Dubai’s new student card is not just a cheaper nol card. It combines three things students usually carry separately: a campus ID, a nol card with student fares, and an international student identity card that unlocks discounts abroad. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) announced the New Dubai Student Card on 11 November 2026, and the headline numbers are big: up to 50% off public transport and access to more than 150,000 benefits in over 130 countries.
The bigger question for families is when students can actually get one, and whether it is worth paying for. Here is what has been confirmed, what has only been reported, and what is still unclear.
Quick answer: The New Dubai Student Card gives students up to 50% off RTA public transport fares, works as a campus ID at participating institutions, and includes ISIC membership with more than 150,000 discounts in over 130 countries. It will roll out in phases, starting with educational institutions that sign up through dubaistudentcard.ae.
What the new Dubai student card includes
According to the RTA announcement reported by Gulf News, the card covers four areas:
| Area | What you get |
|---|---|
| On campus | Student identification at participating educational institutions |
| Around Dubai | Student fare discounts of up to 50% on RTA public transport |
| Every day | Student offers and discounts across the UAE |
| While travelling | More than 150,000 ISIC benefits in over 130 countries |
The international benefits come through the International Student Identity Card Association (ISIC), and cover travel, accommodation, dining, entertainment, shopping and education.
Read More: 10 Student Discounts in Dubai You Should Know About in 2026
Who is behind the card
The RTA developed the card with the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), Dubai International Academic City and Dubai Knowledge Park, both part of TECOM Group, and ISIC. KHDA linked it to Dubai’s Education 33 strategy, which aims to make the emirate a stronger destination for students.
How to get the Dubai student card
This is the part most headlines skip. Students cannot simply walk into a metro station and pick one up yet. The rollout works through schools and universities:
- Your institution signs up first. Educational institutions apply to take part through dubaistudentcard.ae.
- The card is introduced in phases. The RTA has not published a full timetable, so availability will depend on when your school or university joins.
- Ask your registrar or student services office. They will be the first to know whether your institution is in an early phase.
What has been reported but not officially detailed
Some details have appeared in local media but were not part of the main RTA statement:
- Emirates 24/7 reported that the card costs Dh95.
- Khaleej Times reported that students will be able to use their nol cards for online payments and shopping at outlets across the GCC from December 2026.
Treat both as reported details until your institution or the RTA confirms them for your card.
Is the new student card worth it?
For a student who takes the metro or bus most days, a 50% fare discount adds up quickly over a semester. The ISIC benefits are the bonus. They are most useful for students who travel during holidays, since ISIC discounts on flights, hostels and attractions abroad can easily cover the cost of the card on a single trip.
Students who rarely use public transport and don’t travel may get less value, especially if their institution is in a later phase of the rollout.
If you still use a regular nol card, you can buy and top up a nol card at Al Ansari Exchange branches while you wait.
Read More: How To Get a Cash Refund From Your Nol Card Balance in Dubai
Pro Tip: Before you switch, use up or refund the balance on your old nol card. Unused credit on a card you stop using is money you won’t see again.
Our Take
Bundling a campus ID, a discounted nol card and an ISIC card into one is a sensible move. It saves students paperwork and brings Dubai in line with student cities abroad. The weak point is timing. Until more institutions sign up, many students will be reading about a card they can’t get yet, so the next RTA update on the rollout will matter more than this launch.
FAQs
What is the New Dubai Student Card?
A single card from the RTA that combines a campus ID, nol public transport with student discounts of up to 50%, and ISIC benefits in more than 130 countries.
How do I apply for the Dubai student card?
Your school or university must join the programme first through dubaistudentcard.ae. The card is being rolled out in phases through participating institutions.
How much does the Dubai student card cost?
Emirates 24/7 reported a price of Dh95. Confirm the fee with your institution when the card becomes available to you.
Can I use the student card outside the UAE?
Yes. Through ISIC, the card gives access to more than 150,000 student benefits in over 130 countries.
