Asan Tata— November 12, 2026Dubai students will soon carry one card instead of three. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) launched the Dubai Student Card on 11 November 2026, and it combines a student ID, a nol transport card and an internationally recognised student identity card in a single card.
The card was developed with the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), TECOM Group’s Dubai International Academic City and Dubai Knowledge Park, and the International Student Identity Card Association (ISIC). It gives students up to 50 per cent off RTA public transport fares and access to more than 150,000 student benefits in over 130 countries.
This guide explains what the Dubai Student Card is, who can get one, what it costs, which discounts it unlocks and how students apply through their school, college or university.
Quick Answer
The Dubai Student Card is a single card that works as a student ID, a nol card and an ISIC international student card. It was launched by the RTA on 11 November 2026. Eligible students aged 5 to 23 can get up to 50 per cent off RTA public transport fares. The card costs Dh95 plus VAT, which comes to Dh99.75, and includes Dh20 of pre-loaded nol credit. Students do not apply on their own. The card is issued through participating schools, colleges and universities, and it is being rolled out in phases.
What Is the Dubai Student Card?
The Dubai Student Card is a unified student identification card. Until now, a student in Dubai often needed three separate cards: a university or school ID, a nol card for the Metro, bus and tram, and an international student card for discounts abroad. The new card brings all three together.
RTA announced the card on 11 November 2026. It was developed under the patronage of the KHDA, the RTA and TECOM Group, with Dubai International Academic City, Dubai Knowledge Park and ISIC as partners. The aim is to make daily travel and campus life simpler, and to give students one card that works in Dubai and abroad.
Students receive both a physical card and a digital student ID. The physical card is issued by the RTA. The digital ISIC ID and student benefits are available through the Alive app, which is operated by ISIC.
The card also supports Dubai’s Education 33 strategy, which aims to improve the student experience and expand access to services and opportunities.
What the Card Combines
The Dubai Student Card brings four services into one card. Each service works on its own, but students carry only one card.
| Service | What it does |
|---|---|
| Academic student ID | Official identification issued by the student’s university or academic institution. |
| nol card | Access to Dubai’s public transport network, with discounts of up to 50 per cent on eligible student fares. |
| ISIC international student status | Internationally recognised proof of student status, with access to more than 150,000 student benefits in over 130 countries. |
| KHDA student identification | Part of Dubai’s unified student identification system. |
Ahmed Bahrozyan, CEO of RTA’s Corporate Technology Services Sector, said the card brings together three core functions: student identification for participating educational institutions, nol public transport functionality, and internationally recognised student status through ISIC. Together, they give students access to a wide range of benefits and discounts in Dubai and around the world.
Who Can Get the Dubai Student Card?
The card is available to students enrolled at participating academic institutions across Dubai. Eligibility depends on the requirements of the student’s institution and the individual services offered through the card.
Not every student will get the card at the same time. The initiative is being introduced in phases, so students should check communications from their university or academic institution for details about eligibility, activation and collection.
The 50 per cent transport discount and the age rule
The headline benefit is the public transport discount, but it has an age limit. Eligible students aged 5 to 23 who are enrolled at a school, college or university in the UAE can benefit from a 50 per cent 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. They can still use their Dubai Student Card for applicable nol services and enjoy the ISIC benefits available in the UAE and worldwide.
What happens after graduation?
The Dubai Student Card and its student-specific services are linked to active student status. When a student graduates and their student status expires, access to university and student-specific services may also expire. Students should plan around this and check the terms that apply to their card before they finish their studies.
How Much Does the Dubai Student Card Cost?
The card costs Dh95 plus VAT, which comes to Dh99.75. This is the card issuance fee reported by Gulf News and Emirates247 after the RTA announcement.
The price includes Dh20 of pre-loaded nol credit. Students can use this credit towards public transport fares and other eligible nol transactions in Dubai.
Discounts and Benefits of the Dubai Student Card
Beyond transport, the card gives access to discounts on flights, hotel bookings, entertainment, shopping, electronics and subscriptions. Here are some of the offers reported after the launch.
| Category | Offer reported |
|---|---|
| RTA public transport | Up to 50 per cent off eligible student fares (ages 5 to 23). |
| Emirates flights | Up to 10 per cent off Economy and Business Class tickets, plus extra baggage allowance. |
| Booking.com | Discounts on hotel stays, with up to 20 per cent off bookings reported. |
| YouTube Premium | Student membership at a reduced monthly price, with the first month free. |
| Spotify Premium | Premium subscription for Dh12 per month. |
| La Perle by Dragone | 25 per cent off tickets in all seat categories. |
| Huawei | Up to 15 per cent off selected products. |
| SHEIN | 20 per cent off selected products. |
| Sun & Sand Sports | 20 per cent off all full-price products. |
| ARTE Museum Dubai | Discounted fares for immersive experiences, plus free teacher passes for class visits. |
These are only some of the available offers. Individual discounts are subject to terms and conditions, and offers can change or be withdrawn. Students can find the full list of ISIC offers on the ISIC website or in the Alive app.
