Student Nol Card Dubai 2026: Apply, Discounts and Fares

The Student Nol Card is a personalised Blue Nol card issued by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) for full time students aged 5 to 23 in Dubai. It cuts public transport fares in half on the Dubai Metro, Dubai Tram, RTA buses, and water buses, and since the 2024 Student Nol Package upgrade launched at GITEX Global, it now doubles as an international student identity card with up to 70% off retail and access to over 150,000 discounts in 130 countries through the partnership with the International Student Identity Card (ISIC) Association.

This guide covers the full Student Nol Card in 2026: who can apply, what the AED 70 covers, the documents you need, the step by step application through the Nol Pay app and at RTA customer service centres, the new ISIC global benefits, the school canteen integration that lets parents load lunch money on the same card, the 50% discount on monthly and annual passes, and how to renew the card every academic year.

If you study at the American University in Dubai, the University of Wollongong in Dubai, Heriot Watt University Dubai, Middlesex University Dubai, Murdoch University Dubai, GEMS schools, or any other accredited UAE institution, the Student Nol Card is the cheapest way to commute and the smartest way to access global student discounts at the same time.

Quick Answer: Student Nol Card Key Facts

The Student Nol Card is a personalised Blue Nol card for full time students aged 5 to 23 enrolled in accredited UAE schools, colleges, or universities. It costs AED 70 (AED 50 application fee + AED 20 preloaded credit) and gives 50% off all RTA fares (AED 1.50 to AED 3.75 single trips, AED 70 to AED 175 monthly passes). The 2024 Student Nol Package upgrade adds International Student Identity Card (ISIC) benefits including up to 70% off retail across 130+ countries. Apply through the Nol Pay app with UAE Pass or at any RTA customer service centre. Delivery takes 4 working days.

What Is the Student Nol Card

The Student Nol Card is a personalised version of the Blue Nol card. It looks like a standard Blue card, carries the student’s name and photo, and links to the student’s Emirates ID. The chip stores a special concession status that triggers the 50% discount automatically every time the card is tapped at a Metro gate, RTA bus reader, Dubai Tram validator, or water bus turnstile.

RTA partnered with the International Student Identity Card (ISIC) Association in 2024 to upgrade the Student Nol Card into a full international student identity. The new card serves three purposes in one piece of plastic: a discounted Dubai transport pass, an ISIC global student ID accepted by airlines, accommodation providers, and retailers in over 130 countries, and a payment card usable at participating UAE retail outlets and school canteens.

Salah Al Deen Al Marzooqi, Director of the Automated Collection System Department at RTA, announced the upgrade at GITEX Global 2024, confirming that students would gain access to thousands of offers and discounts on shopping, flights, accommodation, and dining alongside the existing 50% transport discount.

Student Nol Card Price and Discounted Fares

Single Trip Fares with the Student Nol Card

Monthly, Quarterly, and Annual Pass Prices for Students

The All Zones monthly pass at AED 175 is the most popular option for university students in Dubai. It covers unlimited travel across the entire RTA network for 30 days and pays for itself within 18 days of regular commuting. The annual pass at AED 1,750 saves over AED 350 compared to buying 12 monthly passes, useful for students staying in Dubai through the summer break.

You can use Nol Card Balance Check service to know your remaining credit.

Student Nol Card Eligibility

Not every student in Dubai qualifies for the Student Nol Card. RTA has a clear eligibility checklist that protects the discount for genuine full time students.

• Age range: Between 5 and 23 years old. Children under 5 ride free without a card.
• UAE residency: The applicant must be a UAE resident with a valid Emirates ID. Tourists and short stay visitors are not eligible.
• Full time enrolment: The student must be a full time enrolled student at an accredited school, college, or university recognised by the UAE Ministry of Education or the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) in Dubai.
• One card per student: Each eligible student can hold one active Student Nol Card at a time. A student cannot register multiple cards under the same Emirates ID.

Part time students, online distance learners with no UAE residency, and students at unaccredited institutions are not eligible. Students who turn 24 during the academic year retain the discount until the card’s annual status renewal date, after which the card reverts to standard adult fares unless the student qualifies for another concession.

Documents Required for the Student Nol Card

Have these documents ready before you start the application. Missing documents are the most common reason for rejected or delayed applications.

