3 of the Best Student Discount Cards for International Students

Studying overseas shouldn’t stop you from seeing what the host country has to offer apart from education. Your journey as an international student shouldn’t start and end in school; you need to explore, too. 

But exploring can be a bit pricey and not at all student-friendly. Fortunately, there are three amazing student discount cards that can offer a lot of value for money while you are studying in UK, USA, Australia or in any other country.

Dine out, travel, and shop all you want using any of the discount cards below:

International Student Identification Card (ISIC)

The International Student Identification Card (ISIC) is the only internationally recognized student ID and proof of full-time status as a student. This card is recognized in about 130 countries and territories all over the world. 

The ISIC is also endorsed to international students by UNESCO, universities, organizations, governments, and different departments or ministries of education.

The ISIC is issued by the International Student Travel Confederation. Here are further details: 

• Cost – The ISIC costs only $25 USD. If you decide to purchase this one, you can enjoy its discounts and benefits for about a year, or until the 31st of December on the year of purchase.  

• Benefits – Benefits and discounts would depend on which country you’ll be studying in. Generally, you can get discounts on entertainment, dining out, shopping (grocery and merchandise), travel, accommodation, sports, services (including spa and relaxation, and digital product subscriptions), and learning materials (including digital magazines and ebooks).

You can also use your ISIC to enjoy tourist attractions in the country, saving on travel expenses as well as entrance ticket fees (if any)..

You can look into more discounts on the ISIC list of discounts page. 

• Who’s Eligible – You’re eligible to get an ISIC if you are a full-time student aged 12 and older. Just make sure to present an identity card as proof of your age and student status.

ISE Card (ISEC)

The International Student Exchange Card or ISE Card is another internationally recognized discount card for international students all over the globe. The ISE offers different types of discount cards depending on the needs of the student.

• Cost – The Student ID Card or ISEC costs US$15 for a year and $28 for two years.  There’s also a Combined Student ID Card, which can be used for traveling. 

Another option is the Youth ID Card or IYEC. This card costs $15 for a year and $28 for two years. The price is the same as the Student ISE Card but has different benefits and discounts.

• Benefits – One of the best benefits you can get from an ISE Card is that it can be used to pay your travel or health insurance deductibles. One benefit that stands out is the Airline Bankruptcy Protection, which protects students from losing their money in case their travel agency files for bankruptcy.

• Who’s Eligible – Students aged 12 and above currently enrolled in a program are eligible for this card. For students aged 26 and below who do not qualify for a Student ISE Card, they can get the IYEC instead.

International Youth Travel Card (IYTC)

The International Youth Travel Card (IYTC) is a discount card issued by the International Student Travel Confederation. It has over 3,000 offices in the world and partners with specialists in youth travel. 

• Cost – The IYTC costs $25 for a year plus free travel insurance.

• Benefits – Low-cost airline tickets, discounts on travel, food, and accommodation. 

• Who’s Eligible – Unlike the ISIC, the IYTC is available for travelers aged 26 years old and below who are currently not in school. It can be a great card to use specifically for traveling. 

Have you made up your mind about which student discount card to choose? Keep posted for more features on discount cards and other international student tools and services here at MSM Unify!