Student NOL Card Dubai Guide 2026: Apply & Save

Looking for a cheaper and smarter way to travel as a student in Dubai? The Student NOL card is designed to help students save money on day-to-day travel and, in addition, provides students with an easy way to access the Dubai public transport infrastructure. This special card is issued by RTA Dubai and provides students with discounted fares on the Metro, buses, and trams, making it an ideal card for students who regularly travel to schools, colleges, or universities.

In this guide, you’ll find all the information about the Student NOL Card where you will know about eligibility and the documents required, as well as step-by-step instructions on how to apply, the discounts, validity, and renewal.

What Is a Student NOL Card?

Student NOL Card is a form of personalized NOL card which is provided to students who are eligible by RTA Dubai (Roads and Transport Authority). It will enable students to use the Dubai public transport network at reduced prices to ordinary NOL cards.

The card can be used on:

• Dubai Metro
• Public Buses
• Dubai Tram
• Water Bus
• RTA taxis
• Parking meters
• Retail outlets that accept NOL

Such card is aimed at generating the costs of daily commuting and make the use of the public means of transport more economical to students living and studying in Dubai.

Who Is Eligible for a Student NOL Card?

Not all people are able to apply to a Student NOL Card. There are certain eligibility requirements by RTA Dubai.

Eligible Applicants Include:

• School students
• College students
• University students
• Students based in accepted institutions of education in the UAE.

Important Notes:

• You have to carry legitimate evidence of enrolment.
• It should be an institution that is formally established.
• The local and international students are eligible to apply in case of enrollment in Dubai.

How to Apply for a Student NOL Card

The process of applying to a Student NOL Card is not that hard as long as you do it in the right way. You may apply online or offline.

Apply Online for Student NOL Card

This is the easiest way and is most favored by the majority of students.

Steps:

• Visit the official RTA Dubai website.

• Go to the NOL Card services section.

• Choose Student NOL Card

• Click on apply now of personal card section.

• Complete your own and educational information and Attach necessary documents.
  • Pay the applicable fee
  • Submit the application

Once approved, you will have notification of card collection or delivery.

Apply Offline at RTA Customer Happiness Centers

You may apply offline in case you need to have personal help.

Steps:

1. Attend an RTA Customer Happiness Center.
2. Request a Student NOL Card application
3. Submit documents
4. Complete biometric/photo capture
5. Pay the fees
6. Receive confirmation

Processing time may vary depending on location and verification.

Documents Required for Student NOL Card

Apply easily by ensuring that you have the required documents. Absence of documents is one of the primary forms of delay or rejection of applications.

Required Documents:

• Valid Emirates ID
• Your institution issued student ID card.
• Recent passport-size photograph
• Passport copy (in some cases)
• School or university letter confirming enrollment

Always make sure that your documents are simple, valid and up to date.

Read Also: How to Contact du Customer Care UAE (2026 Update)

Benefits of the Student NOL Card

Discounted Public Transport Fares for Students

The lower travel fare is one of the greatest benefits of Student NOL Card. The price of regular fares on NOL cards is lowered in price and thus assists students in reducing the cost of daily commuting considerably.

• There is automatic discount when using the card.
• Hackable on Dubai Metro, government buses and trams.
• Perfectly suited to students with a lot of traveling.

This is an advantage that will make the Student NOL Card a seemingly inexpensive purchase in comparison to ordinary NOL cards.

Accepted Across Dubai’s Public Transport Network

Student NOL Card is accepted widely throughout the Dubai public transport system, and such a student can travel without carrying the multiple tickets.

You can use the card on:

• Dubai Metro (Red and Green Lines)
• RTA Public Buses
• Dubai Tram
• Other transport services accepted by RTA.

This makes the movement within the city unhindered.

Personalized Card with Student Eligibility

The Student NOL Card is a personalized card that is given to eligible students unlike anonymous NOL cards.

• Connected with the identity of the student.
• Discount benefits continue to benefit.
• Prevents misuse and ensures fair pricing

Personalization assists RTA to uphold proper eligibility and quality of service.

Student NOL Card Fees & Price

The price of Student NOL Card is 70AED which is fairly low, in general, considering the long-term benefits it offers.

Fee Details May Include:

• Card issuance fee
• Initial balance
• Administrative or service charges

This number can be altered depending on the policies of RTA, therefore, never assume that it can be applied without reference to official sources.

Student NOL Card Discount

Discount on fares is one of the primary reasons why students apply to get this card.

Key Points:

• Students are offered a subsidized fare as opposed to the normal NOL users.
• The discount is also automatic when it is done by taking public transport.
• Applicable to Metro services, Bus services and Tram services.

Such a discount can hugely help a student who commutes on a regular basis and may therefore not incur the high costs of daily commuting.

Validity & Renewal of Student NOL Card

It is important to know the concept of validity to prevent inconvenience.

Validity:

• Student NOL Card has a duration of 5 year.
• Validity is based on the status of the student enrolment.

Renewal Process:

• The card has an expiry date which must be renewed.
• Student documents might have to be updated.
• The renewal is on-line or at the RTA centers.

When your card runs out, you will not be eligible to benefit with discounted fare.

Student NOL Card vs Regular NOL Card

The following is a brief comparison to make you see why the Student NOL Card is more preferable to the students:

If you’re eligible, choosing the Student NOL Card is a clear In case you are eligible, it will be an obvious benefit to select Student NOL Card..

Common Problems & Solutions

A good number of students have problems with getting it installed or using it. This is the way to deal with typical problems:

Application Rejected

• Ensure documents are valid and clear
• Check eligibility criteria

Discount Not Applied

• Verify card type
• Contact RTA support

Card Expired

• Apply for renewal before expiry

Lost Student NOL Card

• Report immediately
• Request replacement from RTA

These early resolutions will prevent travel hustles.

FAQs About Student NOL Card

Do international students qualify to receive a Student NOL card?

Yes, international students that are pursuing the programs in recognized institutions in Dubai are eligible to apply.

Is it possible to use the Student NOL Card in Dubai?

No, it can only be justified in the Dubai transport system.

Is the student discount automatic?

No, you do not need a Student NOL Card, you have to apply individually.

Can I convert my regular NOL Card into a Student NOL Card?

No, you must apply separately for a Student NOL Card.

What happens if I graduate?

When you cease to be eligible, you will have to change to a regular NOL card.

Read Also: How to Use DU Quick Recharge Online in UAE (2026)

Final Thoughts

One of the most beneficial transport offers by students in Dubai is the Student NOL Card. It does not only cut on the daily travelling expenses, but is also convenient and less demanding when travelling around the city.

When you are a student and you are taking up a regular public transport, getting a Student NOL Card is a good financial move. Use it, grab your documents and get discounted travelling throughout the city of Dubai.