Is ISIC the same as a campus ID?

No—ISIC is global discounts + identity; campus ID is university access.

Can ISIC be used as proof of age everywhere?

Not always—carry a state photo ID for venues and formal checks.

Do I need an Australian address to apply for ISIC?

Often yes for delivery of the physical card; digital versions help early.

Can all international students get concession fares?

Not in every state—rules vary by visa and institution.

Do I need an ImmiCard?

Most students don’t. If you have one, treat it as identity only.

How do I get an international student card?

You usually get a local student card from your university after enrolment, and you apply for ISIC online or through official partners.

What qualifies as an international student card?

AAn international student card must prove you’re a current student and be recognised outside your home institution, often across many countries.

Is an ISIC card worth it in Australia?

For most international students who travel, commute a lot, book hostels or buy software and food out regularly, ISIC usually pays for itself quite quickly.

Which card is best for an international student?

Think of it as a mix of cards, not one single winner.

Who qualifies for a student card?

There are two pieces to this: local student ID and ISIC.

Where can I get an international student card?

You’ll get your regular student card directly from your university or TAFE after you enrol, and if you want an international card like ISIC you can apply online via the official ISIC website or Australian partners such as myISIC and student travel agencies

How to Get an International Student Card in Australia (And Why You Should)

New to Australia and wondering which international student card to get?

This guide breaks down your main options—ISIC, state photo ID cards, campus ID, transport cards, and bank cards—so you know what each one does and how to apply fast. We’ll cover proof-of-age needs, student discounts, public transport perks, and banking setup. Based on our work with thousands of students at PickMyUni, you’ll see what actually saves time and money in week one. Short checklists, simple steps, and clear “what to bring” lists mean fewer queues and fewer do-overs. Want personal help?

Why this matters your first week in Australia

You’ll need reliable ID for SIM cards, banking, parcel pickup, and occasional venue checks.
Student-only discounts stack up across travel, food, software, and entertainment.
Quick win from the field: students who sort ID early finish banking + transport setup in one afternoon.

Talk to a PickMyUni counsellor—check your eligibility in 10 minutes.

What “international student card” actually means

International Student Identity Card (ISIC): global student proof + discounts.
University/Campus ID: library access, exams, some local discounts.
State Photo ID Card: government-issued proof of age/identity (e.g., NSW Photo Card).
Transport cards: Opal/Myki/go card—fare payments; concession rules vary.
Bank cards: debit/credit for daily spending; some student offers exist.

Which International Student Card needed for which job

Card type	What it’s for	Who can get it	Apply steps	Typical docs	Where to check rules
ISIC (international student id card / international identity card for students)	Global student proof + discounts (travel, software, attractions)	Full-time students at recognised institutions	Create account → upload photo & proof → pay fee → receive digital card (physical optional)	Passport, enrolment letter/CoE, compliant ID photo	Official ISIC site & your uni’s student services
University/Campus ID	Exams, library, labs, on-campus services; some local discounts	Enrolled students (UG/PG/HDR)	Enrol → photo capture → card issued by campus	Enrolment confirmation, student number, photo	Your university card office page
State Photo ID (e.g., Photo ID card NSW for international students)	Government proof of age/identity for venues, banks, services	Residents of that state/territory meeting ID criteria	Service centre visit → identity check → new photo → pay fee	Passport/visa, proof of address, completed form	State roads/service authority
Transport cards (Opal card for international students; VIC Myki, QLD go card, SA MetroCARD, WA SmartRider)	Tap-on fares; concession where eligible	All public transport users; concession depends on visa/uni	Purchase card → create account → link payment → top up	Payment method, device/app, student number if concession applies	State transport websites + your uni concession page
Bank debit/credit options	Daily payments, online shopping, bills	Students who pass ID checks; credit subject to criteria	Open account → verify ID → collect card/app → set up PayID	Passport/state ID, address, enrolment proof	Bank’s international student page; product disclosure

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The International Student Identity Card (ISIC)

What it is

The international student identification card ISIC (also called the international student identity card ISIC) is a globally recognised student card. It comes in digital and physical formats and is accepted in thousands of outlets for student pricing.