• Valid Emirates ID (front and back). The student’s name on the Emirates ID must match the application.
• Recent passport size photo with a plain white background. Some applications accept a UAE Pass profile photo automatically.
• Official enrolment letter from the school, college, or university confirming current full time student status. The letter must be dated within the last 3 months.
• Student ID card from the educational institution as supporting evidence.
• For applicants under 18: A copy of the parent’s or guardian’s Emirates ID and signed authorisation.

Schools and universities like Middlesex University Dubai, Heriot Watt University Dubai, the American University of Sharjah, Zayed University, and Murdoch University Dubai issue the enrolment letter (sometimes called a Student Status Letter) within 3 to 5 working days of an internal request. Submit the letter alongside the Emirates ID through the application portal.

How to Apply for the Student Nol Card Online

The fastest way to apply is through the Nol Pay app using UAE Pass for identity verification. The full process takes about 10 minutes if you have all the documents ready.

Step by Step Application on the Nol Pay App

1. Download the Nol Pay app from the Apple App Store, Google Play, or Huawei AppGallery.
2. Open the app and tap Sign Up. Choose Sign in with UAE Pass.
3. Authenticate with UAE Pass. The app auto fills your name, Emirates ID, mobile number, and email.
4. On the home screen, tap the plus icon and select Apply for a Personalised Nol Card.
5. Enter any missing personal details if prompted.
6. Choose Student as the customer segment.
7. Select your travel class: Silver (standard) or Gold (Gold Class cabin access).
8. Pick a card design. RTA offers several options including the new ISIC student card design.
9. Upload the enrolment letter and student ID, or skip if your school is integrated with the RTA system.
10. Confirm the AED 70 fee and pay with your debit card, credit card, Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay.
11. Receive a reference number to track the application.
12. RTA delivers the card to your registered address within 4 working days.

Once the card arrives, activate it by tapping at any Metro gate, RTA bus reader, or yellow Nol reader. The 50% student fare applies immediately. The Nol Pay app links the card to your account automatically and shows balance, transactions, and ISIC benefits in one place.

How to Apply Offline at an RTA Customer Service Centre

If you prefer in person service or have specific questions, visit any RTA customer service centre or a manned ticket office at a major Metro station. The agent walks through the application with you and submits it on the spot.

Step by Step Offline Application

1. Locate the nearest RTA customer service centre. Major options include Al Barsha, Al Kifaf, Umm Al Ramool, and Deira City Centre customer happiness centres.
2. Bring all required documents: Emirates ID, photo, enrolment letter, student ID, and parent’s authorisation if under 18.
3. Take a queue token at the reception.
4. When called, hand the documents to the agent and tell them you want a Student Nol Card.
5. The agent reviews your documents and submits the application electronically.
6. Pay the AED 70 fee with cash, debit card, or credit card.
7. Collect a reference number and the receipt.
8. RTA processes the card and ships it to your address within 4 working days, or you can collect it from the centre.

Some universities and schools also help with bulk applications during the start of the academic year. Middlesex University Dubai, for example, issues a Student Nol Card status letter within 5 working days of submission to support each student’s RTA application. Check with your campus administration office at the start of every term.

Student Nol Package: New Global Benefits Since 2024

RTA upgraded the Student Nol Card in 2024 in partnership with the International Student Identity Card (ISIC) Association. The upgrade transforms a transport pass into a full global student identity card with significant retail and travel benefits.

• Globally recognised student ID: The card now works as a personalised international student identification accepted in over 130 countries.
• Up to 70% off retail: Save on local UAE brands and over 150,000 international retailers, restaurants, and online stores.
• Travel discounts worldwide: Reduced rates on flights with selected airlines, accommodation, and tourism activities through the ISIC network.
• Payment card functionality: Use the same card to pay at participating UAE retail outlets, including supermarkets, restaurants, and bookshops.
• School canteen integration: Parents can load credit on the card for school canteen purchases. Children pay for lunch and snacks with the same card they use for the school bus.
• Education on the move: ISIC discounts cover study materials, online learning subscriptions like Coursera and Microsoft, and language learning apps.
• Virtual ISIC student ID: Access the digital version of the ISIC card through the dedicated mystudentcard.org platform linked to your Nol account.

To activate ISIC benefits, register the card on rta-student.mystudentcard.org with the Nol Tag ID and your Emirates ID. Once verified, the virtual ISIC ID is available alongside your physical card. Show either version at participating retailers to claim the discount.

