Large-scale deployment of student cards in Poland started in late 2007 and so far 115 universities and high schools are issuing the e-student card. Another 300 universities are expected to join in the program in the near future. Some 1.1 million users daily use the card, which provides secure physical access to campus facilities, such as dormitories, workshops and labs. The contact/contactless card is also used in public transport and as a digital wallet.

“Implementing the electronic student cards system in Polish universities has been the biggest project of this type in Europe,” said Michal Strzelecki, European Campus Card Association. “This strongly positive reaction to the student electronic ID card clearly shows the way for development of student-friendly solutions in the near future. An additional functionality could be exchange of information between students from foreign universities.”

The card allows users to select and add extra applications. At present, they most often have chosen dorms, libraries, swimming pool entry and public transport tickets, according to the survey. However, a third of the users would like more choices, such as payment cards, credit cards and discount cards for shops and cafes. They would also like access to exam results, lecture schedules, cinema/theater tickets and plane tickets via the card.

Gemalto also has provided more than six million electronic student cards to universities in Latin America, Hungary, Morocco, Portugal, Serbia, Spain, the United Kingdom and the United States.