The İstanbulkart Student Transportation Card is a discounted smart-card issued by the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality for school and university students in Türkiye. It allows the holder to travel on public transport at a lower fare than the standard card, meaning students can save a significant part of their daily commuting costs within the city. Each student card is personalised with the holder’s information and photo and is used by tapping it on card readers when boarding the metro, buses, and other services. Importantly, the card is available to both Turkish and international students as long as they are enrolled at a Turkish educational institution, making it an essential money-saving tool for anyone who relies on public transport regularly.
Advantages of the Student İstanbulkart
Significant fare discounts:
The main advantage of the student card is the steep reduction in ticket prices compared with the regular card. Students benefit from roughly a 50 % discount on each journey. For example, the standard public-transport fare in Istanbul is about 27 TRY, while a student pays only 13.18 TRY for the same trip. This sizable saving noticeably lowers daily travel expenses.
Valid on all modes of transport:
The student card can be used on every public-transport mode in Istanbul, including the metro, tram, Metrobus (rapid bus), regular buses, sea ferries, and even the cable car. In other words, it covers the city’s entire transport network, letting students move freely and flexibly between university, home, and anywhere else in Istanbul at a reduced cost.
Discounted monthly pass:
In addition to pay-as-you-go, cardholders can purchase a discounted monthly pass that provides 200 rides within 30 days for a fixed price far below individual fares. As of 2025, the Istanbul Municipality has set the student monthly subscription at about 381 TRY for 200 rides, compared with 2,120 TRY for 180 rides on the regular pass. This reduces the per-ride cost to under 2 TRY, delivering extra savings for students who travel daily. (Always check the latest İstanbulkart prices on the official site: https://www.istanbulkart.istanbul/price-limit.)
Additional perks:
The student card also serves as proof of student status, so some venues—such as museums or municipal sports facilities—may grant further discounts when it is shown. You can top up the İstanbulkart balance and use it like a prepaid card at certain local retailers (including major supermarket chains) and to pay at some municipal cafés and restaurants, making it a versatile option.
Eligibility requirements
The student transportation card is available to all students officially enrolled in Turkish educational institutions—universities, institutes, or schools—regardless of nationality. International students must hold a valid Turkish residence permit in addition to proof of enrolment. Recently, Istanbul Municipality introduced an age cap for the full discount: as of 2024, the reduced student tariff no longer applies to those over 30 years old. Students above this age can obtain a special “30 + Student Card,” which grants only about a 10 % discount instead of 50 %. Thus, most under-30 university students can benefit fully, while older postgraduate students receive a limited reduction.
Documents required to obtain a Student İstanbulkart
To apply for the student transportation card, you need the following documents:
• A recent passport-style photo (preferably with a white background), which will be printed on the card.
• Proof of student status: either your university student ID or an official enrolment certificate (Öğrenci Belgesi) issued recently by your institution.
• Proof of identity: Turkish nationals present their Turkish ID card; international students can provide a copy of their Turkish residence card (kimlik) or passport to prove identity and legal residence.
• Card-issuance fee: a one-time payment that covers printing and issuing the card. The fee is set by the municipality and is currently 140 TRY.
How to apply for the student card
Istanbul Municipality offers two main ways to get the İstanbulkart: online application or in-person application at authorised centres. Below are both methods in detail.
Online application
The online route is especially convenient for newcomers and is done via the official İstanbulkart portal:
- Visit the official website: Go to the İstanbulkart Individual Application portal, available in Turkish and English.
- Create a user account: Sign up with your email address and a password. A confirmation email or SMS code will be sent to activate the account.
- Enter your personal details: After logging in, start the student card application by accurately filling in your full name, date of birth, nationality, Turkish ID number or residence-permit number for foreigners, and current address. You may also be asked for your student number if available.
- Upload the required documents: The portal will prompt you to upload digital copies of the photo, student certificate, and passport or residence card.
- Pay the fee: Pay the issuance fee online using a bank card. The amount will be displayed before you confirm payment.
- Submit the application and await approval: Once all information is correct, submit your request. The authorities will review your documents to verify eligibility.
- Receive your card: After approval, your student card will be issued. During the application you can choose to have it mailed to your registered address or pick it up at a nearby card centre. You will receive a text message or email with pickup details if you opt for collection. Postal delivery usually takes a few business days.
In-person application (authorised centres)
If you prefer face-to-face service or encounter issues online, you can apply at one of the service centres around Istanbul, including:
- Official İstanbulkart Application Centres (Başvuru Merkezleri): such as the main centre in Karaköy (run by İETT) or municipal centres in Taksim, which handle discounted card applications and issuance.
- Municipal Service Centre (Beyaz Masa): located in Taksim Square and other areas, offering various resident services, including transport-card issuance.
Bring all the required documents—photo, proof of enrolment, and ID or residence permit. A staff member will review your papers and help you complete an electronic form if necessary. The card is usually issued on the spot or shortly thereafter. You may be asked to pay the fee in cash or by bank card at the centre, and you will receive the card directly or be given a near-term pickup appointment.
How to use and top up the card
Once you have your student card, here is what you need to know:
- Using the card: Simply tap the card on the reader at metro gates or when boarding a bus or tram. The machine will beep, flash green, and show your remaining balance while automatically deducting the student fare. Each person must use their own card; the same card cannot be used to pay for multiple passengers on one trip.
- Adding balance (topping up): You have several options:
- Top-up machines located at metro, Metrobus, and tram stations. Follow the on-screen instructions (available in Turkish and English), insert banknotes, or use a bank card to load balance instantly.
- İstanbulkart Mobile app on your smartphone, which allows you to top up with a bank card, check your balance, and monitor remaining monthly rides—anytime, anywhere.
- Authorised supermarkets such as Şok, A101, Migros, and Bim, where cashiers can add credit to your İstanbulkart.
- İstanbulkart or İETT service offices, which also offer top-up services—useful if you need staff assistance or have a card issue.
- Checking balance: Each time you tap the card, your current balance (in TRY) appears on the screen. You can also check via the mobile app or dedicated balance-inquiry devices in some stations. Keep an eye on your balance and top up before it reaches zero to avoid being unable to travel.
- Expiry and annual validation: The student card remains valid for the duration of your studies; however, it must be revalidated each academic year to confirm you are still eligible for the discount. This process, called vizeleme, can be done online or at issuance centres by presenting proof of current enrolment. If you skip annual validation, your card may automatically switch to the regular tariff until renewed, so be sure to update it every year.
Conclusion
The student transportation card in Istanbul is a smart investment for anyone studying in the city. It offers substantial discounts and makes travelling across the entire public-transport network affordable. Follow the correct application steps and provide all required documents to obtain your card without delay, and remember to perform the annual validation to keep the discount active. With the student card, you can explore Istanbul and commute to your university and around the city at low cost and with greater convenience—truly one of the best perks available to students in Türkiye. Make the most of it and enjoy an easier study experience in Istanbul!
Source: Official İstanbulkart website