ISIC: The Global Student Card

Are you planning to study abroad, travel more, or simply enjoy the full benefits of student life? Whether you’re heading to Europe, one small card can make a big difference – the International Student Identity Card (ISIC).

This powerful card helps students save money, explore the world, and access services available only to officially recognized students worldwide. From discounts on public transport and airline tickets to budget-friendly hotel deals and online learning, ISIC is your personal key to a more affordable and enriching student experience.

Let’s take a closer look at how ISIC works, what it offers, and how you can get one before you start your university journey.

What Is the ISIC Card?

The International Student Identity Card (ISIC) is the only internationally recognized proof of student status, officially endorsed by UNESCO. It’s available to full-time and part-time students of universities, colleges, high schools, and even elementary schools with no upper age limit.

First launched in 1968 under the auspices of UNESCO, the ISIC card helps students access affordable opportunities across the globe. Today, over 5 million students in more than 120 countries use the ISIC card every year — including around 150,000 students in Poland alone. In fact, many universities now accept the ISIC as an official student ID card.

The card is also part of joint projects with hundreds of institutions, including universities, student unions, and financial organizations. In Poland, key partners include the Academic Sports Association, University of Warsaw, Student Union of the University of Warsaw, and Warmian-Masurian University.

The ISIC card is valid for 16 months, giving you over a year of exclusive benefits.

What Are the Benefits?

With an ISIC card, you get access to thousands of student discounts in categories such as:

• Transportation (buses, trains, flights);
• Accommodation;
• Food and entertainment;
• Museums, galleries, and cultural events;
• Shopping and services;
• Insurance (optional travel & accident coverage).

In Poland alone, over 250 places accept ISIC, offering discounts up to 50%. With an ISIC card, you can save money on transportation, hotel bookings, restaurants, pubs, and cultural centers, as well as in shops and on various services. If you choose, ISIC can also provide accident insurance in Poland and abroad, as well as coverage for medical expenses during any trip abroad.

Here are just a few practical examples:

Flights: Discounts with Oman Air for ISIC holders — check the official ISIC website for current offers;

Long-distance buses: 10% off all FlixBus rides when booked via their mobile app with a special ISIC code;

Accommodation: Partner deals with Booking.com for hotels and apartments;

Museums & attractions: Entry discounts in top cultural sites across Europe and beyond;

Оnline courses: Special offers from the British Council for learning English online — perfect for international students;

You can explore all available discounts by country and category at the official ISIC website.

How Can You Get an ISIC?

The process is simple and quick:

Step 1: Prepare the documents: а photo (passport-style), student ID or confirmation letter from your university, passport or national ID;

Step 2: Apply online via the official ISIC website or through a certified local ISIC partner;

Step 3: Pay for the card. Cost varies by country, typically around €10–€20;

Step 4: Choose your format: receive your card digitally via the ISIC app or get a physical plastic card mailed to you.

Why Should International Students Care?

If you’re an international student planning to study in Poland, the ISIC card can become your best tool for managing your student budget wisely. Beyond savings, having an internationally recognized student identity helps ease travel planning, build credibility in new countries, and unlock access to experiences you may have never thought possible.

Whether you’re heading to Europe for your degree or planning a short student exchange, the ISIC card is your ticket to a smarter, more affordable student life. From discounted flights and meals to access to learning tools and cultural sites, it offers both convenience and savings in your daily student experience.

So why wait? Take the first step toward your global student journey — apply for your ISIC card today, and make your study abroad life not just more exciting, but more affordable too.

If you have any questions about how to apply for or use your ISIC, don’t hesitate to reach out to your local ISIC office or contact your student support service. The world is open — and with ISIC, it’s a lot more accessible.