Student discounts and benefits – who can benefit?
Being a student is not only about scientific challenges, exams and sessions, but also a range of privileges. One of them is student discounts, These help you save money on transportation, culture, entertainment, and everyday purchases. Find out who can use them, how long they are valid, and where you can find them!
Who is entitled to student discounts?
The discounts are intended for people who have the status of a student at a public or private university. The condition is that they possess a valid ELS student ID with a current student hologram, which confirms the current status. According to the Act of 20 July 2018: Law on Higher Education and Science (Journal of Laws of the Republic of Poland, item 1668 of 2018), the student ID is issued:
- for students of undergraduate (first-cycle studies) and master's degrees (second-cycle studies),
- for students of full-time studies,
- for students of part-time and evening studies
What documents are required to receive student discounts?
Student discounts are granted to students who hold a current ELS Student ID Card with a current student hologram. The student ID is in the form of a processor card with a contact and contactless interface, and looks like a personal ID card. The electronic Student ID contains the university details, a photo and the student's personal details, the date of issuance of the document, a place for a barcode and 12 fields for Student holograms, These allow students to extend the validity of their student ID for the next semester. Students holding a valid ELS ID can also use the modern mLegitimation for Students available in the mObywatel app, as well as purchase the Euro 26 or ISIC card, which allows them to take advantage of student discounts abroad.
What discounts are available for students?
Students in Poland have a very wide range of discounts: from statutory privileges to options offered by private companies. It is impossible to list all the discounts and rebates that are available to students. This is due to the fact that many private companies strive to make their offer more attractive by offering dedicated discounts for those holding a valid ELS student ID with an active membership. semestral hologram. Students have the right to statutory discounts on public transport and cultural institutions, as well as discounts in many retail and service establishments. An important student ID card entitles you to benefits such as:
1. Transportation and student discounts
Students holding an Electronic Student ID Card (ELS) with a current Student sticker they can benefit from the following discounts:
- public transport – a 50% discount on the purchase of single-use and monthly tickets on all urban transport means – a discount without an age limit,
- PKP – 51% discounts on single and periodic tickets on passenger, express and fast trains (Intercity student discount), the student discount on the train also includes tickets for Pendolino rides; you can also take advantage of promotions „Weekend ticket with student discount”, This provides additional savings on long routes. It is worth noting that the PKP student discount after the age of 26 does not apply, even if you hold the student status and a valid student ID.
- PKS – student discount 51% on monthly tickets for students up to the age of 26,
- private carriers – discounts for students at the level specified in the regulations of individual carriers (usually without an age limit), e.g. Polish Bus, Flixbus student discount.
2. Cultural institutions and student discounts
Discounts, and sometimes even free tickets, are available to students at many cultural institutions such as:
- museums, theaters, concert halls, opera houses – student discounts of 50% or other amounts specified in the regulations of individual institutions,
- musical, theatrical and film festivals – discounts or the possibility of free entry to selected events for students holding a valid student ID with a current semester hologram,
- cinemas (Multikino, Cinema City student discount, Helios) – special student tickets available usually on specific days of the week, may be available for a specific period of time.
3. Sport and recreation and student discounts
Students holding a current ELS card with a valid student hologram have the opportunity to enjoy discounts and attractive discounts at:
- municipal sports and recreation centers – student discounts on the purchase of tickets to swimming pools, water parks, sports halls, tennis courts, ice rinks and other facilities operated in individual cities,
- gyms – students can benefit from attractive discounts on the purchase of tickets or one-time entries, depending on the regulations,
- in aquaparks, thermal pools – discounts for students are available at many popular water parks and spas, such as Mszczonów Terme, Maltańskie Termy, Uniejów Termy, Water Park in Krakow, and Aquapark Wrocław.
- trampoline parks – attractive discounts and discounted tickets for students are available at places like Gojump Wrocław and Kraków, Jump Arena Toruń, FunJump Szczecin, and the network of parks Stacja Grawitacja in Warsaw, Częstochowa, and Łódź.
- Ski resorts – student discounts are available at Zieleniec Ski Arena, Szczyrk Mountain Resort, Czarny Groń, Czarna Góra Resort, among others.
