If you are a tertiary or TAFE student in NSW, you may be able to get cheaper public transport. Many students need two things:
- Transport Concession Entitlement Card or approved student ID – proves you can travel on concession fares
- Concession Opal card or a contactless payment card/device linked to your concession entitlement – lets you pay concession fares on trains, buses, ferries and light rail.
Many tertiary student IDs are recognised as proof of entitlement, but there are exceptions. To see if your student ID is recognised as proof of entitlement, refer to the Transport for NSW website.
Transport Concession Entitlement Card
You need this card if your student ID is not recognised by Transport for NSW.
It's free and valid for up to 15 months. You must renew it by 31 March each year.
To apply for the card you need to:
- live in NSW
- be an Australian citizen or permanent resident enrolled full‑time in an approved higher education or vocational course (some exceptions apply for students with disability who must study part‑time or externally), or
- be an international student on one of these scholarships:
- Endeavour Scholarship
- Australian Awards Scholarship
- Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarship.
How to apply
To apply for your tertiary or TAFE student Transport Concession Entitlement Card refer to the Transport for NSW website.
Renew or replace your card
You can renew online up to 30 days before your card expires. You must still meet the eligibility rules.
If your card is lost or stolen, you can order a replacement online. A replacement fee may apply.
Until your renewal or replacement card arrives, you must use an adult Opal card or adult ticket.
If your personal or contact details change, you can update the details on your card online.
To to renew, replace or update your tertiary or TAFE student Transport Concession Entitlement Card refer to the Transport for NSW website.
Concession Opal card or linked contactless payment card/device
Tertiary and TAFE students can access cheaper public transport on the Opal network with a Concession Opal card or a contactless payment card or device linked to your concession entitlement.
You must carry your student ID or your Transport Concession Entitlement Card every time you travel on Concession Opal fares, either with your Concession Opal card or with your linked contactless payment card/device.
For information on how to get a Concession Opal card or how to link your concession entitlement to your credit card or debit card refer to the Transport for NSW website.
Regional travel
Eligible tertiary students and international students with valid proof of entitlement are entitled to concession fares on all NSW TrainLink Regional services. Note concession fares are not available for sleeping berths on NSW TrainLink Regional services.
Have your Transport Concession Entitlement Card with you when you book for NSW TrainLink Regional services.
For fares on regular local bus services outside the Opal network check with your Local Transport Operators to find out if you're entitled to concessions.