The European Student Card runs through a digital platform called the ESC Router which
- allows participating institutions to integrate the ESC features into their students' cards (physical or digital)
- enables real-time validation of student status across the European Education Area
Features
European Student Cards have the following features.
- European Student Card Number (ESCN): a unique card identifier that serves to identify and validate European Student Cards
- European Student Identifier: an identification number that enables students on mobility to uniquely identify themselves as a student when they access student services online
- ESC Logo: comprised of a QR code, the text "European Student Card", and the EU flag. Together, these elements certify the card's authenticity and validity at the European level. They can be shown in a horizontal or vertical format.
The graphic charter of the ESC logo
The graphic charter defines the rules and standards of use for the new European Student Card logo. The new ESC logo is easier to implement and recognise.
Download
Previous ESC logo
The previous version of the ESC featured a QR code and a hologram. A coexistence phase will run until 31 December 2027, where both the previous version of the ESC (with the hologram) and the ESC logo can be issued. All European Student Cards issued as of 1 January 2028 must include the ESC logo. Nevertheless, ESCs issued before 1 January 2028 with the hologram may still be in circulation and should be considered valid until their expiration date.
ESC Hologram: a logo on the front of the card that visually certifies the card’s authenticity at the European level.
ESC QR Code: a digital format code on the front or back of the card, which also certifies the card’s validity at the European level.
Minimal data is required from higher education institutions to implement the European Student Card. For more information, please consult the ESC Router Data Protection Record and Privacy Statement.