Get a perfect ISIC photo
Take your ISIC photo from home with guaranteed acceptance—simple, fast, and fully compliant with official standards.
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As a data-driven content creator and a member of the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ), Max has 5+ years of writing experience. Over the course of his career, Max's work has garnered significant attention, with features in numerous prominent publications such as The New York Times, Forbes, Inc., Business Insider, Fast Company, Entrepreneur, BBC, TechRepublic, Glassdoor, and G2.
Jess is a specialist in passport photography and a recognized member of the British Institute of Professional Photography (BIPP) and the Guild of Photographers. She has reviewed over 400,000 passport photos, ensuring they meet strict global standards. With a keen eye for detail and in-depth knowledge of international photo regulations, Jess helps clients get compliant photos every time.
Everything you need to know about the ISIC
The International Student Identity Card (ISIC) is the only globally recognised proof of full-time student status. Available in the UK and over 130 countries, it grants access to exclusive discounts on travel, shopping, accommodation, and more.
In this article, I’ll explain who can get the ISIC, the costs involved, the benefits, how to apply, and the photo requirements you must meet.
Who qualifies for an ISIC card?
The ISIC is available to all full-time students aged 13 and above.
This includes students attending secondary schools, further education colleges, universities, and those enrolled in professional qualification courses. There’s no upper age limit, so mature students are also eligible as long as they meet the full-time study requirements.
How much do you pay for an ISIC?
The ISIC costs £12 in the UK.
This fee covers the issuance of the card, which is valid for one year from the date it is issued.
The £12 fee includes access to both the physical card, delivered to your address, and the digital version, which is accessible immediately after approval through the ISIC mobile app.
It’s important to note that this cost doesn’t include optional services such as expedited shipping for the physical card, which may incur an additional fee.
That’s why it’s best to always check the official ISIC UK website for the most current pricing and any promotional offers.
ISIC benefits and exclusive deals
The ISIC card opens the door to a wide array of discounts and special offers designed to help students save money during their studies in the UK and abroad.
These benefits cover multiple categories.
Let’s have a look at them below:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Education | Discounts on language courses (e.g., IELTS) and access to academic e-books via Perlego. |
| Shopping and Retail | Reduced prices on electronics and personal care products from brands like Philips and Samsung. |
| Food and Dining | Student discounts at participating restaurants, including McDonald’s. |
| Travel and Accommodation | Discounts on flights (e.g., Emirates), bus travel via FlixBus, and lodging through Booking.com, Hotels.com, and Homestay. |
| Transport | Price cuts on micro-mobility and ride services such as Dott. |
Steps to apply for an ISIC
Applying for the ISIC in the UK is simple and can be done entirely online:
- Visit the official ISIC UK website and select the option to get your card.
- Complete the online application form by providing personal details.
- Upload the required documents:
- Proof of full-time student status (valid student ID or official enrolment letter)
- Proof of date of birth (passport, birth certificate, or official ID)
- A recent passport-style photo (more on this below)
- Pay the £12 application fee.
- Once approved, you’ll receive your digital ISIC card immediately by email.
- You can also opt to have a physical card delivered to your address within 7–10 working days.
Important: Ensure all your documents are current and legible to avoid processing delays.
ISIC photo requirements in the UK
Your ISIC photo must meet the following criteria to ensure acceptance:
- Photo type: A recent, sharp headshot photograph
- Face: Entire face clearly visible with a neutral expression (no smiles)
- Background: Plain, light-coloured backdrop without patterns or shadows
- Glasses: Allowed only if they don’t cause glare, and the eyes remain visible
- Headwear: Permitted solely for religious purposes and mustn’t obscure the face
- Size: Generally 35mm by 45mm, matching standard passport photo dimensions
Using a service like Passport Photo Online (also available on Android as Passport Photo Maker & Creator) guarantees your photo complies with all official standards, reducing the chance of rejection.
How does our photo tool work?
Take or upload photo
Take a photo or upload one from your mobile gallery. Follow our guidelines to meet all the requirements.
Get your photo verified
Let AI fine-tune your photo. Order your picture, and have it verified by an expert to ensure 100% compliance.
Enjoy your photo
Download your digital photo instantly, or have your printouts delivered to your doorstep for free!
Upload your photo and leave the rest to us
1. Automatic photo processing
Our system uses AI to analyse your uploaded photo, remove the background, replace it with a plain white one, centre your face, and resize the image to meet official ISIC standards.
You can upload as many photos as you like for free. Keep trying until you get a result you’re happy with.
2. Place your order
Once you’re satisfied with your ISIC photo, proceed to order. Choose between a digital version sent directly to your email or printed copies delivered to your door within 2–3 working days. Shipping is included in the price.
3. Expert verification
After payment, your photo is reviewed by our professional photographer to ensure it meets all formal requirements. This gives you confidence that your ISIC photo will be accepted.
4. What if your photo isn’t approved?
If our expert rejects your ISIC photo, we’ll email you detailed feedback on what to fix. You can upload a new photo free of charge until it’s perfect.
ISIC photos with Passport Photo Online
Why choose us?
- Save time: No need to find a photographer or travel across town. Everything is done online, from wherever you are.
- Pay less: Getting your ISIC photo with us can cost significantly less than visiting a traditional photo studio.
- Total convenience: Take your photo wherever suits you best: at home, in your student accommodation, or on campus.
- Unlimited uploads: Try different shots as many times as you like, with no extra fees or restrictions.
- Guaranteed acceptance: Every photo is reviewed by our expert. If your photo fails to meet official requirements, we’ll refund 200% of your money.
- Available anytime: Our customer support is ready 24/7 to help you get your perfect ISIC photo.
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FAQ
The ISIC is a globally recognised student ID card that proves a full-time student's status. It offers travel, shopping, accommodation, and more discounts in the UK and worldwide.
Anyone who is a full-time student aged 13 or older and is enrolled in a school, college, university, or professional qualification programme in the UK can apply for an ISIC. There’s no upper age limit, so students of any age who meet the full-time enrolment criteria are eligible to apply.
The ISIC card costs £12 and is valid for one year from the issue date.
Discounts associated with the ISIC include savings on education courses, electronics, dining, travel (flights, buses), accommodation, and transport services like micro-mobility rides.
To apply for an ISIC, visit the official ISIC UK website and complete the online application form. You’ll need to submit proof of your full-time student status, a valid form of identification, and a recent passport-style photograph.
Yes, after application approval, you’ll receive instant access to a digital ISIC card via email and the ISIC mobile app.
Photos for the ISIC must be recent, clear headshots with a plain, light background. Glasses are allowed if they don’t cause glare. Headwear is only permitted for religious reasons. Standard passport photo size applies (35mm x 45mm).
Digital ISIC cards are available immediately after approval. Physical cards usually arrive within 7–10 working days, but allow up to 21 days.
The ISIC is valid for 12 months from the issue date, with renewal reminders sent before expiry.
Yes, services like PhotoAiD help you take a compliant ISIC photo from home, ensuring it meets official requirements.
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