Some retail stores and amusement parks offer student discounts only in the form of periodic promotions, so it is worth watching the selected location on social media or checking the current regulations on the websites.Student gyms CITYFIT and Lady Gym, student discount Energylandia They are also available in the Student Beans app, Unidays, and on popular student portals.
4. Tourist attractions and student discounts
Student ID card entitles you to purchase discounted tickets or receive advantageous discounts for many attractions in various regions of the country:
- zoological gardens – discounted tickets for students are available at the Warsaw Zoo, the Opole Zoo, the Wroclaw Zoo, the Silesian Zoo, the Krakow Zoo,
- Castles, palaces, historic fortresses and mines – student discounts available at, among others, the Royal Castle in Wawel, the Royal Castle and the Royal Bathhouses in Warsaw, the Palace in Wilanów, the Branickis“ Palace in Białystok, the Castle in Malbork, Sztum, Kwidzyn, the Castle Museum in Pszczyna, the Kłodzko Fortress, the Boyen Fortress, the ”Wieliczka” Salt Mine, the Guido Salt Mine, the Złoty Stok Mine,
- National parks – students have the right to discounted entrance tickets to national parks (e.g. Tatras National Park, Słowian National Park, Bieszczady National Park, Bory Tucholskie National Park, Pieniny National Park, Kampinos National Park, Karkonoski National Park),
- Ethnographic parks – discounted student tickets are available at the Mazowieckie Village Museum in Sierpc, the Górnośląski Ethnographic Park, the Opolskie Village Museum, the Tokarnia Ethnographic Park, the Sądecka Village Museum,
- cable car queues Students may take advantage of discounted train rides in Kasprowy Wierch, Gubałówkę, Jaworzynę Krynicką, Palenicę, Górę Parkową, Górę Żar, Mosorny Groń, Szyndzielnię, Skrzyczne.
5. Gastronomic establishments accepting student discounts
Attractive offers for students are available at many restaurants, cafes, and franchise chains. Most often, student discounts are available at restaurants and bars located near universities. Students with a valid ELS card with a current student hologram can enjoy favorable discounts on specific days or hours, or on the lunch menu. It is worth checking. student discounts at KFC, Pizza Hut, McDonald’s, and also Pizza Dominos student discounts online. Attractive promotions and student discounts can also be found at Costa Coffee, Da Grasso, Telepizza, Subway, Sphinx, Burger King, Sushi 77 and in regional restaurants.
6. Clothing and sports stores where student discounts apply
Student discounts also apply to many popular clothing and sports stores that offer special discounts for those with a valid ELS ID card. Student discounts Clothing stores include H&M, Levi’s, River Island, Diverse, Shein, Zalando, Temu and ASOS, where you can receive an attractive discount after verifying your student status. Students can also count on special offers in sports stores, for example: student discount Nike and Decathlon, which offer dedicated promotions for clothing and sports equipment. It is worth following the apps and websites of these brands, where discount offers aimed at students regularly appear.
7. Electronics and computer equipment cheaper thanks to student discounts
Very attractive discounts on electronics are available for students:
- Apple student discount – allows you to purchase Mac computers and iPads at a special price, available through authorized stores such as Cortland and iSpot with a student discount. As part of the educational program, you can not only get a lower price, but also free accessories or an extended warranty.
- X-com student discount – special offers for students on laptops, tablets and computer accessories, most often at the beginning of the academic year.
8. Digital services and online entertainment cheaper for students
Students can also benefit from attractive discounts on digital services, making listening to music much cheaper. Both the Spotify and Tidal student discount allow you to reduce your subscription costs by up to half, making them the ideal choice for music lovers. The attractive student discounts allow you to listen to music without ads, in high-quality sound. Access to special discounts for students requires confirmation of student status through platforms such as SheerID.
9. Domestic and international travel and student discounts
For students planning trips, discounts are also available from private carriers. Cheaper travel around Poland and Europe is facilitated by offers such as the Flixbus and Ryanair student discount. With these, air and bus tickets can be purchased at very attractive prices, often with additional luggage or the possibility to change the travel date. Students holding an ISIC card or the Student Beans app can benefit from attractive discounts from Flixbus. Meanwhile, the student discounts from Ryanair are only available to ESNcard holders.
