Student NOL Card: Features, Eligibility & How to Apply

The student NOL card is an essential smart card for students in Dubai, offering discounted fares on public transport services under the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). Designed to ease travel across the city, the card provides access to buses, metro, trams, and more While saving up to 50% on ticket costs. In this guide, we explain the features, eligibility, and simple steps on how to apply for a student NOL card online.
Table Of Content
- 1 Key Features of the Student NOL Card
- 2 Eligibility Criteria for Student NOL Card
- 3 Student NOL Card Fees
- 4 How to Apply for a Student NOL Card
- 5 How to Apply for a Student NOL Card via RTA App
- 6 How to Apply for a Student NOL Card via NOL Pay App
- 7 Terms and Conditions for Student NOL Card
- 8 Questions & Answers
- 9 References
Key Features of the Student NOL Card
The student NOL card comes with a range of benefits tailored for students:
- Up to 50% discount on fares for metro, bus, and tram rides.
- Valid across all stages of education for students aged 5 to 23 years.
- Usable at over 2,000 retail outlets for payments including food and fuel.
- Valid for up to five years, depending on age.
- Convenient, flexible, and eliminates the need to carry cash.
Eligibility Criteria for Student NOL Card
To be eligible for a student NOL card, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be between 5 and 23 years old.
- Hold a valid Emirates ID or passport.
- Provide a status letter from their UAE school or university confirming enrollment.
- Submit a recent passport-sized photo with a white background.
Student NOL Card Fees
Here’s a breakdown of the card fees based on travel zones and duration:
Duration | 1 Zone | 2 Zones | All Zones |
---|---|---|---|
7 Days | AED 25 | AED 40 | AED 55 |
30 Days | AED 70 | AED 115 | AED 155 |
90 Days | AED 165 | AED 275 | AED 415 |
365 Days | AED 530 | AED 885 | AED 1335 |
An additional application fee of AED 50 and a card balance of AED 20 apply.
How to Apply for a Student NOL Card
You can apply for the student NOL card through the RTA website. Follow these steps to apply online: [1]
- Visit the RTA website “From Here“.

- Navigate to the “Personal NOL Card” Page.
- Click Apply Now.
- Log in using your RTA account or UAE PASS.
- Enter your details (name, contact info, age).
- Upload the required documents (photo, Emirates ID, status letter).
- Enter your delivery address.
- Review and submit your application.
- Receive a reference number and payment link by SMS/email.
- Complete the payment to confirm your application.
Student NOL Card online application is a fast and convenient way to secure your card without visiting a center.
How to Apply for a Student NOL Card via RTA App
You can apply for the student NOL card through the RTA app. Follow these steps to apply online: [2] [3]
- Download RTA Dubai App on your smartphone from:
- Google Play Store “From Here“.

-
- App Store “From Here“.

- Open the app and select your preferred language.
- Log in using your RTA account or UAE PASS.
- Go to the “Services” Section and select “NOL Services”.
- Choose “Apply for Personal NOL Card”.
- Fill in your personal details (name, contact info, age).
- Upload the required documents (passport-size photo, Emirates ID copy, school/university status letter).
- Enter your delivery address (Emirate, area, street, building/apartment number).
- Review your application to ensure all details are correct.
- Click “Submit.”
- Receive an application reference number and payment link via SMS or email.
- Pay the fees to complete your application.
Applying for a student NOL card via the RTA App is a mobile-friendly, convenient process without needing a visit to a customer service center.
How to Apply for a Student NOL Card via NOL Pay App
You can also use the Nol Pay App to submit your application: [4] [5]
- Download the Nol Pay app from any app store.
- Select Apply for Personal NOL Card under “Cards.”
- Upload documents and complete the form.
- Submit the application and pay once approved.
Terms and Conditions for Student NOL Card
Below are the terms and conditions that apply to both the application and use of the student NOL card:
- The discounted fare is valid exclusively for travel on the metro, bus, and tram, provided the concession is active.
- Concession benefits apply only to public transport services including the metro, bus, and tram.
- The concession is valid for one year and must be renewed upon expiry to continue receiving discounts.
- Registration fees are non-refundable and cannot be transferred to another person or account.
- The name printed on the student NOL card will match the first and last name on the Emirates ID.
- Cards that are returned or remain uncollected for more than 30 working days will be permanently blocked, with no refund issued.
- A student NOL card that has been blocked cannot be reactivated.
- In the event of a lost or stolen card, the cardholder is liable for any charges incurred within 48 hours of notifying RTA. RTA will not be responsible for any balance deducted during this time.
- Discounts and concessions are applicable only for Regular/Silver Class student cards.
Minor Policy:
- Children under 8 years are not advised to travel on public transport unless accompanied by an adult.
- Children aged 8 to 11 years must have parental consent to travel alone (except on intercity buses).
- Children 12 years and older may travel independently on public transport.
Application Rejection Conditions:
Applications will be rejected if:
- The application does not meet the eligibility requirements.
- Submitted documents are invalid or incomplete.
- Payment is not completed within 2 working days following application verification.
Conclusion
The student NOL card is an excellent solution for affordable and convenient travel across Dubai’s public transport network. Whether applying online, through the RTA app, or Nol Pay app, students can enjoy exclusive discounts while exploring the city. Don’t miss out Submit your student NOL card online application today and start saving on your daily commute!
Questions & Answers
You can use the discounts on metro, bus, and tram services only.
The card will display your first and last name as shown on your Emirates ID.
No, blocked student Nol cards cannot be reactivated.
The discount applies only to students with a Regular or Silver Class Nol card.
No, children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult.
Yes, but they need a parental permit to travel alone, excluding intercity buses.
Yes, children 12 and older can travel unaccompanied.
Applications may be rejected if requirements aren’t met, documents are invalid, or payment isn’t made within 2 working days after verification.