ISIC
When studying abroad or when international students study in the UK, its important that students have identification on them at all times, this is where ISIC comes into help.
ISIC and the ISIC card have been around for a very long time, receiving it’s UNESCO endorsement in 1968, the ISIC has been a crucial part of any international students travels and exploits.
The ISIC is a non-profit membership organisation in Denmark and was founded in 1953, following the events of World War II and the Cold War, the ISIC card UK was thus created from there.
The ISIC card covers a number of different discounts, including food, fashion and travel. Though some countries may have their own discount cards, like the UK has the NUS card, the ISIC card can still be used to help with an ISIC discount too, you can even find some ISIC number generator discounts as well.
There are over 4.5 million ISIC cards sold every year, so it’s easy to see just how popular the scheme is.
What is an ISIC card?
ISIC stands for International Student Identity Card, and is an internationally recognised proof of student status. The card is mainly used for students to identify themselves when they don’t want to carry their passports around or apply for a driving license in that country.
Much like the NUS card, the ISIC student card entitles you to discounts as well (sometimes people try to combine the two cards with NUS card ISIC, NUS card ISIC or with TOTUM ISIC, since an ISIC NUS combination could save you even more money!). Since saving money as a student is already difficult enough as it is, but the ISIC card should help alleviate some of the pressure.
NUS is the National Union of Students and operates solely in the United Kingdom.
However, while the NUS Card is limited to university students only, the ISIC card is available to anyone aged 12 or over, since it covers all education types from high school onwards.
You can find the ISIC discounts on the ISIC website.
How to get an ISIC card
You will have to apply for an ISIC card via the ISIC website, where you can fill out the country or territory that you're going to be staying in.
You can also visit one of the issuing outlets that the site directs you to, to collect your card as well.
You can order the card when you arrive in the country you're in as well, so you are not required to have it all sorted prior to travelling.
How much does an ISIC card cost?
The ISIC card cost will obviously change depending on the territory you're in and the various exchange rates, however, in the UK, the ISIC card will cost you £12, for the virtual ISIC card and an additional £3 for a physical plastic card.
What is an ISIC number?
Your ISIC number is your unique identifier, it is sometimes referred to as an ISIC serial number as well. The ISIC card number also allows you to see if your card is still valid for you to use as well.
How long does it take to get an ISIC card?
When you order your card, it will take around three or four weeks for it to be delivered, depending on the postal system in the country you're in.
You will have to apply for an ISIC card via the ISIC website, where you can fill out the country or territory that you're going to be staying in.
What is the difference between NUS and ISIC?
There are some pretty major differences between the two cards.
NUS is the National Union of Students and operates solely in the United Kingdom. The NUS represents the interests of students across the country, but they also have a number of student discounts available for students too.
There are also ISIC card discounts available as well, which is where the confusion often arrives. The NUS Card is only available to be used in the UK, whereas the ISIC card can be used abroad.
There will be some online retailers that will ask for your ISIC code as well when applying for discounts on things from abroad.
How long is ISIC valid?
The international student identity card ISIC is valid for sixteen months and has the option for another four, depending on the academic year.
Is there an age limit on ISIC cards?
There are no age limits for you get an ISIC card.
A number of students of all ages will travel abroad every year, so if you're a mature student, you will have no issues being able to get hold of an ISIC card.