Student discounts abroad
Students can also benefit from attractive discounts abroad thanks to the ISIC, Euro26 and ESNCard cards. A student holding a valid ELS card with an updated semester hologram can obtain the following cards that entitle them to discounts abroad:
- Euro26 – an international identification card that allows you to enjoy attractive discounts in 30 European countries. With the Euro26 card, you can get discounts on public transport, tourist attractions, accommodation, as well as discounts in restaurants and services. The Euro26 card allows you to enjoy discounts until you turn 30,
- ISIC – is a document confirming the student status and allowing the use of attractive discounts worldwide. Students holding the ISIC card are entitled to discounts on public transport, hotels, restaurants, and services in many countries around the world. ISIC allows students holding a valid ELS card to enjoy discounts regardless of age.
- ESNcard – intended for students using the Erasmus+ program, which allows them to benefit from discounts on public transport, service and catering facilities, cultural institutions and hotels in 37 countries around the world.
It is available for foreigners. PKP student discount for foreign students, If they have a document certifying their status as a student in Poland (e.g., ISIC).
Until when do student discounts apply?
Legal student discounts in public transport are available regardless of age (public transport) or until the age of 26 (PKP, PKS). In cultural institutions, national parks, sports centers, and private companies, discounts for students are determined by internal regulations. In many facilities and service locations, discounts are available to students regardless of age.
The student card is the real key to saving money. The key to discounted tickets in public transport, cultural institutions, sports and recreation centers, and attractive discounts in restaurants is the valid ELS card. the current sticker on the student ID card. It’s worth taking advantage of every opportunity to pay less; it’s not just a way to save money, but also to explore the world without straining your budget.
Is there a student discount after the age of 26?
Many students wonder whether student discount after the age of 26 It still applies. Although after reaching the age of 26, we lose the right to statutory discounts for long-distance travel (for example, the student discount no longer applies after the age of 26), the situation is different for public transport.
It is mandatory in most cities student discount ZTM after the age of 26, This means that you can still use cheaper tickets for bus, tram or metro rides if you have a valid student ID without an age limit!
Although many discounts are available to students up to the age of 26, more and more places accept an official ID regardless of age. This means that student discounts after the age of 26 They are very real, especially in private service points, restaurants or cinemas.
Whether you are under 26 or over 26, many student discounts after the age of 26 are still available. It is worth using a discount app like Student discounts application, Remember to Student discount without ID (e.g. through mLegitymacja), as well as follow offers in your city, e.g. student discounts in Warsaw, Kraków, Poznań or Wrocław.
The best student discounts in academic cities
Student life is not just about studying, but also a constant struggle to save money. Fortunately, student discounts in Polish cities are becoming increasingly available, from cafes to cinemas to public transport. Check out where you can save the most money, even if you’re a student after the age of 26!
Student discounts In many Polish cities, they are very diverse and increasingly accessible, also for people over 26 years of age. It is worth keeping up to date with local offers, using dedicated student apps, and following promotions at popular places like Multikino, Cinema City or Starbucks. Whether you study in Warsaw, Krakow, Wrocław, Gdańsk, Poznań, Katowice, Łódź, Białystok, Lublin, Szczecin, or Bydgoszcz, saving has never been easier.
Student discounts Kraków
In Krakow, students can expect discounts at popular venues such as Cinema City and Multikino, as well as in numerous cafes – for example, the student discount at Starbucks. Additionally, loyalty apps offer promotions on transportation and groceries. The academic city with renowned universities, such as the Jagiellonian University and AGH University of Science and Technology, promotes numerous development initiatives for students. Many local entrepreneurs tailor their offerings specifically to the needs of students.
Student discounts Warsaw
The UW (Warsaw University) student discounts include tickets to theaters, museums, and cinemas. Student discounts Warsaw They also apply to urban transport, gyms, and many restaurants offer student discounts on food upon presentation of an ID. There are many municipal programs in the capital supporting students, including special offers for students from the Warsaw University of Technology and SGH. Additionally, many Warsaw clubs organize events with free admission for students.
