Student NOL Discount — Q4 update

Latest eligibility rules, application tips and real fare comparisons for students using Dubai public transport. Updated for Q4 with university confirmations and discounts.

  • Updated: Q4 2025
  • Applicable across Dubai public transport
Students boarding bus
Students boarding public bus in Dubai — illustrative

Who is eligible?

Students enrolled in accredited UAE universities, colleges, and approved institutes may qualify for the Student NOL discount. Eligibility highlights:

  • Full‑time students with a valid student ID issued by the institution.
  • Proof of residency or UAE residency visa may be required for non‑UAE nationals.
  • Discounts vary by fare type (single trips, monthly passes).
How to apply
Student ID and NOL card
Common documentation: student ID, institute letter, and passport/residency

Application process (step-by-step)

Step 1

Prepare documents

Student ID, institute enrollment letter, residency visa copy.

Step 2

Online registration

Many institutes support direct registration via the official transport portal or campus admin.

Step 3

Top-up & use

Once approved, load discounted fare onto your NOL card at top-up points or online.

Benefits and limits

  • Reduced fares on metro, bus and tram within Dubai zones.
  • Discounted monthly student passes (where applicable).
  • Limits: discounts may exclude peak-hour supplements on certain express services.

Note: concessions depend on confirmation from your educational institution and RTA policies.

Metro platform with student
Students using NOL for seamless transfers

Fare comparison — standard vs student

Fare type Standard (AED) Student (AED) Saving
Single trip (Zone 1) 4.00 2.00 50%
Monthly pass (Zones 1–2) 270.00 150.00 44%
Tram single 3.00 1.50 50%
Representative fares — always confirm current RTA rates before purchase.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, if you hold a valid UAE residency visa and a student ID or enrollment confirmation from an accredited institute.

Typical verification takes 3–7 business days but may vary by institute and RTA processing times.

Yes — once your NOL card is active with the student concession, you can add balance via official portals and kiosks.

Student experiences

Student photo
Fatima, University of Dubai
"The student NOL made commuting affordable — smooth verification with my campus admin."
Used for daily campus commute and weekend metro trips.
Student group at metro
Group journeys
Students often combine monthly pass savings for shared travel plans.

Resources and links

Official RTA guidelines

Reference the RTA portal for the most current policy and application endpoints.

Visit RTA

University admin checklist

Ask your student affairs office for the enrolment letter template and verification steps.

Contact campus support

Top-up & payment

Top-up options include online portals, kiosks, and partnered retailers across Dubai.

Top-up guide

Ready to get your student NOL concession?

If you have questions or need help with documentation, our team can assist you.