RTA launches Dubai Student Card combining ID, nol travel and ISIC benefits
By Catherine Smith GST 3 min read
The Roads and Transport Authority has launched a single card for student ID, nol public transport and ISIC discounts, rolling out in phases.
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) launched the New Dubai Student Card on Wednesday, a single card that combines student identification, nol public transport access with fare discounts of up to 50 per cent, and ISIC benefits.
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).
The initiative will be rolled out in phases. Educational institutions that want to take part can apply through www.dubaistudentcard.ae.
The RTA said the card works across four areas: identification on campus, discounted public transport around Dubai, student offers across the UAE, and more than 150,000 ISIC benefits in over 130 countries when travelling.
Ahmed Bahrozyan, CEO of RTA’s Corporate Technology Services Sector, said the card brings together student identification, nol functionality and internationally recognised student status through ISIC.
Dr. Saeed Mubarak Kharbash, CEO of Policies, Research and Programmes at KHDA, said the card “puts the learner at the heart of the student experience”.
Matthew East, CEO of GTS ALIVE Group, ISIC, said the card gives students a “globally recognised proof of student identity”.
Marwan Abdulaziz Janahi, Senior Vice President of Dubai International Academic City and Dubai Knowledge Park, said the card offers an integrated solution for identification, mobility and benefits in Dubai and worldwide.
The ISIC link covers discounts on travel, accommodation, dining, entertainment, shopping and education.
Student nol card costs AED 70, ISIC version AED 95
Student fares on public transport already run through the nol system, and RTA’s nol card service page sets out the current rules.
The student concession gives a 50 per cent fare discount. It requires active KHDA records or a valid letter from the school or university.
Eligible students are aged 5 to 23 and enrolled in a school, college or university in the UAE. The discount applies on the Metro, Tram and Bus, excluding intercity and seasonal buses.
The concession is valid for one year from issue and must be renewed if the student is still eligible. Outside that period the card still works, but fares are charged at standard rates.
The Student nol card costs AED 70. An ISIC nol card, which carries the same 50 per cent discount plus international ISIC membership benefits, costs AED 95. Card issuance includes a pre-loaded balance of AED 20, and delivery is free.
Cards arrive within 2 to 4 working days of approval
Applicants log in with their own UAE Pass, through the RTA website or the nol Pay app. The ISIC option is available through the nol Pay app, where students select their institution from a drop-down menu.
Where documents are retrieved electronically from KHDA, applications from Dubai students are approved automatically and cards are delivered within 2 working days. Applications with manually uploaded documents are checked within 2 working days, and cards arrive within 4 working days of payment.
An official sponsor can apply for students under 18, while students aged 18 or above must apply themselves.
Only one active concession card is allowed at a time. Switching between a Student nol card and an ISIC card means cancelling the existing one and requesting a refund of the remaining balance first.
Children under 5 do not need a nol card and travel free on the Metro, Tram and Bus. Public transport details for the wider nol system are on RTA’s About nol cards page.
