Students NOL Card
If you are a student in Dubai and want to get rid of cash? The Student Nol Card is a personal Nol Card that gives Dubai students a 50% discount on public transport fares. It is designed to make daily travel to colleges, universities, and schools easier for students. The Student NOL Card can be used on the Up Dubai Metro, Dubai Tram, public buses, and water buses.
In this guide, you will learn in full who can apply, how much it costs, and how to register.

What is an NOL card for students?
The RTA Student Nol Card has been specially designed to reduce travel fares for students in Dubai. It can be used anywhere on water buses, trains, public buses, and the Dubai Metro. This rechargeable card will work like any other NOL card. Students aged 5 to 23 years can apply for it. The card is valid for one year, after which you will need to renew it.
Student NOL Card Advantages
The Student NOL Card comes with many benefits and is ideal for travellers in terms of education. Metro offers a 50 percent discount on train and bus fares. And it is used on all RTA public transport running on it. It has the option to choose monthly, weekly, or daily passes at reasonable rates. This helps reduce costs for students who commute daily. For students living in remote areas who travel across multiple zones daily, this adds up to a substantial amount of savings each month
How to Apply for a Student NOL Card
There are two main ways to apply: online via the RTA website or offline at Customer Happiness Centres. Both options are simple and require the same set of documents.
Online Application Via Website
Go to the Nol Card Service section page. Select your application for the Personal Life NOL Card and select Student as the category. Provide the required information: NOL ID, name, and contact information.
Upload your photo, student ID, and Emirates ID copy, pay the fee using a debit or credit card, submit the form, and note your application number. You will receive an SMS once your application is approved. The card will be delivered to your registered address or can be collected from any nearby RTA centre.
Application via RTA Customer Happiness Centre
For this, students in Dubai can visit any RTA Customer Happiness Centre, where they will be required to provide their Emirates ID, a valid student ID, and a passport photo. A member of RTA staff will assist you in completing the process and paying the applicable fees. The card is usually issued within three to four working days.
Applying for a Student NOL Card
Students can apply for their RTA card in various ways, online and in person. Here are the details.
Step 1: Eligibility
To apply for a student’s ID card, one must be enrolled full-time in a school, college, or university that is accredited by the UAE Ministry of Education and be between the ages of 5 and 23. One must also be a UAE resident with a valid Emirates ID.
Step 2: Documents Needed
A clear copy of the front and back of the Emirates ID, a passport-sized photograph with a white background. A valid student ID or confirmation letter from the educational institution. For online applications, digital copies of documents in PDF or JPG format are required. Please confirm that all these documents are usable before submitting.
Step 3: Get Help at a Nol Service Centre
Make sure you go to a reputable location to apply for your Nol Card, such as the Central Transport Union or an RTA Authorised Customer Centre in Dubai, which are usually found in crowded malls and transit hubs. These centers also provide staff assistance in addition to registering your card.
Step 4: Submit Your Application
Fill in your personal information carefully on the new form and remember that the confirmation you receive from the designated service centre ensures that your application has been accepted. Please fill in all the fields with accurate information.
Step 5: Provide Your Documents and Pay the Fee
Complete your application immediately, then bring it along with the required paperwork and proof of identity to any nearby NOL Service Center. Pay the fee depending on the type of NOL card. It is affordable and convenient for students, allowing them to access their travel facilities easily.
Step 6: Receive Your Student NOL Card
After your application is reviewed, you will receive your Student NOL Card from the appropriate NOL Service Center. Your card will be reinstated immediately, allowing you to travel uninterrupted on transportation services, including Metro Bus and Trams, anywhere in Dubai.
Student NOL Card Validity Period and Renewal Process
The Student NOL Card is valid for one year, after which it expires. Students will need to renew it annually by reapplying online and providing an updated certificate of student registration. If a student’s ID or educational information changes, the RTA may require re-verification before approving a renewal.
Troubleshooting Common Student NOL Card Issues
Here we will discuss and fix some common issues related to student nol cards.
Card not working
If your NOL card is not working at the Metro Gate, it may have a low balance, or it may have expired, so you will need to recharge and renew the card.
Discount not applied
If you are not able to get the discount, it means that you have set the incorrect category; for this, you should contact the RTA helpline.
Lost or stolen card
If your card is stolen or lost, it means it is in the wrong place, so you should immediately block it with RTA customer support.
Online Recharge Taking Longer
If there is a delay in online recharge, the system is delaying the scan, so give the card 45 minutes before using it.
Conclusion
The Student NOL Card is a great initiative by the RTA to make transportation affordable and accessible for young people studying in Dubai. With simple eligibility requirements, an online application, and important benefits, it is perfect for any student who regularly uses public transport.
