Student Nol Card in Dubai: Eligibility, Application Process, and Price.
A Student Nol Card is a personalized RTA travel card that gives students in Dubai a 50% discount on public transport fares. It is issued to eligible students studying in UAE schools, colleges, and universities and is used for daily travel across the Dubai Metro and the wider RTA public transport network, including buses and trams. The card’s validity and renewal depend on the student’s age and proof of active enrollment at the time of application.
Compared to regular Nol cards, students use this card to avoid paying full fares on daily trips to school or university. It is mainly chosen by students who rely on Dubai’s public transport system for regular commuting and want consistent discounted pricing throughout the academic year.
What Is a Student Nol Card?
The Student Nol Card is a discounted Nol card issued by Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) for students. It works across Dubai’s integrated public transport network and charges students half the regular fare on each trip. Unlike standard Nol cards, it is personalized and linked to student eligibility.
Who Is Eligible for a Student Nol Card?
Only students who meet RTA’s eligibility rules can apply for this card. These rules are checked during application and again at renewal.
To qualify, a student must:
- Be between 5 and 23 years old
- Be enrolled full-time in a UAE-based school, college, or university
- Study at an institution officially recognized in the UAE
- Be a local or international student studying inside the UAE
Part-time or online-only students are assessed case by case and may not always qualify
Documents RTA Requires to Issue a Student Nol Card
Applicants must submit documents that confirm identity and student status.
All documents must be clear, valid, and provided in Arabic or English.
Required documents include:
- A valid Emirates ID
- A recent passport-size photograph with a white background
- Proof of enrollment from the educational institution
- Student visas may be requested for international students during verification
Incorrect or missing documents can delay approval.
How to Apply for a Student Nol Card
Students can apply for the Student Nol Card online or in person. At present, the nol Pay app is the primary and recommended method, while offline options are mainly used when online access is not available.
Apply Online (Nol Pay App or RTA Portal)
Online application is the fastest option for most students. The process is completed digitally and does not require visiting a service center.
The usual steps include:
- Logging in using UAE Pass
- Entering personal details
- Uploading required documents
- Paying the application fee
- Selecting delivery or collection
Once approved, the card is issued and delivered within a few working days.
Apply Through Schools, Colleges, or Universities
- Some schools and universities assist students with the application process.
- Staff may help verify enrollment details and guide students through submission.
- This option is commonly used for younger students.
Apply at Metro or Bus Stations
- Students can also apply in person at selected metro or bus stations.
- RTA staff assist with form submission, document checks, and payment.
- This method may take longer than applying online.
Current Fees and Charges for a Student Nol Card
The cost of a Student Nol Card depends on the card type and optional features.
Prices may appear different across websites due to older or incomplete information.
Typical costs are:
- Silver Personalized Nol Card: AED 70
- Includes application fee and initial credit
- Includes application fee and initial credit
- Optional ISIC registration: AED 25
Some older sources mention lower prices because they refer to outdated or non-personalized card types, which are no longer issued for students.
Student Nol Card Types and Validity by Age
The student cards are issued as personalized cards, with validity based mainly on age. Younger students receive longer validity periods. Shorter validity for older students reflects typical academic enrollment periods and requires annual eligibility confirmation.
Age Group | Validity Period |
|---|---|
Up to 14 years | 5 years |
15 years | 4 years |
16 years | 3 years |
17 years | 2 years |
18–23 years | 1 year |
Cards must be renewed when they expire or when eligibility changes.
Where Can Students Use the Student Nol Card?
The student card is accepted across most RTA-operated transport services in Dubai. It replaces the need for paper tickets or cash payments.
Common usage includes:
- Dubai Metro
- Public buses
- Dubai Tram
- Water buses
Acceptance at retail outlets and parking locations depends on whether Nol payments are enabled at that location and does not apply universally.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Student Nol Card?
Processing time depends on how the application is submitted. Online applications are usually processed faster.
Typical timelines:
- Online application: 4–7 working days
- Offline application: 3–5 working days
Delays may occur if documents require verification.
Student Nol Card Benefits for Daily Travel in Dubai
The main benefit of this card is reduced daily travel cost. It is commonly used by students who commute regularly.
Key benefits include:
- 50% discount on public transport fares
- Lower daily and monthly commuting expenses
- Simple tap-in, tap-out usage
- No need to carry cash
- One card for multiple transport modes
Additional Discounts Linked to Student Nol Card
Some Student Cards can be linked with the International Student Identity Card (ISIC). This feature is optional and mainly useful for students who travel or shop internationally.
ISIC-related benefits may include:
- Shopping and retail discounts
- Travel and accommodation offers
- International student recognition
In some schools, the Student Card is also used for canteen payments and school trips, depending on the school’s participation in RTA programs.
How to Renew a Student Nol Card?
Student Cards must be renewed when they expire. Renewal allows continued access to discounted fares.
Students usually need:
- Their existing Student Nol Card
- Updated proof of enrollment
- Payment of the renewal fee
How Students Can Check Balance and Top Up their Nol Card?
Students need sufficient balance before travelling. Balance checks and top-ups can be done digitally or at physical locations.
Common options include:
- Nol Pay app for balance checks and top-ups
- Metro station vending machines
- Authorized retail outlets
Parents can also top up a student’s card remotely using official apps.
What Happens If a Student Nol Card Is Lost?
If a Student Nol Card is lost, it should be reported as soon as possible. The remaining balance can usually be transferred to a replacement card.
Students must:
- Block the lost card
- Apply for a replacement
- Pay the replacement fee
Reporting early helps prevent misuse.
How Does the Student Nol Card Compare to Regular Nol Cards?
Regular Nol Cards charge full fares for public transport. They do not offer student-specific discounts.
The Student Nol Card provides:
- Reduced fares on every trip
- Eligibility-based pricing
- Optional international benefits
For students who use public transport frequently, the student card is the more cost-effective option. Nol Emaar entertainment card is another option with more benefits and options but not specifically for students.
FAQs
Final Notes
The Student Nol Card is used by students who commute regularly using Dubai’s public transport system and want predictable, discounted fares throughout the academic year. It combines reduced pricing, multiple application options, and manageable renewal into one card. For eligible students, it simplifies daily travel across Dubai’s RTA network.
