The Nol Student Card gives every student in Dubai a 50% discount on all RTA public transport, including the Metro, bus, tram, and water bus. On a daily commute of two Metro trips, the saving is approximately AED 150 per month or AED 1,800 per year compared to paying the standard adult fare. The card also comes in an upgraded version called the Nol Student Package, launched in October 2024 in collaboration with the International Student Identity Card (ISIC) Association, which adds discounts of up to 70% at retail stores and dining outlets in the UAE and across 130 countries globally. Applying takes under 15 minutes online and the card arrives within four working days by courier at no delivery charge.
The two versions: standard Student Nol Card vs Nol Student Package
There are currently two distinct student Nol products and the difference is significant enough to choose the right one before applying.
| Feature | Standard Student Nol Card | Nol Student Package (ISIC) |
|---|---|---|
| Transport discount | 50% off all RTA fares | 50% off all RTA fares |
| Retail and dining discounts | No | Up to 70% off at thousands of UAE and international brands |
| International student ID | No | Yes, ISIC card integrated |
| Global discounts (130 countries) | No | Yes |
| Payment function at retail stores | Yes | Yes |
| Where to apply | rta.ae or RTA customer service centres | mystudentcard.org or Nol Pay app |
| Best for | Students who only need transport discount | Students who want transport plus retail and international discounts |
For most students, the Nol Student Package is the better choice. The ISIC integration adds significant value beyond the transport discount at no substantially higher cost, and the international student ID is recognised globally for travel, museum entry, software discounts, and a range of other student benefits outside the UAE.
Who is eligible
To qualify for either student Nol product you must meet all three of the following criteria:
You must be between 5 and 23 years of age. Students who turn 24 or graduate before the card expires have their discount privileges expire automatically, but the card continues to function as a standard Nol card for full-fare travel.
You must be a full-time student enrolled at a school, college, or university recognised by the UAE Ministry of Education or the relevant academic authority. Private and government institutions both qualify. The institution must be located within Dubai or another emirate served by RTA transport.
You must be a UAE resident with a valid Emirates ID.
How the 50% discount works on fares
The Student Nol Card works identically to a standard Silver or Blue Nol card in terms of how you use it. Tap the card at the gate or validator when boarding and tap again when exiting. The system automatically calculates the fare based on the number of zones travelled and deducts 50% of the standard adult fare from your card balance.
The discount applies to all RTA-operated transport in Dubai: the Metro (Red and Green lines), buses, tram, and water bus. It does not apply to taxis or ride-hailing services. It does not apply to intercity routes outside RTA’s network or to transport in other emirates operating their own systems.
The minimum balance to complete a journey applies as with standard cards. Keep a minimum balance of AED 7.50 on the card to ensure you can complete any single-zone Metro journey with the student discount applied.
Monthly passes are also available at a reduced student rate. Students who commute daily across multiple zones may find a monthly student pass more economical than paying per journey. The monthly pass at the student rate can be purchased at Metro station ticket offices or through the RTA app.
How to apply online
The online route is faster and delivers the card by courier within four working days at no delivery charge.
For the standard Student Nol Card: Go to rta.ae. Navigate to Smart Services and select Apply for a Personalised Nol Card. Choose Student as the card category. Fill in your name, Emirates ID number, date of birth, email address, and delivery address. Upload a recent passport-size photograph, a copy of your student ID or enrolment certificate from your educational institution, and a copy of your Emirates ID front and back. Pay the card fee online. Your application reference number arrives by SMS and the card is delivered within four working days.
For the Nol Student Package with ISIC: Go to mystudentcard.org or open the Nol Pay app. Select the Nol Student Package option. Complete the registration with your student details and upload the required documents. The package can also be requested through the Nol Pay app with delivery to your specified address.
How to apply in person
Visit any RTA customer service centre in Dubai. Bring original copies of all required documents. An RTA staff member processes the application and the card is typically issued within a few working days. In-person visits take longer than online applications and the outcome is identical, so the online route is recommended unless you have documents that need physical verification.
