How to Apply for a Student Nol Card in Dubai? (2026 Guide)
Quick answer: A student nol card gives 50% off Dubai Metro, Tram and RTA bus fares to students enrolled at a school, college or university in the UAE, up to age 23. Apply in the nol Pay app (or on the RTA website) with the student’s Emirates ID, a white-background photo and proof of enrolment. The card costs AED 70 (AED 50 application fee plus AED 20 credit), or AED 95 with the optional ISIC student ID. It is delivered to your door, and the student discount must be renewed every year.
Student nol card at a glance
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Discount | 50% off Silver-class fares on Dubai Metro, Dubai Tram and RTA buses |
| Not covered | Intercity buses and seasonal buses |
| Who qualifies | Students enrolled in a UAE school, college or university, from age 5 to 23 (some guides list 6 to 23) |
| Card type | Personalised (Blue) nol card in the student’s name |
| Cost | AED 70: AED 50 application fee + AED 20 travel credit |
| With ISIC | AED 95: the AED 70 card + AED 25 ISIC registration |
| Where to apply | nol Pay app or RTA website |
| Delivery | Home delivery, usually within 2 to 4 working days of approval and payment |
| Card validity | The physical card lasts 5 years |
| Discount validity | 1 year, renewable while the student is still eligible |
Who can apply?
- Students enrolled at a school, college or university in the UAE, including private and government schools.
- Age 5 to 23 under RTA’s student category.
- Students under 18 apply through their parent, guardian or sponsor; students aged 18 or over apply in their own name.
- The student needs a valid Emirates ID.
A normal Silver card does not become discounted because the holder is a student. The discount only applies to a personalised student card linked to the student’s identity.
Documents you need
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| Student’s Emirates ID | Valid, and matching the UAE PASS used to apply |
| Proof of enrolment | A letter or certificate from the school or university for the current academic year |
| Recent photo | Clear photo with a white background |
| Contact details | Mobile number, email and delivery address |
For schools registered with KHDA, the student’s enrolment record can be retrieved automatically, which speeds up approval. If it cannot be found, upload the enrolment letter yourself. Documents must be in Arabic or English, or come with a legal translation.
How to apply in the nol Pay app
- Download the nol Pay app and sign in with UAE PASS.
- Choose to apply for a personal nol card and select Student as the category.
- Check the student’s identity details retrieved from UAE PASS.
- Choose the standard student card, or the student card with ISIC.
- Allow the education record to be retrieved, or upload the enrolment letter and photo.
- Enter the delivery address and submit. Keep the application reference.
- After approval, pay through the link you receive (AED 70 or AED 95).
- Track delivery and answer the courier’s call or message.
You can also apply on the RTA website through the nol card services. Parents applying for younger children should use the guardian route rather than their own UAE PASS identity, to avoid a mismatch with the student’s record.
Cost and delivery
| Product | Total | Breakdown |
|---|---|---|
| Standard student nol card | AED 70 | AED 50 application + AED 20 credit |
| Student nol card with ISIC | AED 95 | AED 70 + AED 25 ISIC fee |
| Application type | Typical delivery after payment |
|---|---|
| Automatically approved (KHDA record found) | Within 2 working days |
| Needs manual document checks | Within 4 working days |
| Missing or unclear documents | Delayed until corrected |
How much does a student save?
| Journey | Normal Silver fare | Student fare (50% off) |
|---|---|---|
| Within one zone | AED 3 | AED 1.50 |
| Across two zones | AED 5 | AED 2.50 |
| Across more than two zones | AED 7.50 | AED 3.75 |
A student travelling across two zones to school and back on 20 days a month pays AED 100 instead of AED 200, saving about AED 1,000 over a ten-month school year, far more than the AED 70 card cost.
What is the nol ISIC student card?
Since 2024, RTA has offered the student nol card with the International Student Identity Card (ISIC) built in, in partnership with the ISIC Association. For an extra AED 25 it works as:
- A globally recognised student ID, accepted in more than 130 countries.
- A discount card with offers of up to 70% on brands, accommodation and entertainment in the UAE and abroad.
- A normal student nol card with the same 50% transport discount.
It is worth the extra AED 25 if the student will use the shopping, travel or international ID benefits; otherwise the standard card is enough.
Renewing the student discount each year
The card itself lasts five years, but the student discount is valid for one year. Before it expires, renew it through the nol Pay app or RTA’s nol card services with current proof of enrolment. If you miss the renewal, the card keeps working at normal adult fares until the discount is renewed. Topping up the card does not renew the discount.
Using and protecting the card
- Top up in the nol Pay app or at Metro machines; see how to recharge a nol card.
- Keep at least AED 7.50 on the card to pass the Metro gates.
- Tap in and out on every journey, keeping other contactless cards away from the reader.
- The discount belongs to the named student: lending the card to someone else is not allowed.
- Because it is a personal card, a lost or stolen student card can be blocked and its balance moved to a replacement.
Check the remaining credit any time with our nol balance check guide.
Other nol discounts
| Group | Concession |
|---|---|
| Students (5 to 23) | 50% off Silver fares |
| Senior Emiratis and senior residents | 50% off with a senior nol card |
| People of Determination | Free travel with a People of Determination nol card |
In 2025 RTA also announced partnerships with KHDA, Parkin and PayPal that extend nol cards to parking, shopping, dining and school fee payments, so the card is becoming useful beyond transport.
Frequently asked questions
How do I apply for a student nol card in Dubai?
Use the nol Pay app or RTA website: sign in with UAE PASS, choose a personal card in the Student category, add proof of enrolment and a photo, then pay AED 70 after approval.
How much does a student nol card cost?
AED 70, which includes AED 20 of travel credit. With the ISIC option it costs AED 95.
What is the age limit for a student nol card?
Students up to age 23 who are enrolled in a UAE school, college or university.
Does the student nol card work on intercity buses?
No. The 50% discount covers Dubai Metro, Tram and RTA city buses, but not intercity or seasonal buses.
How long does delivery take?
Usually within 2 working days for automatically approved applications and 4 working days if documents need checking.
How often do I renew the student discount?
Every year, with current proof of enrolment. The card itself lasts five years.
Can a parent apply for a child?
Yes. For students under 18 the parent, guardian or sponsor applies. Students aged 18 and over apply themselves.
Can I use the student card in Gold Class?
The student discount applies to Silver-class travel.
Eligibility, prices and steps were checked against RTA’s nol card service information and RTA announcements on 21 October 2026.