Where the Student Nol Card Works

The Student Nol Card is accepted everywhere a standard Silver Nol Card is accepted, with the 50% discount applied automatically on RTA services.

• Dubai Metro: Red Line and Green Line, including Route 2020 to Expo City. 50% discount applies.
• Dubai Tram: Al Sufouh to Jumeirah Beach Residence and Dubai Marina. 50% discount applies.
• RTA Buses: All city routes within Dubai. 50% discount applies.
• Water Buses: Dubai Marina and Dubai Water Canal routes. 50% discount applies.
• RTA Paid Parking: Tap to pay at any RTA paid parking meter (full rate, no student discount).
• Retail and Tourism: Over 5,000 partner stores including Carrefour, Lulu, ENOC, EPPCO, Zoom, Circle K, and Burger King at standard rates.
• ISIC partner outlets: Up to 70% off at participating local and international retailers, accessed through the Student Nol Package.
• School canteens: Available at participating UAE schools using the integrated payment system.

How to Renew the Student Nol Card

The physical card lasts 5 years like any Personalised Blue Nol card, but the student status (which gives the 50% discount) needs annual renewal. RTA verifies that you are still enrolled at the start of every academic year.

Step by Step Yearly Status Renewal

• Open the Nol Pay app and sign in with UAE Pass.
• Open My Cards and select the Student Nol Card.
• Tap Renew Student Status.
• Upload the new academic year enrolment letter dated within the last 3 months.
• Submit and wait for approval, usually within 3 to 5 working days.
• Once approved, the 50% discount continues seamlessly for the new academic year.

If you forget to renew, the card automatically reverts to standard adult fares (AED 3, 5, or 7.50 instead of the discounted student rates) until the new enrolment letter is approved. The card itself keeps working at the standard rate, so you do not lose access to the network.

After 5 years, the physical card itself expires. Apply for a new Personalised Blue Nol Card with student status through the Nol Pay app. The balance and any active monthly pass transfer to the new card during the renewal.

Tips to Get the Most from Your Student Nol Card

• Buy the All Zones monthly pass: AED 175 covers unlimited Metro, Tram, and bus travel across Dubai for 30 days. Saves over AED 200 a month versus pay as you go for daily commuters.
• Use ISIC benefits abroad: Whenever you travel for university breaks, show the virtual ISIC card at airports, hostels, and museums for student discounts.
• Activate Nol Plus: Every transit tap and partner store purchase earns Nol Plus loyalty points. Combine with student discounts for stacked savings.
• Renew status before the new term starts: Submit the new enrolment letter as early as possible to avoid paying full fare during registration weeks.
• Use UAE Pass for fastest approval: UAE Pass auto fills personal data and verifies identity in seconds, cutting application time.
• Set up auto top up: Emirates NBD Go4it auto top up adds credit when balance falls below AED 30, removing the chore of manual recharges between classes.

Troubleshooting Common Student Nol Card Issues

Application Rejected or Delayed

• Confirm the enrolment letter is dated within the last 3 months and uses the institution’s official letterhead.
• Check that the name on the Emirates ID matches the application exactly.
• Re submit any blurry photo uploads with a clearer image.
• Contact RTA on 8009090 with the reference number for status updates.

System Charges Standard Adult Fare Instead of Student Rate

• Student status may have lapsed. Renew with a current enrolment letter through the Nol Pay app.
• If status is active, tap the card on a yellow Nol reader to refresh the chip data.
• If still charging full fare, visit a customer service centre with your Emirates ID.

Card Lost or Damaged

• Open the Nol Pay app and tap Report Lost or Damaged on the affected card.
• RTA blocks the card immediately and protects the balance.
• Apply for a replacement Personalised Blue card with student status. Balance and active passes transfer to the new card.
• Replacement fee may apply (AED 25 to AED 70 depending on circumstances).

ISIC Benefits Not Working

• Confirm the card is registered on rta-student.mystudentcard.org with the Nol Tag ID.
• Check that the retailer is part of the ISIC network. Not every UAE store accepts the card.
• Show both the physical Nol card and the virtual ISIC ID for full benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does the Student Nol Card cost in 2026?

AED 70 upfront. This includes the AED 50 application fee and AED 20 of preloaded e-purse credit. The card itself is valid for 5 years, and the student status is renewed yearly with a new enrolment letter.

