Multiple expenses like tuition fees, accommodation, visa costs and textbooks can add up to limit the excitement of higher studies abroad. However, securing student discount cards in the host country offers a wide range of discounts and perks to ease your pockets. You can allocate more towards the budget by saving on train fares, dining experiences, groceries, and even discounts on phone bills. You can apply on the official website of the provider to get one. Let’s explore major details related to student discount cards for international students in this blog.
What are Student Discount Cards?
Student Discount Cards are verified cards that provide verified student status. They allow you to access exclusive discounts on various products and services like travel, dining, shopping, transportation, and much more.
- Carrying discount cards is one of the smart strategies for planning university student budgets for international students.
- Popular discount cards for students include the ISIC Cards (International Student Identity Card), International Youth Travel Card (IYTC), TOTUM, UNiDAYS, and others.
- Most discount cards for students often come with a nominal fee for issuance. Usually, around USD 25 is charged which grants access to discounts for a year.
- You must be a full-time student to qualify for the benefits.
- The amount and percentage of discounts offered on such cards may vary depending on the provider and the location of your study.
Eligibility Criteria
Check below who is eligible for the student discount cards:
- Age Requirement: Most student discount cards require applicants to be at least 12 years old. Some cards, like the ISIC, are available for students aged 12 and above, while others may target college and graduate students.
- Enrollment Status: Applicants must be currently enrolled in a recognized educational institution, such as a high school, college, or university. Full-time and part-time students are generally eligible.
- Proof of Student Status: A valid student ID or an academic email address is typically required for verification.
Documents Required for Student Discount Cards
Make sure to keep these documents handy before applying online or via apps-
- Student ID
- Enrollment letter from the institution.
- Academic email address for verification.
- Recent transcripts or course schedules.
- Application Form: Some discount cards may require filling out an online application form that includes personal details and educational information.
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Top Student Discount Cards for Abroad Studies
Many providers like ISIC, UNiDAYS, TOTUM, Student Beans, etc. offer student discount cards. The popular ISIC cards are widely accepted as proof of student status in many countries. You can avail of discounts in over 130 countries and access more than 42,000 student benefits. Check out some of the popular student discount cards to use in the UK, USA, Australia, Canada, or any other country of your choice.
International Student Identity Card
ISIC cards are one of the notable student discount cards. The card offers discounts on travel, shopping, and entertainment. It costs around USD 25 and is available to full-time students. It can be used in India, Canada, Australia, France, the UK and other 125+ countries.
- In Australia, the card can offer discounts on platforms like Booking.com, Spotify, Adobe Creative Cloud, etc.
- In Canada, additional benefits are offered on the purchase of gadgets from big brands Apple, Samsung, Dell, etc. Besides, you get discounts on travel using VIA Rail Canada.
- In the UK, shopping with Forever 21 and 50% off on The Economist and London Party Pub Crawl are popular perks you get by using the ISIC student cards.
ISIC is the issuing authority. Indian students have to pay INR 1,180 to secure this card and enjoy the features and benefits offered. Make sure to submit identity and address proof documents along with the offer letter from the university to apply for the ISIC Card.
YES Bank and HDFC Bank can help you get an ISIC card. If you have the ICICI Bank Student Forex Card, you can also redeem ISIC vouchers using it.
International Youth Travel Card
The International Youth Travel Card (IYTC) is a valuable student discount card designed for individuals under 30 years old. The IYTC is part of the ISIC community, allowing users to benefit from a vast network of discounts worldwide.
- The virtual IYTC card costs approximately GBP 12, with an additional GBP 3 for a plastic physical card.
- The card is valid for 12 months from the date of issue, even if the holder turns 31 during that period.
- Though not necessarily for students, it is one of the most valuable cards that international students must avail to get thousands of discounts on airport lounges, accommodation, transport, food, and entertainment both at home and abroad.
- You need to apply online by providing proof of identity (such as a passport or birth certificate) and a recent passport-style photograph.
Student Beans Student Discount Card
Students studying abroad can also choose the student discount card from Student Beans. It’s a card from a popular student discount platform that provides exclusive deals from various brands for students in full-time education.
- You can sign up for free using your institution email or student ID and avail of discounts on fashion, technology, food, cinema, train tickets, and more from over 10,000 brands.