Student discounts in Poznań
Poznań is a city where numerous initiatives supporting students operate. You can find discounts on pizza, cafes, and even cinemas – for example, Cinema City and Multikino offer student discounts in most locations. The city is famous for its friendly academic atmosphere; students from the UAM, Poznań University of Technology, and the Faculty of Natural Sciences benefit from many amenities on a daily basis. Additionally, there are local discount programs created in cooperation with universities.
Student discounts Wrocław
In Wrocław, it is worth using the city’s discount cards and mobile apps – the student discount app is an increasingly popular solution that makes it easier to access discounts in real time. Students at the Wrocław University of Technology and the University of Wrocław can also take advantage of special promotional offers at cultural centers and events organized by student governments. Wrocław itself is famous for its openness to young people and their needs.
Student discounts Gdańsk
In Gdańsk, students get cheaper tickets to the zoo, the opera, and the cinema. Interestingly, some restaurants offer discounts even during peak hours. Also, check which points offer seasonal promotions; many of them operate through mobile apps. The University of Gdańsk and the Gdańsk University of Technology collaborate with local companies, which often results in additional discounts for students. Gdańsk, as part of the Tricity metropolitan area, offers students a rich cultural life with preferential prices.
Student discounts Katowice
Student discounts in Katowice are primarily in the form of reduced travel costs, discounts at fitness centers and food chains. Discounts are also popular for cultural venues such as theaters, museums, and exhibitions. Students at the University of Silesia and the Academy of Music can also take advantage of discount programs created in collaboration with the City Office. It is also worth noting the free events organized as part of municipal projects for young people.
Student discounts Łódź
In Łódź, many shopping malls offer discounts for students – especially during seasonal promotions. It is also worth checking out the local restaurants offering student lunches at reduced prices. Universities such as the University of Łódź and the Academy of Fine Arts often collaborate with local entrepreneurs, allowing students to use dedicated discount vouchers. The city itself also offers discounts on entrance tickets to many cultural institutions.
Student discounts in Białystok
Białystok attracts students not only through universities, but also through a wide range of discounts – from cafes to fast food restaurants and gyms. Cinema, theater or art gallery? Students always get it cheaper. The city focuses on academic development; there is, among others, the University of Białystok and the Białystok Polytechnic, which support students by providing access to partner offers and local promotions. Additionally, there is a special discount card for students.
Student discounts in Lublin
There are many local initiatives supporting students in Lublin – including discount packages in shops, student discounts on food, and free entry to cultural events. The Maria Curie-Skłodowska University and the Catholic University of Lublin are collaborating with local companies, offering their students exclusive discounts. As one of the largest academic cities in eastern Poland, Lublin is constantly expanding its offer for young people.
Student discounts Szczecin
The Szczecin student discounts cover not only transportation but also numerous tourist attractions. Museums, cruises, and outdoor events are often free or heavily discounted for students. Students at the University of Szczecin or the Maritime Academy can also take advantage of special city programs promoting cultural and sports activities. There is also plenty of promotion in restaurants and clubs around the campuses.
Student discounts in Toruń
Toruń is not just about pierogi! Students can take advantage of discounts at local bakeries, cinemas, and pubs. It’s worth installing a dedicated student app that aggregates the current discounts. The city also offers attractive prices for entrance tickets to the Mill of Knowledge and the Copernicus House. Students from the Nicolaus Copernicus University often take advantage of promotions prepared specifically for them by local service providers.
Student discounts Bydgoszcz
In Bydgoszcz, many partners honor student IDs without age restrictions. Local cafes and cinemas offer regular promotions, and many places include student discounts after the age of 26. The University of Kazimierz Wielki and the Collegium Medicum collaborate with municipal cultural institutions, offering their students cheaper tickets. Additionally, a discount card called „Student Bydgoszcz” operates in the city.
Saving for college? These apps will help you do it!
Student budgets are often tight, so it’s worth using tools that make it easier to save every day. An interesting solution is student discounts in the app, Thanks to them, you can easily use discounts in stores, restaurants, cinemas, and even on streaming platforms.
There are many options available on the market, such as the popular Student Beans, offering access to hundreds of discounts for verified students. Simply create an account, confirm your student status, and enjoy exclusive promotions. The app works intuitively and is completely free.
