Apply for 18+ Student Oyster photocard
28 August 2023 2026-08-11 10:12Apply for 18+ Student Oyster photocard
Apply for an 18+ Student Oyster photocard
If you are eligible, an 18+ Student Oyster photocard can make regular travel to your studies more affordable across London.
What the photocard offers
The discount is designed for students who regularly buy season tickets for travel in London.
30% student saving
Save 30% on adult-rate Travelcards and Bus & Tram Pass season tickets.
Use pay as you go
You can add credit and travel as usual. However, the 30% discount does not apply to ordinary pay-as-you-go fares.
Optional Railcard saving
If eligible, add a 16–25 or 26–30 Railcard to save one-third on qualifying off-peak pay-as-you-go fares and daily caps.
Check that you meet TfL’s rules
In addition to being 18 or over and living in a London borough during term time, your course and study pattern must meet TfL’s eligibility requirements.
TfL makes the final decision on eligibility. Caspian School can only approve an application after confirming your enrolment and eligible study status.
Typical full-time student criteria
- You are fully enrolled before applying.
- Your course provides at least 15 tuition-led or structured learning hours a week.
- Your daytime classes run Monday to Friday and are not evening-only study.
- Your course lasts for at least 14 weeks.
- Certain postgraduate, NHS bursary, part-time and mandatory work-placement students may qualify under additional TfL rules.
How to apply online
Complete these steps in order. Applications open on 1 September each year and can only be submitted after enrolment.
Complete enrolment
Make sure your Caspian enrolment is complete and that you have received your student enrolment ID.
Create your account
Set up your own TfL Oyster photocard web account using an active email address.
Submit and pay
Enter your details, upload your digital photograph and pay TfL’s £22 administration fee.
Wait for approval
TfL asks the education provider to confirm eligibility. TfL then processes and posts approved cards.
Have these details ready
Preparing everything before you begin will help you complete the online form correctly.
- Active email addressUse an address you check regularly.
- Student enrolment IDProvided after your enrolment.
- London addressYour term-time London borough address.
- Digital photographJPG, BMP or GIF, under 6MB.
Important application information
Read these points before submitting your details or making travel plans.
Applications open on 1 September
You cannot apply before you are enrolled on your course.
Allow time for delivery
TfL normally posts the card after your education provider approves the application. You must pay for travel until it arrives.
Validity follows your course
A card can be valid for up to three years and normally expires when your course or placement ends.
You may have another option
If you were 18 on 31 August and live in London, TfL says you may still qualify for a 16+ Zip Oyster photocard.
Please check before paying: TfL controls the scheme, fee and eligibility rules, which can change. The £22 fee and guidance on this page were checked against TfL’s official information in August 2026.
Need help with your enrolment details?
Contact the Caspian School team before submitting your TfL application if you are unsure which student enrolment ID or course details to use.