- Discounts can be redeemed both online and in-store using a physical card or promo codes.
- It’s a highly rates app in more than 52 countries that lets you access discounts quickly through the Student Beans app.
To avail of this discount card, you must be aged 16 years and above and be enrolled in full-time education, including high school, college, university, and apprenticeships. You need to verify your status as a student every year to keep your account active and maintain your access to discounts and benefits.
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UNiDAYS Student Discount Card
Another popular discount card for students is offered by UNiDAYS. Students studying at sixth form, college, or university in the UK can apply for it. Unlike the ISIC and IYTC cards, it is a free-of-cost student discount card. You can enjoy offers and discounts on various brands, including Apple, Amazon Prime Student, Adidas, Domino’s, etc. which are made available through an app.
- This is not a physical card. Instead, all discounts are offered via the UNiDAYS app at the checkout (or billing area).
- Discounts typically range from 10% to 50%, depending on the retailer.
- UNiDAYS GRADLiFE is for the graduates to avail of unbeatable student discounts and offers for 3 more years.
TOTUM Student Discount Card
TOTUM Discount Card for students was formerly known as the NUS Extra Card. It’s a popular discount card in the UK that provides access to a wide range of discounts for over 350+ brands. You can apply for any one type of card- TOTUM Lite or the TOTUM Student+.
- TOTUM Lite is a free card that provides access to basic discounts. On the other hand, TOTUM Student+ offers premium discounts and a free Tastecard for dining discounts.
- The cost of the premium student discount card by TOTUM is GBP 14.99 for one year, GBP 29.99 for two years, and GBP 39.99 for three years.
- It includes a 12-month ISIC Card that grants access to over 150,000 discounts worldwide.
- To apply, you need to visit the TOTUM website or app. Register using your academic email address, provide details about your course and upload a photo. Now, choose the card type and complete the payment if applicable.
Student Price Card (SPC Canada)
The Student Price Card (SPC), also known as the SPC Card, is a popular student loyalty discount program in Canada. The SPC Card provides students with discounts and deals at various retailers and restaurants across Canada, helping them save money on everyday purchases.
- You can receive discounts ranging from 10% to 20% on items such as fashion, food, shoes, and travel.
- It is available to students of all ages, including those in elementary, junior high, high schools, colleges, universities, and special interest schools (like language schools).
- The SPC student discount card in Canada costs around CAD 10.50 in Ontario, though prices may vary by province. Some banks, like CIBC, may offer the card for free to their student clients.
Nectar Card
The Nectar Card is a loyalty program in the UK that allows you to earn points while shopping, which can later be redeemed for discounts and rewards. You don’t have to pay any fees to obtain the same.
- You earn 1 point for every GBP spent at participating retailers, including Sainsbury’s, Argos, and many others. Points can be converted into vouchers or used directly for discounts on future purchases.
- You can sign up online or at participating stores. Registration typically requires basic personal information.
- After signing up, you will receive the Nectar Card in the mail or can use a digital version via a mobile app.
Oyster Card
The Oyster Student Discount Card, specifically the 18+ Student Oyster photocard. The card offers significant savings for students in London. Students can link their Oyster card with a 16-25 or 26-30 Railcard for additional savings on off-peak fares.
- It is available to full-time students aged 18 and over living at a London address during term time.
- You can receive a 30% discount on adult-rate Travelcards and Bus & Tram Pass season tickets.
- Students must apply online, providing necessary documentation such as student ID and proof of address.
This was all about the popular student discount cards. By meeting the eligibility criteria and providing the necessary documents, students can take advantage of various discounts and savings opportunities available through student discount cards.
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FAQs
Student discount cards are cards that provide students with access to exclusive discounts on various products and services. These help them save money.
You must be a full-time or part-time student of any age and have proof of enrollment. This can include a student ID card or academic email.
Some of the free student discount cards include UNiDAYS, Student Beans, and Nectar Card. They offer discounts from various retailers without any registration fees.
In the UK, popular student discount cards include TOTUM, NUS Extra, UNiDAYS, and the International Student Identity Card (ISIC).
Students must present their discount cards at participating retailers to receive price reductions. After showing them, you can avail of discounts often ranging from 10% to 50%, depending on the store and card type.