Another interesting proposal is UNiDAYS – a free app for students that, in addition to discounts, includes additional lifestyle and educational content. Thanks to such tools, you no longer have to search the Internet for discount codes; you have everything in one place, at your fingertips.
If you are a student and haven’t yet used any of these apps, it’s worth changing that. After all, who said that student life has to be expensive?
FAQ: Student discounts – most frequently asked questions
Who can benefit from student discounts?
According to the Act of 20 July 2018: The Higher Education and Science Act (Journal of Laws of the Republic of Poland, 2018, item 1668) student discounts are granted to persons holding the status of a student and a valid student ID card. Higher education students from state and private universities, studying on a full-time or part-time basis in the first and second cycles of studies, may obtain the status of a student. Graduates of secondary schools (general secondary school, technical school) who have obtained a positive result in the final exam may also obtain the status of a student.
Studies in Poland usually begin at the age of 19 (high school graduates) or 20 (technical school graduates). Undergraduate studies (first-cycle studies) last 3 years, and master’s studies (second-cycle studies) an additional 1.5 years to 2 years, so bachelor’s degree is usually obtained by students aged 22-23, whereas master’s degree is obtained by students aged 24-26.
What does a student card give me?
The student ID is a document confirming the student status and entitles the holder to use the discounts available in:
- urban transport,
- PKP (Polish State Railways),
- PKS (Automobile Communications Company),
- cultural institutions,
- sports and recreation centers,
- national parks.
What is cheaper with a student ID card?
Undergraduate and graduate students holding a valid student ID with a current semester hologram are entitled to discounted tickets on public transport (PKP, PKS, urban transport), cultural institutions (museums, theaters, opera houses, symphony orchestras), national parks, sports and recreation centers. The Electronic Student ID (ELS) also allows you to take advantage of commercial discounts such as: cinemas, gyms, restaurants, retail and service outlets.
Where are student discounts honored?
According to Article 105 of the Act of 20 July 2018: The Higher Education and Science Act (Journal of Laws of 2018, item 1668), students are entitled to discounts on travel by all means of public transport (buses, trams, metro, SKM). Persons holding an ELS card with a valid hologram for their student ID are also entitled to discounts on PKP and PKS tickets in accordance with the Act of 20 June 1992: On the rights to discounted travel by public transport (Journal of Laws of 2022, item 1173). Students also have the right to use discounts at cultural institutions in accordance with the Act of 25 October 1991: On the organization and conduct of cultural activities (Journal of Laws of 1991, item 114, item 493).
Do students have a discount on PKP trains?
Yes, in accordance with the Act of June 20, 1992: On the rights to discounted travel by public transport (Journal of Laws of 2022, item 1173), students holding a valid student ID card with a current student hologram are entitled to a discount of 51% PLN on PKP tickets for passenger, express and rapid trains.
What is the discount for students at PKP?
The discount for students on PKP is 51% for monthly and one-time tickets in accordance with the Act of 20 June 1992: On the rights to discounted travel on public transport (Journal of Laws of 2022, item 1173). Student discounts for rail travel can be combined with other promotions in accordance with the PKP regulations.
Are there student discounts at PKS?
Yes, according to the Act of June 20, 1992: On the rights to discounted travel on public transport (Journal of Laws of 1992 No. 54, item 254), students are entitled to a 51% discount on the purchase of monthly tickets on PKS.
Are there discounts for students for one-time rides in PKS?
Students holding student status confirmed by an ELS ID with a current semester sticker are entitled to a 51% discount on PKS monthly tickets. According to the Act of June 20, 1992: On the rights to discounted travel by public transport (Journal of Laws of 1992 No. 54, item 254), the student discount does not apply to one-time tickets for PKS trips.
Does a student have the right to a discounted ticket for public transport?
Yes, students are entitled to a reduced ticket on all public transport (buses, trams, metro, SKM) in accordance with Article 105 of the Act of 20 July 2018: Law on Higher Education and Science (Journal of Laws of 2018, item 1668). The 50% discount applies to both periodic and single tickets without an age limit.
Do students have discounted single-use tickets?
