Students in Dubai now have access to the Dubai Student Card, a single card that combines student identification, nol public transport functionality, and access to student discounts. The card was developed under the patronage of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), and TECOM Group.
The card replaces the need for separate IDs and transport cards, so students can handle campus identification, daily travel, and everyday savings with one credential.
Overview
The Dubai Student Card is a co-branded, multi-functional card issued through participating academic institutions across the emirate. It brings together four elements:
- Academic student ID: Official identification issued by the student’s university or institution
- nol card: Access to Dubai’s public transport network and nol payment services
- ISIC (International Student Identity Card): An internationally recognized student ID linked to a global benefits network
- KHDA student identification: Part of a unified approach to student ID across Dubai
Students receive both a physical card and a digital ID. The physical card is issued by RTA and collected at the student’s institution. The digital ISIC ID is available through the Alive app, and nol services are managed through the nol Pay app.
Benefits
Publicly available information lists the following benefits for cardholders:
- Reduced transport fares: Eligible students can receive up to 50% off eligible RTA public transport fares.
- Wide access to discounts: The ISIC network offers more than 150,000 student benefits across over 130 countries, including the UAE.
- Variety of categories: Offers cover travel, accommodation, food and beverage, retail, entertainment, education, technology, and lifestyle.
- International recognition: Students can use the card as proof of student status when traveling or studying abroad.
- One card for daily needs: Identification, travel, and savings sit on a single card.
Each partner offer has its own terms, locations, and eligibility conditions. Students should check the details of each offer before redeeming it.
Eligibility
The card is available to students enrolled at participating academic institutions in Dubai, subject to each institution’s policies.
- Student fare discount: Students aged 5 to 23 who are enrolled at a school, college, or university in the UAE qualify for the 50% discount on eligible RTA fares, subject to RTA requirements.
- Students over 23: They are not eligible for the discounted student fare. However, they can still use the card for nol services and ISIC benefits.
- Personal use only: The card is non-transferable and linked to the holder’s identity and student status.
- Not a government ID: The card does not replace an Emirates ID or passport.
Registration
Registration details may vary by institution, and a full public registration process has not been confirmed in all sources. Students are advised to wait for official updates from RTA or their academic institution before taking any steps.
Based on current public information:
- The card is issued through participating academic institutions, not directly to individuals.
- Activation instructions are sent to students’ registered institution email addresses.
- Students will be notified when the physical card is ready for collection at their institution.
For the latest information, students can follow RTA’s official channels, check with their institution’s Student Services department, or visit www.dubaistudentcard.ae.
Fees
The Dubai Student Card is not free. Additional public information indicates that issuance involves a fee of AED 95 plus VAT, which includes AED 20 in pre-loaded nol credit for public transport fares and nol transactions. Students should confirm the final cost with their institution, as official details may be updated.
Other points to note:
- Travel costs: Students still pay for each journey, at the discounted student rate where eligible.
- Separate benefits: Student fare discounts and partner offers are separate benefits and do not carry an extra charge to access.
- Lost or damaged cards: Students should cancel a lost card through the nol Pay app and contact Student Services. Any replacement fee will be communicated by the institution.
- Refunds: Cards can be cancelled and refunds requested through the nol Pay app or the RTA website, subject to RTA terms.
Students and parents with questions are encouraged to stay in touch with their academic institution and watch for official RTA announcements as more details are confirmed.