card?

Getting an ISIC Card is a straightforward process. You simply need to prove that you are a student. For this, you need to submit documents like a letter from the college, an i20 or offer letter from the university, and address proof. Now, follow the steps to get an ISIC card online-

• Visit the official website of ISIC.
• Navigate to the ‘Cards’ Section and click on ISIC.
• Click on ‘Get Your Card’.
• Now, fill in the details to sign up.
• Complete the details to avail of your ISIC Card.
• Attach the documents required.
• Choose the payment method and pay the required fees.

Documents Required for ISIC Card

Applicants must submit certain documents to prove their identity as students. Once you submit the required documents, you can apply for an ISIC Card for international students and avail of a virtual or physical ISIC. Check out the documents required to get your ISIC Card-

• Student Identity Card
• Letter from your School, College or University
• I – 20 or Offer letter from the College/ University
• Photo Identity & Address Proof
• Photograph

Indian Banks Offering ISIC Cards for International Students

Banks like YES Bank and HDFC Bank provide ISIC Prepaid Cards for students to manage money and make hassle-free payments. Check out the features given below-

HDFC Bank

It is one of the popular Indian banks issuing HDFC ISIC Student Cards. These act as dual cards- Forex Card and Identity Card. Universities, academic and financial institutions, and ministries of education across the world recognise this card.

• HDFC ISIC Student ForexPlus Cards are valid for up to 2 years.
• This card allows multiple reloading options, including instant reloading online, and reloading via net banking and branch visits.
• It allows easy online transactions at all e-commerce platforms and other marketplaces.
• Provides comprehensive coverage against theft, counterfeiting/ skimming, and loss.
• Available in 3 different currencies- USD, EUR, and GBP.
• HDFC Bank ISIC Student Card is issued at just INR 300.

Also Read: All banks offer a wide range of remittance services like sending money abroad, receiving funds from foreign countries etc. Learn about HDFC Bank remittance services in our blog. 

YES Bank

YES Bank is another Indian Bank that offers ISIC Cards for international students in partnership with ISIC. This is known as the ISIC- YES Bank Student Prepaid Card. This is a 3-in-1 card that is issued to students above 9 years of age.

• It’s the only globally accepted student ID card, valid in over 125 countries (including India!). This can be helpful for travel, accommodation, and other situations where you need to prove your student status.
• You get access to over 150,000 discounts worldwide, including in India, on things like travel, food, entertainment, and more.
• The card functions as a prepaid Visa card on the Yes Bank network, allowing you to manage your finances independently and conveniently.

International Student Identity Card vs Regular Student ID

Students often wonder whether they should opt for an International Student Identity Card (ISIC) or just rely on their regular student ID issued by their college or university. While both serve as proof of student status, they differ in terms of usability, recognition, and benefits.

Here’s a detailed comparison of the International Student Identity Card (ISIC) vs. a Regular Student ID in table format:

Feature	ISIC (International Student Identity Card)	Regular Student ID
Recognition	Recognized globally in over 130 countries	Valid only within the issuing institution
Issued By	ISIC Association & authorized partners	Colleges, universities, or schools
Acceptance	Accepted by international businesses, airlines, hotels, and educational institutions	Accepted only on campus and sometimes at local businesses
Discounts & Benefits	Offers over 150,000 student discounts worldwide on travel, shopping, food, and education	Limited or no discounts beyond campus
Travel Perks	Discounts on flights, rail passes, bus tickets, and hostels	No travel benefits outside university agreements
Validity	Typically valid for one year and needs renewal	Usually valid for the duration of the academic course
Digital Availability	Available as a digital card via the ISIC app	Mostly available only as a physical card
Cost	Requires a fee (varies by country, approx. $10-$30)	Free (included in tuition fees)
Usability for Online Purchases	Accepted on platforms offering student discounts (e.g., Microsoft, Adobe, Spotify)	Rarely accepted for online student discounts
Endorsement	Officially endorsed by UNESCO	Not recognized by international organizations
Eligibility	Only for full-time students	Available to all enrolled students

Use of ISIC Card

The ISIC card is widely accepted across various industries, making it useful for students both locally and internationally. Some of the key places where you can use your ISIC card include:

• Airlines and Travel Agencies – Discounted airfare, hotel bookings, and public transport.
• Retail Stores and Online Shopping – Special student discounts on clothing, accessories, and gadgets.
• Educational Services – Reduced prices on software, e-learning platforms, and textbooks.
• Cultural Attractions – Lower entry fees for museums, theaters, and historical sites.
• Students can check the ISIC website or mobile app to find the latest discounts available in their country.

Pros and Cons of the ISIC Card

The International Student Identity Card (ISIC) is a globally recognized student ID that offers a range of benefits. However, like any service, it has both advantages and limitations. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

Pros of the ISIC Card

1. Global Recognition
   • Accepted in over 130 countries, making it a valuable ID for international students and travelers.
   • Recognized by UNESCO, universities, and various organizations worldwide.
2. Exclusive Student Discounts
   • Provides 150,000+ discounts on travel, education, shopping, food, and entertainment.
   • Savings on flights, train tickets, hostels, and public transport.
   • Educational discounts on software (e.g., Adobe, Microsoft, Coursera).
3. Affordable and Cost-Effective
   • The ISIC card has a low annual fee, and the savings on purchases, travel, and subscriptions can quickly outweigh the cost.
4. Convenient Digital Option
   • Available as a physical card or digital version via the ISIC app.
   • Can be used instantly after purchase without waiting for a physical copy.
5. Helps with Student Verification
   • Works as an official proof of student status when applying for university services, student bank accounts, or study-related benefits.
   • Can be used in foreign countries to access student-only services.

Cons of the ISIC Card

1. Limited Validity
   • The card is valid for only one year, requiring students to renew it annually to continue using discounts.
2. Not Useful for Part-Time Students
   • ISIC is only available to full-time students, so part-time students or those taking short-term courses may not qualify.
3. Discounts Vary by Country
   • The range of discounts depends on the country and region. Some places offer more benefits than others, meaning students may not always get the best deals.
4. Not a Replacement for University ID
   • Some universities and organizations do not accept ISIC as a primary student ID, meaning students may still need their institutional student ID.
5. Small Annual Fee
   • While the cost is low, it is not free, and students need to pay every year to continue using the card.

ISIC Age Limit

There is no specific age limit to apply for an International Student Identity Card (ISIC). The primary requirement is that you must be a full-time student enrolled in a recognized educational institution. This means students of any age can apply, whether they are in high school, college, university, or pursuing postgraduate studies.

To qualify for an ISIC card, you must:

1. Be enrolled full-time in a recognized school, college, or university.
2. Provide proof of student status (e.g., student ID, enrollment letter).
3. Submit a passport-sized photo and proof of identity (e.g., passport, national ID).

Special Categories

• High School Students: Students aged 12 and above can apply if they are enrolled full-time.
• University & Postgraduate Students: There is no upper age limit, as long as you are a full-time student.
• Part-Time Students: Unfortunately, part-time students are not eligible for an ISIC card.

This was all about the ISIC Card for international students. It is similar to what the Forex Card for students offers. However, the official issuing authority of the ISIC Card is the ISIC Association. Banks that offer ISIC Cards issue the ISIC cards either in partnership with the ISIC Association or as their exclusive products to ease the financial study abroad journey for international students.

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