Yes, in accordance with Article 105 of the Act of 20 July 2018: The Law on Higher Education and Science (Journal of Laws of 2018, item 1668) are entitled to a 50% discount on the purchase of single tickets on all public transport services.
Do students get discounted tickets to the theater?
Yes, most theaters and other cultural institutions (museums, opera houses, and symphony orchestras) honor student IDs as proof of eligibility for discounted tickets. According to the Act of October 25, 1991: On the Organization and Operation of Cultural Activities (Journal of Laws of 1991 No. 114, item 493), discounts in theaters are not specified; therefore, student discounts are granted based on the internal regulations of individual institutions.
Do students have discounted tickets to national parks?
Yes, a valid student ID with a current semester hologram entitles you to purchase a discounted ticket to national parks (e.g., Tatras National Park, Kampinos National Park, Biebrza National Park, Gór Stołowi National Park, Babiogórski National Park, Narodowy, Ojcowski National Park, Woliński National Park). The discount for students on entrance tickets is determined by the director of each national park.
Do students have discounts on tourist attractions?
Yes, students receive discounts on most tourist attractions in Poland (castles, palaces, historic mines, ethnographic parks, etc.). The amount of discounts for those holding a valid student ID with a current semester sticker is specified in the regulations of the institutions.
Do students receive discounted tickets to the swimming pool?
Pools belonging to municipal sports and recreation centers offer student discounts of a specified amount determined by the facility's regulations. Student discounts are also available at many commercial water parks and spas. The discount amount is determined by the regulations, which are usually available on the individual facility's website.
Do student discounts only apply to full-time students?
According to the Act of 20 July 2018: The Higher Education and Science Act (Journal of Laws of the Republic of Poland, item 1668), student ID is issued to students continuing their education in undergraduate (first-degree) and master’s (second-degree) programs on a full-time and part-time basis. The ELS ID with a valid student hologram is a document authorizing the use of the applicable discounts; therefore, students of part-time programs are entitled to statutory discounts in public transport and cultural institutions to the same extent as full-time students.
Do part-time students receive discounts?
Yes, students of part-time studies have the status of a student under the Act of 20 July 2018: Law on Higher Education and Science (Journal of Laws of the Republic of Poland 2018, item 1668), and receive a student ID, therefore they are entitled to statutory and commercial discounts as long as they maintain their student status.
Do postgraduate students also have the right to student discounts?
No, according to the Act of 27 July 2005 on Higher Education (Journal of Laws No. 164, item 1365 as amended), a student of postgraduate studies does not have the status of a student; therefore, he/she does not have a student ID. This means that postgraduate students do not benefit from student discounts.
Do the discounts apply also during the holidays or during the inter-semester break?
Yes, discounts are available continuously, including during the holidays and during the semester break. To use the discounts, you must have a valid student ID with a current semester hologram with a validity date of 31-03-xx or 31-10-xx, where xx represents the academic year. Students holding an ELS ID with a valid student hologram can continue to enjoy the discounts they are entitled to on a permanent and continuous basis while maintaining their student status.
At what age are student discounts valid?
Student discounts in public transport are available to students regardless of age in accordance with the Act of 20 July 2018: Law on Higher Education and Science (Journal of Laws of the Republic of Poland, 2018, item 1668). Discounts for students without an age limit are also available at many cultural institutions and commercial retail and service outlets. Discounts on travel on PKP and PKS tickets in accordance with the Act of 20 June 1992: The Right to Discounted Travel on Public Transport by Public Transport (Journal of Laws of the Republic of Poland, 1992, item 54, item 254) are available to students until the age of 26.
Does a student ID entitle me to discounts abroad?
No, the Electronic Student ID card entitles you to discounts within Poland and is not valid abroad. Students holding an ELS ID card with a current semester hologram can obtain the Euro26, ISIC or ESNcard and enjoy attractive discounts and rebates in many countries around the world.
Is it possible to receive student discounts in another country?
Yes, students holding a valid ELS card with a current student ID can enjoy discounts on public transport, cultural institutions, hotels, and restaurants in other countries. To receive student discounts, you must have an international Euro26, ISIC, or ESNcard.
Are there discounts for students after the age of 26?