Documents required
Clear scanned copies of your Emirates ID front and back. A recent passport-size photograph meeting RTA specifications (white background, face centred). A student ID card or official enrolment letter from your school, college, or university confirming your current full-time student status. All documents should be in PDF or JPG format and must be clear and legible. Blurry uploads are the most common cause of application delays.
What the card costs
The standard Student Nol Card costs AED 70 and includes AED 20 as initial card balance, meaning the net cost for the card itself is AED 50. The Nol Student Package with ISIC has a separate fee structure listed at mystudentcard.org. Both cards must be renewed annually, and renewal requires submitting updated proof of student enrolment.
Renewing your student card
The student discount profile on your card is valid for one year and must be renewed annually. Renewal requires uploading a current proof of enrolment from your institution confirming you are still a full-time student. Without renewal, your card reverts to standard adult fare rates at the end of the validity period. The card balance is retained and does not expire.
Renew online at rta.ae by selecting the card renewal option, or visit an RTA customer service centre in person. Renewal takes a few working days to process and it is advisable to renew at least two weeks before your student discount expires to avoid any gap in discounted fares.
The ISIC package: international discounts explained
The ISIC (International Student Identity Card) is recognised in over 130 countries and gives access to thousands of discounts on travel, dining, retail, software, and entertainment. When integrated with the Nol Student Package, the same physical card functions as your Dubai transport card, your retail payment card, and your internationally recognised student identity card.
Discounts available through the ISIC component include reduced fares with airlines including Emirates for student bookings, software discounts on Adobe Creative Cloud and Microsoft 365, reduced museum and attraction entry fees globally, and retail discounts in the UAE at brands including those available through the ISIC partner directory. The full current discount catalogue is available through the ISIC website and the Nol Pay app once the package is activated.
Lost or damaged card
If you lose your Student Nol Card, call 800 90 90 immediately to block the card and prevent unauthorised use. The balance on a registered personalised card is protected and can be transferred to a replacement card. Report the loss and apply for a replacement through rta.ae or at an RTA customer service centre. A replacement fee applies. For unregistered cards (though the student card is personalised and therefore registered), the balance cannot be recovered if the card is lost before it is blocked.
Frequently asked questions
How much discount does the Nol Student Card give in Dubai?
The Nol Student Card gives a 50% discount on all RTA-operated public transport in Dubai including the Metro, bus, tram, and water bus. The discount is automatically applied at the fare gate when you tap in and out. The Nol Student Package with ISIC integration additionally gives up to 70% off at thousands of retail and dining outlets in the UAE and access to student discounts in over 130 countries globally.
Who is eligible for the student Nol card in Dubai?
Students aged 5 to 23 who are full-time students at a UAE Ministry of Education recognised school, college, or university, and who hold a valid UAE Emirates ID. Both private and government institution students qualify. The educational institution must be in Dubai or an emirate served by RTA transport. Students who turn 24 or graduate lose the discount automatically but the card continues to function as a standard Nol card for full-fare travel.
How do I apply for a student Nol card in Dubai?
Apply online at rta.ae for the standard Student Nol Card. Select Smart Services, then Apply for a Personalised Nol Card, then choose Student. Upload your Emirates ID, student enrolment proof, and a passport photo. Pay the AED 70 card fee online. The card arrives by free courier within four working days. For the Nol Student Package with ISIC international discounts, apply at mystudentcard.org or through the Nol Pay app.
How much does the student Nol card cost?
The standard Student Nol Card costs AED 70, which includes AED 20 as initial card balance. The net cost for the card itself is AED 50. The card must be renewed annually with updated proof of student enrolment. The Nol Student Package with ISIC integration has a separate fee structure available at mystudentcard.org.
Does the student Nol card work on buses and trams as well as the Metro?
Yes. The 50% student discount applies to all RTA-operated transport in Dubai: the Metro (Red and Green lines), all RTA buses, the Dubai Tram, and the water bus. It does not apply to taxis, Careem, Uber, or intercity transport services outside RTA’s network.
Students in Dubai have access to a wide range of other discounts beyond transport. The best student discount deals in UAE covers Samsung student offers, airline discounts, software deals, and every other student-specific saving available across the country. For students managing a tight monthly budget, the UAE student budget guide breaks down realistic monthly costs and the specific areas where students consistently overspend.
