The ISIC card is the international student identity card that many universities and partners worldwide accept. Whether it is worth it for you depends on whether you will use the discounts you already need. This guide explains the price, validity and eligibility of the ISIC card as of October 2026.
Quick answer: According to isic.de, the digital ISIC card costs 18 euros and is valid for one year from issue, with no automatic renewal. Students at universities are eligible if, according to the provider, attending the institution takes at least 15 hours per week over at least 12 weeks. The provider lists more than 1,000 discounts in Germany and worldwide. Last updated: October 2026. Offers change often.
The most important points at a glance
- The digital ISIC card costs 18.00 euros (according to isic.de, October 2026).
- It is valid for one year from the issue date. There is no automatic renewal.
- Enrolled students are eligible. The provider also names school pupils, apprentices who attend vocational school and other groups.
- According to the provider, there is no age limit.
- Verification uses documents and a portrait photo. In peak periods it can take up to three working days.
- Whether the card pays off depends on how many discounts you actually use. An example calculation follows below.
What does the ISIC card cost in 2026?
The provider offers two versions. According to isic.de, the digital card is enough for most uses, and the plastic card is an optional extra. Both prices come from the provider page, as of October 2026.
| Version | Price according to isic.de | Validity | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Digital ISIC card | 18.00 euros | 1 year from issue | No automatic renewal |
| Plastic card | 5.00 euros plus postage | 1 year from issue | Optional extra to the digital card |
Example calculation (assumption): You need the card for one academic year and pay 18 euros for the digital version. If your discounts add up to 40 euros in that year, the card pays off. If your discounts total 10 euros, you are 8 euros out of pocket.
Who can get an ISIC card?
The provider names several eligible groups. For students, you need a current enrolment at a state or private university. The provider page lists these groups:
- Students at state and private universities
- Pupils at secondary schools, grammar schools and recognised private schools
- Apprentices who attend vocational school
- Students on a leave of absence and at a Studienkolleg, each with an enrolment certificate
- Doctoral candidates with an enrolment certificate
- Trainee teachers in the two-phase teacher training
According to the provider, the following are not eligible: guest students, participants in adult education courses, participants in a voluntary social or ecological year, interns unless they also study, and au pairs. If you are not eligible, isic.de points to the IYTC card (International Youth Travel Card) as an alternative.
Which documents do you need?
Verification runs through the provider and is not tied to a single university. For students, isic.de mentions these documents:
- An enrolment certificate valid on the day of the order, or a student ID card
- A letter with a stamp and the current date, if the certificate is not enough
- A portrait photo. The provider says a selfie against a plain background is fine
- Proof of identity to match your personal details
- Certified translations if documents are not in German or English
These are examples from the provider page. Check before you apply which documents apply to your situation, because the list is not exhaustive.
Is the ISIC card worth it for you?
The card only pays off if you use the discounts. Not every partner asks for the card, so before you buy, check whether the discounts you care about are linked to the ISIC. According to isic.de, the programme includes these offers as of October 2026:
- FlixBus: 10 percent off trips
- Samsung: up to 30 percent off electronics
- YouTube Premium: 6 euros per month (as stated by the provider)
- Uber Eats: two discounts of 10 euros each
- Hostelworld: 10 percent off stays
These terms belong to the partners and can change. The list only shows what the provider names on its page. If you already use streaming and subscription discounts, see student discounts for streaming and subscriptions.
Common mistakes in the application
Many applications are delayed for avoidable reasons. The most common are outdated documents, blurry photos and documents whose name does not match the application. Make sure your name, date of birth and university are written the same way on every document.
- An enrolment certificate from last year is not enough if it does not cover the current semester.
- A photo with sunglasses, a cap or a busy background can be rejected. Use a well-lit selfie.
- A foreign-language certificate without a translation slows down the check.
If an application is rejected, the provider names the reason. Then send the missing documents instead of submitting a new application with the same papers.
Frequently asked questions
Does the ISIC card still work after my studies?
The card is valid for one year from issue. According to isic.de, you do not have to return it after deregistration or graduation. There is no automatic renewal. If you want to keep using the card, you must apply again and present the documents again, as long as you still meet the requirements.
Do I need the plastic card?
According to the provider, the plastic card is an optional extra to the digital card. It costs 5 euros plus postage. Whether a partner asks for a physical card depends on the offer, so ask before you buy if in doubt.
How long does processing take?
According to isic.de, applications are checked every day. In peak periods, processing can take up to three working days. Plan some lead time, especially before the semester starts or before a trip.
What changes if I stop studying?
Eligibility depends on enrolment or on the other groups named above. The provider explains the details in its terms. This guide does not give legally binding information.
What to do now
- Check whether you belong to an eligible group and whether your enrolment certificate is current.
- Write down the discounts you will reliably use in the next twelve months and compare them with the 18 euro price.
- Prepare a portrait photo and your documents before you start the application.
- Apply on isic.de and keep the confirmation until the card is issued.
Related guides
- Student Discounts on Software and Apps 2026: Overview
- Student Discounts for Streaming and Subscriptions 2026
- Student status verification explained
- Trial months and student subscriptions
Sources: ISIC card, provider information from isic.de (retrieved October 2026). Prices and terms apply as stated on that page at the time of retrieval.
Last updated: October 2026. This guide is general information, not individual advice.