Who qualifies & documents required

Typically for full-time students at recognised institutions.“Proof of enrolment” usually means a current enrolment letter, student status certificate, or Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) plus your passport.

How to apply for an International Student Identity Card

Create an account → upload a compliant photo and enrolment proof → pay the fee (if any) → receive your digital card in the app.

Physical cards can be mailed.

Why an ISIC worth it

Discounts on travel, software, museums, tours, and more. It’s handy when your passport should stay at home. For searchers, this is your go-to international student identity card australia option.

Connect with PickMyUni for a pre-check before you submit your ISIC.

Government photo ID: State Cards

NSW - photo id card for international students

This state-issued photo card is accepted widely as proof of identity/age.
Basic steps: complete the application form, bring identity documents, take a new photo at the service centre, and pay the fee. It pairs well with ISIC—use the NSW card for venues/banks and keep the ISIC for discounts.

Other states in brief

VIC Photo ID / WA Photo Card / SA Proof of Age / QLD Photo ID follow the same idea with different names.You may still want ISIC alongside a state card for international discounts and student verification overseas.

Transport cards & concessions

NSW - Opal card for international students

You’ll choose Adult or (where eligible) Concession. Eligibility depends on agreements between your institution and the state. Buy at retailers or online, top up via app, and enable auto top-up if you like.

Other states

VIC Myki, QLD go card, SA MetroCARD, WA SmartRider—each has its own concession settings. Visa type and your university’s status influence access to discounts. Always confirm before tapping on.

Ask PickMyUni to confirm your concession status for your course and state.

Banking essentials

Debit cards for everyday use

Open a transaction account, verify ID, and set up the mobile app/PayID. You can verify with a state photo ID or passport. This is usually the quickest path to working payments in week one.

International student credit card australia

Some banks offer entry-level credit cards to students meeting age, income, and ID checks. Starter limits are common. If you’re not eligible, consider a secured card, prepaid card, or just running a savings buffer while you build local history. Always compare fees and interest with care.

“ImmiCard” for International Students

An ImmiCard is an identity document issued to certain visa holders for access to services. Most student visa holders don’t receive one—and that’s fine. It’s not a discount card. If you don’t have an ImmiCard, use your passport, a state photo ID, and ISIC as needed.

Step-by-step for getting an ImmiCard

Enrol and grab your university student ID confirmation.
Apply for an international student id card (ISIC) online; order digital first.
Book a slot at your state service centre for a Photo ID card.
Pick up Opal/Myki and confirm concession rules.
Open bank account; collect debit card; consider credit only if eligible.

Documents to prepare

Passport + visa grant notice.
CoE/confirmation of enrolment or student letter.
Local address proof if required (rental, letter from uni).
Compliant ID photo for ISIC.

Common mistakes & quick fixes

Relying only on a passport; carry a lighter ID day-to-day → get ISIC/state photo ID.
Assuming concession fares apply to all → check your course/state rules.
Uploading the wrong photo size or missing enrolment proof → follow the ISIC photo and doc specs.
Applying for a credit card too soon → consider debit first.

Make Your Student Card Work Hard for You

Getting an international student card in Australia isn’t just another admin task — it’s a simple way to cut costs on travel, food, tech and experiences while you study. With your Aussie uni/TAFE ID for local perks and an ISIC for global student deals, you’re giving yourself more breathing room in your budget and smoother proof of enrollment wherever you go.

At PickMyUni, we see every day how small savings on transport, flights and daily spending add up over a full degree. If you’re already comparing universities or thinking about a transfer, this is the perfect time to sort out both your course and your student card strategy.

Get Your Card, Then Get the Right Uni

Not sure which card you actually need? Talk to a PickMyUni advisor and we’ll walk you through ISIC vs uni ID based on your study plans and travel goals.
Thinking of changing courses or universities? Use PickMyUni to compare options side-by-side and get help switching to a campus that fits your budget and lifestyle.
Already studying in Australia? Leave a review of your university on PickMyUni so other international students know what the real experience and costs look like.