ISIC - UNESCO PARTNERSHIP

UNESCO has been involved in the ISIC card since the very creation of the card. In 1968 UNESCO officially endorsed the ISIC card, recognizing it as a unique document encouraging cultural exchange and international understanding. The UNESCO logo has also appeared on the card since 1993 following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding, which was renewed in 1999, aimed at promoting young people's access to mobility and to a variety of educational and cultural experiences. This aim still stands strong today.

In addition to the global UNESCO endorsement of the ISIC card, a number of local UNESCO chapters have recently initiated local agreements and endorsements of the card.

International Youth Photo Competition in celebration of the 8th UNESCO Youth Forum

In cooperation with the UNESCO Youth programme the ISIC Global Office launched the Get Involved! Take Action! International Youth Photo Competition in recognition of the 8th UNESCO Youth Forum in October 2013.

ISIC History

The ISIC card was first created by students for students in 1953. The decision to create the ISIC card was an initiative of the Norwegian and Dutch Union of Students, supported by the Coordinating Secretariat of National Unions of Students (COSEC) of Denmark, at the 3rd International Student Conference where the decision was made to “take the necessary steps to ensure that an International Student Identity Card be made available as soon as possible in as large a part of the world as possible.”

Originally the ISIC card was a student identity card that gave fulltime students world access to special discounted airfares. In order to get discounted airfares students bought an ISIC card allowing cardholders to explore the world and discover new countries and cultures.

This supported the ISIC card’s pioneering mission statement: “Increasing international understanding through the promotion of travel and exchange opportunities among students, young people and the academic community.”

ISIC MasterCard programme

The ISIC Association and MasterCard Worldwide have teamed up to create the ISIC MasterCard, helping students around the world to make the most out of student life. The ISIC MasterCard Programme combines the identity and benefits of the ISIC card with MasterCard and partner banks’ credit, debit or prepaid payment services.

An ISIC MasterCard: the best of both worlds

An ISIC MasterCard is the best student-focused payment and benefit card available anywhere in the world. The ISIC MasterCard offers students exclusive benefits and services for every stage and aspect of student life. An ISIC MasterCard provides students with easy and secure ways to manage their money, track spending and purchase goods and take part in new experiences at the best available price.

The Future of Learning Now

Microsoft and Samsung products in action in education environments. The combination of software and hardware allows teachers and students to easily share and access lessons and resources anywhere, anytime