Dubai: If you’re a student in Dubai, you likely have to juggle multiple cards – one for university, another for public transport, and yet another for ID verification. But what if all those cards merged into one? Discover the Dubai Student Card.

Here’s everything you need to know about the Dubai Student Card, its benefits, and how to get one.

What is the Dubai Student Card?

The Dubai Student Card was launched on November 11 by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), in collaboration with the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), Dubai International Academic City and Dubai Knowledge Park (part of TECOM Group), and the International Student Identity Card Association (ISIC).

The integrated initiative aims to make life easier for students by combining student identity verification, public transport services and exclusive benefits in a single card.

By connecting student identity, mobility and global benefits in one solution, the Dubai Student Card supports the emirate’s ambition to strengthen its position as a leading global education destination. It also contributes to the objectives of the city’s Education 33 strategy, which aims to enhance student experience and expand access to opportunities, services and resources.

What are the key features and benefits of the Dubai Student Card?

Through its multi-access platform, the Dubai Student Card offers the following features and benefits for students:

Official unified student ID: The card adopts a unified student identification solution, by combining the institution’s official student ID with Dubai-wide and international student services.

  • Better experience: Alongside the student ID, the card provides mobility services and access to benefits and discounts, reducing the need for separate cards, and creating a simpler, more connected experience.
  • Integrated mobility services: The Dubai Student Card provides students integrated access to RTA student fares and nol services, along with savings of up to 50% on fares.
  • Student benefits: Cardholders receive access to a unique set of local and international benefits, such as discounts on airfares, electronics, retail stores, museums and events, as well as special prices for memberships to certain apps.
  • International student status recognition: If you have ever stood in line at a museum in Europe, wondering if you could get a discounted ticket as a student, it’s now possible with the Dubai Student Card. Through its association with the International Student Identity Card (ISIC), the Dubai Student Card is an internationally recognised student ID, which means you will be able to use it in over 130 countries, and take advantage of over 150,000 student perks all around the world. It adds value beyond the campus, supporting students when they travel, study abroad or access international student services.

Who is eligible for the Dubai Student Card?

The card is available to students of participating academic institutions across Dubai, subject to the eligibility requirements of their institutions.

Note, however, that the Dubai Student Card and its student-specific services are linked to your active student status. When you graduate and your student status expires, access to university and student-specific services may also expire.

Is the Dubai Student Card a physical or virtual card?

Students have access to both a physical card and a digital student ID.

The physical card is issued by the RTA and students are notified when it is available for collection at their academic institution. The digital ISIC ID and student benefits are available through the Alive app (operated by ISIC).

How much does it cost?

The card issuance fee is Dh95, plus VAT, and includes Dh20 of pre-loaded nol credit.

The pre-loaded credit can be used for nol-related transactions and public transport fares in Dubai.

How do I get a Dubai Student Card?

The initiative is being rolled out in phases. Educational institutions wishing to participate can submit applications through the website: dubaistudentcard.ae.

Once your institution becomes a participant in the programme, you can apply for a card through your campus. Activation instructions and access details are provided through your registered university or academic institution’s email address. Follow the instructions provided to activate your digital ID and access available services and benefits.

What documents do I need to apply for a Dubai Student Card?

In general, the Dubai Student Card follows ISIC requirements for the following documents:

  • Digital personal photograph.
  • Scanned copy or photograph of the applicant’s passport or Emirates ID.
  • Confirmation of student status, such as a valid student ID or enrolment letter.
  • Applicants under 18 are also required to submit a scanned copy or photograph of their legal guardian’s Emirates ID or passport.

What discounts are available to students?

The Dubai Student Card, via its association with ISIC, gives students access to thousands of offers and discounts, both locally and internationally. You can find out more by visiting the ISIC website – mystudentcard.org – or by downloading ISIC’s Alive app via the Google Play Store and Apple App Store.

Here are just some of the offers available, with more being added, as the initiative is rolled out:

Public transport fares: Eligible students aged 5 to 23 enrolled at a school, college or university in the UAE can benefit from a 50% discount on eligible RTA public transport fares, subject to RTA eligibility requirements. Students above 23 years of age are not eligible for the discounted student fare. However, they can continue to use their Dubai Student Card for applicable nol services and enjoy the ISIC benefits available in the UAE and worldwide.

Airfares: Eligible cardholders get special student fares of up to 10% off on Economy and Business Class tickets with Emirates, as well as additional 10kg luggage allowance, or one extra bag.

Travel: Cardholders enjoy at least 15% off stays at participating accommodations worldwide, on Booking.com, as well as up to 20% off for membership in its Genius Loyalty Program.

Apps: Cardholders get access to YouTube’s Premium Student membership for Dh13.99/month instead of Dh23.99, with your first month free and unlimited ad-free streaming. Similarly, students can benefit from a Spotify Premium account for Dh12/month instead of Dh22/month, with the first month free.

Retail: Students get 20% off selected products on retailer SHEIN’s website or app, with no minimum spend required. You can also avail of a 20% discount on all full-price products at Sun & Sand Sports, with no minimum spend needed.

Electronics: Students get an extra 10% off on all products on Huawei’s website. You can also save Dh75 on your order at Revibe, which deals in refurbished electronics.

Culture and entertainment: Bring your class to ARTE Museum Dubai and get discounted fares for all 12 immersive experiences, as well as free teacher passes. You can also avail of 25% off on tickets in all seat categories for the live aqua show, La Perle by Dragone.