According to the Act of 20 July 2018: Higher Education and Science Act (Journal of Laws of 2018, item 1668), students are entitled to discounts on public transport even after reaching the age of 26. Students holding an ELS card with a valid hologram on the student card are entitled to discounted tickets on all means of public transport.
What discounts for students over 26 years of age?
Students who have turned 26 can still benefit from attractive discounts. According to the Act of 20 July 2018 on Higher Education and Science (Journal of Laws of 2018, item 1668): students holding a student card with a current semester sticker can use discounted tickets on public transport regardless of age. Discounts for students without an age limit are also available at many cultural institutions and commercial facilities depending on the regulations of individual institutions. Only PKP is age-restricted to 26 years for 1st and 2nd degree studies.
How do I prove that I have student discounts?
The document confirming student status and therefore the right to discounts is the ELS student ID card. The validity of the student ID card is confirmed by the hologram on the student ID card issued every semester at the deanships of higher education institutions in Poland. When purchasing tickets or during check-in, a valid document with a current hologram of a student must be presented.
Do I need a student ID to get a discount?
Yes, a student ID card with an updated semester hologram is a document confirming the student status and granting the applicable discounts in accordance with the Act of 20 June 1992: On the rights to preferential travel on public transport (Journal of Laws of 1992 No. 54, item 254).
Can I use student discounts after defending my thesis?
Student discounts are available to those who possess a valid student ID with a current semester sticker. After the defense, it is possible to use the discounts only until September 30 or October 31 of the last academic year, depending on the date on the student ID hologram. After this date, the ELS ID ceases to be valid, as the student has formally completed their studies.
What should I do if my ID card has expired but I am still a student?
The validity of the ELS ID card is extended by the student hologram issued at the deaneries of all higher education institutions in Poland. If you are still a student and your ID card has expired, you must contact the university deanery, collect the current student sticker and attach it to the designated location on the back of the student ID card.
What documents do I need to show during the ticket check?
The ELS student ID with the current student hologram is a document confirming the entitlement to statutory discounts on public transport. Certificates from universities, diplomas, or university identification cards are not accepted by carriers. The exception is the mObywatel app’s student ID, which can be shown during ticket checks. In case of a need to verify the passenger’s identity for issuing a payment reminder, inspectors, in accordance with the Act of November 15, 1984: Transport Law (Journal of Laws of 2023, item 213), are entitled to demand the presentation of an identity document in a traditional form.
How are student discounts different from doctoral discounts?
Student discounts are available to students of master's and bachelor's degrees who have a student status confirmed by their current student ID (Electronic Student ID) with a valid sticker on the student ID. Doctoral degree discounts apply to students of the third cycle of studies (doctoral schools), who have a doctoral status and a valid doctoral degree ID (Electronic Doctoral Degree ID) with a current doctoral hologram. Student and doctoral degree discounts are closely related (they are available on public transport, in cultural institutions, and at sports facilities), but they are completely different benefits that are in no way connected with each other. The main differences between student and doctoral degree discounts are:
- Student discounts – discounts for students apply in public transport, cultural institutions and commercial premises without age limit. Student discounts in PKP and PKS are available to students until the age of 26.
- doctoral discounts – in public transport, PKP, PKS and cultural institutions, doctoral students are entitled to discounts until the age of 35.
Students with a valid ELS card with a current student sticker have much greater opportunities to use discounts than doctoral students. The student card with a valid hologram for the student card, unlike the doctoral card, is honored in all national parks, sports facilities of sports and recreation centers, service and catering establishments with virtually no age restrictions (in contrast to doctoral discounts, which are often age-limited to 35 years, e.g. in PKP).
Can I use discounts without a current student hologram?
No, a student ID card without a current student hologram loses its validity and prevents the use of the discounts that are available. The hologram on the student ID card in the form of a small sticker (10mm x 9mm, thickness 10µm-36µm) made of multi-layer holographic film is issued at the beginning of the academic year in the deanships of higher education institutions. The hologram for the student ID card features an eagle symbol, the symbol of the Republic of Poland in 2D/3D technology, a tamper-proof seal in the form of a honeycomb, and an 8-digit serial number containing the university’s unique code (the first 3 digits) and an 8-digit date of validity printed with a laser in the format 30-09-xx or 31-10-xx, where xx represents the academic year (e.g. 30-09-26 or 31-10-26).
