Student ID card validity

What is the student ID card needed for?

Every student should be aware of what they are entitled to with a student ID card and a valid hologram of the ELS, so that they can fully utilize it. Such student IDs offer many possibilities.

For many young people, this is the main reason to start studying; thanks to this, when entering independent life, they have the opportunity to save money. Often, discounts also encourage them to use places like museums or theaters, because cheaper ticket prices are much more attractive than for someone who does not have such discounts. So what is worth knowing regarding the validity of student IDs and ELS holograms on a student ID? Until when must student IDs and ELS holograms on a student ID be returned?

Student IDs – what does the abbreviation ELS stand for?

The abbreviation ELS in the development of the card is Electronic Student ID. Every student receives an ID with an ELS sticker at the time of starting their studies. The sticker has a laser-cut expiration date. It is issued in the dean’s office of their university. It indicates that the student is entitled to legal benefits during their time of study. The important expiration date on the sticker on the ID provides proof that the student is fully entitled to statutory discounts and that he/she belongs to the academic community of his/her university. Such a certificate gives him the opportunity to use discounts on the city ticket (e.g., the ZTM discount) of 50% PLN, as well as the PKP student discount on a PKP train ticket of 51% PLN. Many cinemas, museums, and cafes also offer this package in their price list. We can also find it at the gym or many entertainment clubs. Student ID cards with a valid ELS hologram are issued to students at every higher education institution in Poland, including Warsaw, Krakow, Katowice, and Poznań, at places such as the University of Warsaw, the School of Economics and Business, the Jagiellonian University, and the Polytechnic University. Student IDs are issued to all students regardless of the mode of study.

Student ID card and its validity period

Each student ID card has its own collectible hologram ELS, also known as a sticker on the ID card. The laser-cut date on the hologram informs us about the validity of the ID card and whether the period of study of the holder of the card still lasts. In some higher education institutions in Poland, there is an older system for issuing student ID cards in paper form. This means that the validity of the card is indicated by the university seal along with the date affixed in the deanery. These cards, regardless of their form, must be carried with you daily.

When checking tickets by a controller while traveling by public transport or by train, only showing it certifies the possibility of receiving discounts; therefore, it should always be kept with you. However, in this situation, the validity date also plays an important role. collectible holograms ELS, which must comply with the current regulations. Every six months, it is necessary to apply to the university’s dean’s office requesting a new, valid sticker for the ID card. Without it, you cannot benefit from student discounts. The same rule applies to the PKP student discounts, as well as the urban transport discounts (ZTM discount). If a student has been removed from the student list, they also do not receive any student discounts at the same time.

Student ID card and age

Are you wondering how university discounts work if you have already turned 26? It works as follows: regardless of age, with your current student ID and the ELS hologram, you can use 50% rides on public transport and enjoy discounts at cinemas, museums, gyms, and cafes. Only during intercity or national courses is this discount not applicable. Intercity student discounts and any student discounts on PKP have an age limit, so student train tickets can only be purchased for up to 26 years old. Of course, this ID is not dependent on the university where you start your studies. You can easily obtain it at even the most prestigious universities, such as the University of Warsaw or Jagiellonian University. Student IDs are issued to every student.

Is it necessary to return the ID card after completing the studies?

Along with the documents submitted at the end of studies, the female faculty members at the dean’s office insist on the return of the student ID card. However, this is not an obligation for any student, because after completing their studies in June, the validity of the student ID card and the hologram of the ELS indicate that the date of their validity is still valid until October. Until then, there is the possibility of using student discounts. The laser-cut date on the student ID card indicates that the student ID card is valid until October 31 or March 31, so until then, the student who has already completed their studies still has full rights to use their privileges.