How to Apply for the Dubai Student Card
Students do not apply for the card on their own through the card’s website. The card is issued through participating academic institutions. Here is how the process works.
Step 1: Check whether your institution is participating. The Dubai Student Card is available through registered universities and academic institutions. Ask your school, college or university whether it has joined the programme.
Step 2: Wait for an official email. Eligible students will receive activation instructions and access details through their registered institutional email address. Students should keep their university email active and check it regularly.
Step 3: Access your digital ID. The digital ISIC ID and student benefits will be available through the Alive app. Students follow the instructions in the email to activate the digital ID.
Step 4: Collect your physical card. The physical card is issued by the RTA. Students are notified when it is ready for collection at their academic institution.
Educational institutions that want to join the initiative can apply through the official website, www.dubaistudentcard.ae. The website is the channel for institutions, not for individual student applications.
What Documents Do You Need?
The Dubai Student Card follows ISIC requirements for documents. In general, students need the following:
- A digital personal photograph.
- A 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 also need a scanned copy or photograph of their legal guardian’s Emirates ID or passport.
Students should check with their institution whether it needs any extra documents. Institutions may have their own enrolment checks before they issue the card.
When Will the Dubai Student Card Be Available?
The card is being introduced in phases through participating academic institutions. An exact date for wider availability has not yet been specified in the information released after the launch. That means some students will receive the card sooner than others, depending on how quickly each institution joins the programme.
If your institution has not joined yet, you can still use your existing nol card and student ID in the meantime. The new card replaces them once your institution takes part.
How the Dubai Student Card Compares With a Normal nol Card
A normal nol card pays for travel on the Metro, bus and tram. It does not prove student status, and it does not give international student discounts. The Dubai Student Card adds both of those functions to the same card, along with the 50 per cent student fare for eligible students aged 5 to 23. The Dh20 of pre-loaded credit also means the card is ready to use for travel as soon as it is activated.
Tips for Students Using the Card
Keep your student status active. The card’s student services depend on your enrolment. If you leave your course or graduate, check which benefits stop and when.
Top up the nol credit before it runs out. The Dh20 of pre-loaded credit is a starting balance, not a free pass for the whole term. Top up the card through the usual nol channels so you are not caught short at a Metro gate.
Use the Alive app for international offers. The app lists ISIC discounts by country and category. Check it before a trip abroad, because many offers need to be shown or booked in advance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Dubai Student Card?
It is a single card launched by the RTA on 11 November 2026. It combines a student ID, a nol transport card and an ISIC international student card. It also forms part of Dubai’s unified student identification system under the KHDA.
How much does the Dubai Student Card cost?
The card costs Dh95 plus VAT, which comes to Dh99.75. The price includes Dh20 of pre-loaded nol credit for public transport fares and other eligible nol transactions in Dubai.
Who can get the 50 per cent transport discount?
Eligible students aged 5 to 23 who are enrolled at a school, college or university in the UAE can get up to 50 per cent off eligible RTA public transport fares. Students above 23 can still use the card for nol services and ISIC benefits, but they do not get the discounted student fare.
How do I apply for the Dubai Student Card?
You do not apply on your own. The card is issued through participating academic institutions. Check whether your institution has joined, then wait for activation instructions by email. You collect the physical card from your institution, and you access the digital ID through the Alive app.
When will I receive my Dubai Student Card?
There is no fixed date for every student. The card is being rolled out in phases through participating institutions. Your institution will tell you when it is ready for you.
Can I use the Dubai Student Card outside the UAE?
Yes. Through ISIC, the card is recognised as proof of student status in more than 130 countries. It gives access to over 150,000 student benefits, including discounts on travel, museums, shopping and entertainment. Offers vary by country and are subject to terms and conditions.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only. Prices, discounts, eligibility rules and rollout dates can change. Always confirm the latest details with your academic institution, the RTA or the official Dubai Student Card website before you apply or travel.
Sources: RTA announcement of 11 November 2026, as reported by Gulf News and Emirates247; Dubai Student Card guide, Gulf News, 12 November 2026; Dubai Student Card guide, Emirates247, 12 November 2026.
Last Updated: 12 November 2026
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