Get your student ID card

All you need to know about getting your UNSW student ID card set up.

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Why you need a student ID card

Your UNSW student ID card is your pass to a range of student services at UNSW. Plus, it’ll score you some serious perks, like student discounts and reduced fares on public transport.

This page tells you all you need to know about how to request your ID card, how to replace your card if it’s lost or stolen, and the conditions that apply to using your ID card.

Getting your card printed for the first time

New to UNSW?

Your student ID card will be available 60 days before the commencement of your first term. Make sure you've been enrolled in a course for at least 48 hours, then please follow the steps below to obtain your student ID card.

Before you can get your student ID card, you must:

Accept your offer

Enrol in a course

Please note:

Your acceptance process may vary depending on your program:

Incoming Study Abroad or Exchange students will receive separate instructions via email about offer acceptance and enrolment from the Learning Abroad, opens in a new window team.

UNSW College students studying Academic English Programs and have been pre-enrolled for 48 hours can proceed to book an ID card appointment below (for enrolment troubleshooting please contact UNSW College, opens in a new window.

UNSW College Diploma or Pre-Masters Program students, please enrol in at least one subject on your Student Portal and wait for 48 hours before making an appointment for your ID card.
Mark as done
UNSW requires you to enrol at the University under your full legal name. Please be aware that if you provide falsified documents in support of your application, then this will result in one of a range of penalties, from failure in the course to suspension or exclusion. In some cases, the matter could also be reported to ICAC.

When you attend in person to request your student ID card, you must bring one or more valid government-issued identity documents from the list below. If you do not bring accepted supporting documentation, UNSW will be unable to issue you a student ID card.

Australian citizen

Australian passport

Australian drivers licence and Australian birth certificate or citizenship certificate

NSW photo card (or equivalent) and Australian birth certificate or citizenship certificate.

New Zealand citizen

New Zealand citizen passport

Australian drivers licence and New Zealand birth certificate or citizenship certificate

NSW photo card (or equivalent) and New Zealand birth certificate or citizenship certificate.

Australian Permanent Resident

Passport and Australian visa letter or label.

International Residents

Passport.

If you have legally changed your name due to marriage, divorce or a formal change of name request, you may be required to provide additional documentation that reflects the change.
Your identification document(s) will be used to verify your identity and confirm your personal details (including your full legal name and, if applicable, your residency/citizenship status). If our records of your personal details are incorrect, we will use your identification documents to update those details.
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Whether you are a new or continuing student, you will need to make an appointment to print your student ID card.

You will not be able to get your student ID card during your appointment unless:

You have been enrolled in a course for at least 48 hours; and

You have your official ID document with you.

Location: The Nucleus: Student Hub, Level 2, UNSW Main Library (turn right by the main entrance of the library).

Book your student ID card appointment

Log in to the ADFA Student Gateway, opens in a new window for student card information.

In most cases, you'll only need your student ID card for access on UNSW Kensington and Paddington campuses.

Need proof that you’re a student to get discounts? Speak to The Nucleus: Student Hub to apply for a letter confirming your enrolment details.

Need proof that you're a student for Opal or Centrelink purposes? Apply for a Concession Entitlement Card.

Still need a Distance Student ID card?

Complete the Distance ID Card application form, opens in a new window and submit the completed form here. Please note: we do not post Distance Student ID cards internationally.

Make sure you attach:

an unedited passport-sized photo, showing top of shoulders and head taken in the last 6 months, and

a certified copy of your photo ID (a valid passport, drivers licence, or NSW Photo Card).

If you are a new domestic student eligible for Commonwealth Support, you will need to provide proof of citizenship/residency status.

Did you know? It only takes 2 minutes to print your Student ID card on the spot – just drop into The Nucleus: Student Hub!
Mark as done
Arc membership opens up a world of exclusive student experiences and support (and it’s free!). Bring your student card into Arc and get your membership sticker to enjoy a range of perks; from free pancakes, milkshakes, diaries and stationery to discounted tickets to Roundhouse parties, plus unlimited access to our volunteering programs, clubs and societies.

See what Arc has to offer

Mark as done

Do you have a different preferred name?

If you have a preferred name that is not on your official documents that you would like to be known by informally at UNSW, you can register this on myUNSW.

A preferred name may be:

your nickname or an abbreviated form of your name
another name you are known by to family and friends.

Registering a preferred name will reflect on class lists and online UNSW systems like myUNSW and Moodle. All formal documentation will still reflect your formal name (full legal name).

Note: You can only amend your First and Second Given Name(s). You cannot change the Family Name of your Preferred Name.

Update your preferred name

Need a replacement card?

If you need a replacement ID card, visit The Nucleus: Student Hub, open weekdays 10am-5pm. Our helpful staff will be able to issue you a new card on the spot.

Book appointment

What you’ll need to bring

Staff will need to complete a photo ID check before issuing you a new card. You will need to bring one form of government-issued identification, which could include:

Drivers license
State-issued photo card
Passport
Additional information:
- My name has changed
  You can make a correction or update your personal details and receive a new student ID card by filling out the Correction or Change of Personal Details Request Form (PDF).
- Expired card
  Bring your expired ID card to The Nucleus: Student Hub to receive a new student ID card free of charge. Student ID cards are valid for 3 years for enrolled students.
- Lost or damaged card
  For security reasons, visit The Nucleus: Student Hub as soon as possible to receive a new student ID card. No additional documentation required.

The replacement card fee is $25 for lost or damaged ID cards. Bring a credit or debit card to make your payment; cash payments are not accepted.

Replacements for faulty or expired student ID cards, or if you change your name, are free of charge.

Frequently asked questions

If you need to prove you are a student at UNSW, you can order an official UNSW letter confirming your enrolment details via The Nucleus: Student Hub.

When using a Concession Opal Card, Transport for NSW has advised that you can use a Transport Concession Entitlement Card, opens in a new window instead.
Your UNSW student ID card can be used for:

identification

to prove you are a student

building access

borrowing from the Library, opens in a new window

printing.

Have a question?

Contact us for advice on all things UNSW, including faculty-specific questions, essential services, and even support and development. We’re here to help.