Who can apply for the Student Nol Card?

Full time students aged 5 to 23 enrolled at accredited schools, colleges, or universities in the UAE. Applicants must be UAE residents with a valid Emirates ID. Tourists, part time students, and students at unaccredited institutions are not eligible.

How much discount does the Student Nol Card give?

50% off all RTA public transport fares: Metro, Tram, buses, and water buses. Single trip fares drop to AED 1.50, AED 2.50, and AED 3.75 by zone. The Student Nol Package upgrade also adds up to 70% off retail at participating ISIC partners across 130 countries.

How long does it take to get a Student Nol Card?

Applications submitted through the Nol Pay app or at an RTA customer service centre with all required documents are processed within 4 working days. The card is delivered to your registered address or available for pickup at the customer service centre.

Can the Student Nol Card be used outside Dubai?

The 50% RTA transport discount only applies inside Dubai. The ISIC benefits work globally in over 130 countries. Show the virtual ISIC ID linked to your Student Nol Card at airports, accommodations, museums, and partner retailers worldwide for student discounts.

Does the Student Nol Card work for school canteens?

Yes. Since the 2024 Student Nol Package upgrade, the card works at participating UAE school canteens. Parents can load credit on the same card the child uses for the school bus and Metro, simplifying daily expenses into one cashless payment method.

How do I renew the Student Nol Card every year?

Open the Nol Pay app, select your Student Nol Card, tap Renew Student Status, and upload a new enrolment letter dated within the last 3 months. RTA approves the renewal in 3 to 5 working days. The 50% discount continues without interruption if you renew on time.

Can I have a Gold Class Student Nol Card?

Yes. During the application, you can choose Silver (standard) or Gold (Gold Class cabin access) for your Student Nol Card. The 50% student discount applies to both. Gold student fares are AED 3, 5, or 7.50 by zone (half the standard Gold fare).

What documents do I need for the Student Nol Card?

Emirates ID (front and back), recent passport size photo with white background, official enrolment letter from your school or university dated within the last 3 months, and your student ID card. Applicants under 18 also need a parent’s or guardian’s Emirates ID and signed authorisation.

What happens if I turn 24 during the academic year?

The card keeps the student discount until your next yearly renewal date. After that, RTA cannot renew the student status because you exceed the 23 year age limit. The Personalised Blue Nol Card remains valid for the rest of its 5 year cycle but charges standard adult fares.

Can I get an All Zones monthly pass on the Student Nol Card?

Yes. The 30 day All Zones pass for students costs AED 175 (50% off the AED 350 adult rate). It covers unlimited travel on the Metro, Tram, RTA buses, and water buses across all 7 fare zones. Buy and load the pass through the Nol Pay app, the RTA Dubai App, or any Ticket Vending Machine.

How do I check the Student Nol Card balance?

Use the RTA website at rta.ae with your 10 digit Nol Tag ID, the Nol Pay app with NFC for the live chip balance, the RTA Dubai App, an SMS to 511, a yellow reader at any Metro station, or a Ticket Vending Machine. All methods are free.

Can the Student Nol Card be transferred to another student?

No. The card is personalised with the student’s name and Emirates ID and cannot be shared, sold, or transferred. Each eligible student must apply for their own card. Sharing the card may lead to confiscation at the gate.

Conclusion

The Student Nol Card is the smartest investment any student in Dubai can make at the start of the academic year. For AED 70 upfront, it cuts daily transport fares in half, opens unlimited monthly travel for AED 175 on All Zones, and unlocks over 150,000 ISIC student discounts in more than 130 countries thanks to the 2024 Student Nol Package upgrade. Add the new school canteen integration and the global retail savings of up to 70%, and the card pays for itself within the first month of regular use.

Apply through the Nol Pay app with UAE Pass for the fastest path to approval, or visit any RTA customer service centre for in person help. Renew the student status every academic year with a current enrolment letter, take advantage of the All Zones monthly pass for unlimited travel, and use the linked ISIC virtual ID for international discounts during semester breaks. Whether you commute from Discovery Gardens to your campus in Dubai Internet City, ride the Green Line for classes in Dubai Healthcare City, or transfer through Burjuman to reach the American University in Dubai, the Student Nol Card keeps your travel costs low and your student life globally connected.