How to get a hologram for the ELS student ID card to take advantage of student discounts?
The hologram on the ELS ID card is issued twice a year at the deaneries of higher education institutions. The semestral hologram with a validity date of 31-03-xx or 31-10-xx, where xx represents the academic year, should be downloaded at the beginning of the summer or winter semester and attached to the reverse side of the student ID card. Student holograms in collector's version can also be purchased in professional online stores for philatelists such as: https://hologramykolekcjonerskie24.com/
Do collectible student stickers entitle me to use discounts?
Collectible student stickers, although they are almost identical to university stickers, do not entitle you to use student discounts. The stickers on the student ID card available in specialized stores for philatelists can only be used for collector purposes, as a souvenir, as a theatrical or corporate prop. Using collectible student stickers to obtain discounts involves legal consequences under Article 270 of the Criminal Code.
Do collectible student stickers differ from university-issued stickers?
Collectible student stickers are almost identical to the ones issued in the university deanships. The stickers on the student ID for collector purposes have dimensions of 10mm x 9mm, a thickness of 10µm-36µm, a holographic surface, an eagle symbol and a RP mark made using 2D/3D technology, an 8-digit serial number, and a seal in the form of a honeycomb that prevents the hologram from being removed and re-applied. The collectible student holograms comply with the guidelines contained in the Regulation of the Minister of Science and Higher Education of September 27, 2018, pursuant to Article 81 of the Act of July 20, 2018: The Law on Higher Education and Science, and they do not differ in appearance from university holograms.
Do students have a discount on a MacBook or iPad?
Yes, students can take advantage of Apple’s special educational offer, which is available in the official Apple Store and from authorized resellers such as Cortland and iSpot. College students and people admitted to university who do not yet have student status can take advantage of the offer. As part of the promotion, you can get a discounted price and sometimes even free headphones or an extended warranty. To take advantage of the attractive discounts, you need to confirm your student status through the UNiDAYS or SheerID platform.
Where can I buy electronics with a student discount?
Students can buy electronic equipment at a promotional price, including from X-kom and Logitech. The X-kom student discount is available during the special Back to University promotional campaign, while Logitech offers attractive discounts for students in the Students Beans app. Student discounts include laptops, monitors, headphones, keyboards, and consoles. Student status is usually verified through the university email or by submitting a scan of a valid student ID.
Does Spotify offer a discount for students?
Yes, Spotify Premium Student is a special offer designed for people who have student status. The student discount allows students to use the service for half the price for up to 4 years. The condition is an active student status and verification through SheerID. The discount includes full access to the service without ads and the ability to download tracks offline.
Does Tidal have a special offer for students?
Yes, the Tidal student discount allows you to use the music platform in HiFi or HiFi Plus versions at a reduced price. To activate the discount, you must confirm your student status online. The discount can be as much as 50% compared to the standard subscription.
Do clothing stores offer student discounts?
Yes, student discounts in clothing stores are very common. In some stores, discounts for students, for example, House, are available all year round. Most popular clothing brands offer additional discounts for students during seasonal sales or for selected items (from a selected collection or for items not included in the promotion). H&M, Diverse, River Island, New Look, and Levi’s student discounts usually range from 10 to 20%. Clothing stores also offer student discounts for online shopping. Most often, a dedicated app is required, such as Shein’s student discount of 15%, which is only available to verified members of Student Beans.
Is it possible to buy cheaper airline or bus tickets as a student?
Yes, many transport companies offer cheaper tickets to students. The Ryanair student discount (up to 10%) is available through the Erasmus Student Network program. Meanwhile, Flixbus offers cheaper domestic and international tickets for students with an ISIC card or the Student Beans app. Offers may vary depending on the country, date, and route.
Do Nike and Decathlon have student discounts?
Yes, both the Nike student discount and the Decathlon student discount are available online and in selected physical stores. Nike offers student discounts of up to 10% after verification by UNiDAYS, while Decathlon introduces periodic promotions for students, especially at the beginning of the academic year. It is worth checking their official websites and newsletters.