The digital student ID card gives students access to many discounts.
Starting in the 2026 summer semester, Ruhr University Bochum will gradually introduce the digital student ID card to offer all students the convenience of being able to identify themselves digitally using their smartphones. On this page, you will find all the information and answers to the most important questions about the digital student ID card.
It will be available in the RUB mobile app starting in the summer semester of 2026 .
In the RUB Mobile app, students, staff, and interested parties can find a wide range of news, daily meal plans, and information about services related to studying and life on the RUB campus.
All physical forms of the student ID card will expire after the 2026 summer semester.
The cards will not be recalled. Of course, the Registrar’s Office will, upon request, ensure that old student ID cards are destroyed in a manner that complies with data protection regulations. These can be turned in at the Service Point in the UV (https://einrichtungen.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/en/servicepoint-uv) or during the office hours of the Registrar’s Office.
A printed certificate of enrollment serves as an analog alternative. You can generate and print this yourself via eCampus. To avoid disclosing all the information on the certificate of enrollment, you can tear off the bottom half.
The student ID shows
Student status distinguishes between students, guest auditors, and visiting students.
Strictly speaking, the certificate of enrollment, combined with an ID card or passport, is the only reliable proof of student status. This has been the case up to now. Most third parties, such as other service providers offering student discounts, have nevertheless accepted the student ID card. This is expected to remain the case in the future.
Unlike the plastic card, the digital student ID is issued with a fixed validity period that is continuously updated. The validity period is limited to one semester. A new ID is generated at the start of each new semester.
No. For identification purposes, you must present an official photo ID (identity card or passport). If you need to prove your student status during the exam, you may also present a current certificate of enrollment.
Unlike the plastic card, the digital student ID is issued with a fixed validity period that is continuously updated. The validity period is limited to one semester. A new ID is generated at the start of each new semester.
With the introduction of digital enrollment, the physical student ID card is no longer a reliable proof of identity (e.g., in exams). In addition, AkaFö has, on its own initiative, developed a new app and will roll it out together with new payment processes. As a result, the plastic student ID card loses its two essential functions.
What remains is proof of student status for external organizations—at least in situations where the detailed certificate of enrollment is not required, for example for discounts at cinemas, museums, or events.
Producing, reissuing, and shipping cards, especially for first-time enrollments, creates significant effort and costs. These are not economically proportionate to the prospective benefit.
To continue offering students a more convenient alternative to the certificate of enrollment, we have opted for a sustainable digital display of the ID in RUB mobile.
The AStA and AkaFö apps were developed on their own initiative. The AStA app has existed for many years. RUB is in close contact with AStA. Despite intensive efforts by Ruhr University, AkaFö wanted to establish its own solution. The University Library app was introduced when RUB was still operating the old app, which was not future-proof or scalable. The feature set of the new app will be continuously expanded, including efforts toward stronger integration.
In addition, in the near future the semester ticket will be accessible via RUB mobile. This will eliminate the need to use the Ride Ticket app.
With many use cases for the physical card disappearing, the remaining added value is proof of student status for external organizations—again, in cases where the detailed certificate of enrollment is not needed, such as for discounts at cinemas, museums, or events.
The digital student ID is a smart alternative to the certificate of enrollment. It can be used wherever the detailed information provided by the certificate is not necessary.
Since the student ID card cannot serve as proof of identity due to the digital registration system, it does not include a photo in accordance with the principle of data minimization. The student ID card is therefore only valid when presented together with an official photo ID.
Each time you access the ID card through the app's wallet, details such as your name, student status, and validity period are updated. If you already have the app’s wallet open, the information is only updated when the ID card is actively refreshed (by tapping the arrow button in the upper right corner of the wallet).
Unlike the plastic card, the digital student ID is issued with a fixed validity period that is continuously kept up to date. The validity period is limited to one semester. A new ID is generated at the start of each new semester.
The student ID card is made available starting on the first day of the semester. To receive it, students must have re-registered for the respective semester. For newly enrolled students, the student ID card will only be displayed once the social contribution has been paid.
If you can open the app, the best way to send technical feedback is via the support button in the app. This automatically includes important background information about your device, operating system, and app version.These details are essential for troubleshooting and quick assistance.
If you have difficulties installing the app or linking your account, please contact the colleagues at the Service Point in the UV building or email stud-sekretariat@rub.de.
The digital student ID card is generated using an interface to the HIS SOS system. (With the introduction of student management in HISinONE, the interface will be migrated to HISinONE.) The interface is used to retrieve the student information relevant to the ID card.
This process is preceded by an account management step to uniquely authenticate a person as a student. A Shibboleth connection is used to verify a person’s RUB login against their status as recorded in the RUB Identity Management System.
