Auckland Transport offers discounted fares to eligible full-time tertiary students.
How to apply
To apply for a tertiary student concession on your AT HOP card:
- Check if you're eligible for the tertiary student discount.
- You need to register your AT HOP card to a primary account to complete the application online.
- If your AT HOP card is registered to a linked account, you will need to visit an AT Customer Service Centre with your AT HOP card, student ID and tertiary sticker to apply for your concession.
- Follow the steps for your tertiary institute:
The University of Auckland, AUT and Massey University students
If you are a student enrolled with The University of Auckland, AUT or Massey University you can apply online and through the AT Mobile app.
Once your application is complete, your concession will apply for up to 3 years, providing you remain enrolled in an eligible course.
If you do not have a smart phone, you will need to visit an AT Customer Service Centre with your AT HOP card, student ID and tertiary sticker to apply for your concession.
Step 1: Submit your application online
Log into your MyAT account, select the AT HOP card you would like to apply the concession to and choose "Apply for a concession/discount fare".
Before you start
You'll need your university log in details and your smart phone to complete the application.
Step 2: Install and log into the AT Mobile app on your smart phone and take a passport style photo
Log into the AT Mobile app using your MyAT account login and password, select "Tertiary Concessions" from the app menu and upload a passport style photo.
You'll need to have this available on request while travelling to prove eligibility.
Step 3: Tag on to activate your concession
We will email you when your concession is loaded.
Tag on to an AT HOP card reader or electronic gate within 60 days for your concession to be activated on your AT HOP card.
All other tertiary institutes
Step 1: Ensure you have proof of eligibility
Get an AT Tertiary ID sticker on your Tertiary Student ID card from your tertiary institute to prove eligibility.
Step 2: Start your application online
Log into your MyAT account, select the AT HOP card you would like to apply the concession to and choose "Apply for a concession/discount fare".
Step 3: Visit an AT Customer Service Centre
Visit your nearest AT Customer Service Centre to load a concession on your card. Remember to take your AT HOP card, student ID card and tertiary sticker.
Tertiary student discount
The AT HOP tertiary fares are at least 20% less than the adult AT HOP single trip fare. The discount applies to most public transport services, except tertiary shuttles and some ferry services. For tertiary fare information see fares & discounts.
- The tertiary student discount is not available on a cash fare.
- You may only hold one AT HOP card with a tertiary concession on it.
- If eligible, you may also hold a Gold AT HOP card with a SuperGold concession on it and an AT HOP card with a Tertiary concession. Find out more about the multiple concessions.
Tertiary student discount eligibility
Enrolled full-time
If you are enrolled in and attending a Qualifying Tertiary Education Course at an AT Approved Tertiary Provider as a Full-Time Student, you will be eligible for AT’s Tertiary Concession Fare.
For full eligibility criteria, see our tertiary student discount terms & conditions.
Proof of eligibility is required while travelling
To access the Tertiary Concession Fare, you must have a registered AT HOP card and use this card for your travel on public transport. You must travel on each journey with one of the following to be able to present to AT staff on request as proof that you are eligible for the Tertiary Concession Fare: either your valid student ID card with the AT Tertiary ID Sticker affixed to it; or a device with the AT Mobile App confirming your eligibility and a valid student ID card.
Services not covered by tertiary student discount
There are some bus and ferry services which are not covered under the tertiary student discount including:
- Waiheke ferry services
- Tertiary shuttle services
Auckland Transport and its operators reserve the right to add or remove any route or service from the discount scheme at any time without notice. If in doubt, students should check directly with the relevant operators to see if they accept the AT tertiary ID sticker on their services.
Over what period will I receive the Tertiary Concession Fare?
If you are a Full Time Student and you are eligible for the Tertiary Concession Fare, the concession will apply from the first day of your course (usually 1 March) to the sooner of 31 March of the following year, or the expiry date of your AT Tertiary ID Sticker, or the expiry date of your student ID card. You will need to apply for and reactivate the Tertiary Concession Fare on your registered AT HOP card upon expiry of your AT Tertiary ID Sticker or expiry of your Student ID card. Note: if your student ID card expires before your AT Tertiary ID Sticker, you will no longer be eligible for the Tertiary Concession Fare from the expiry date of your student ID card.
If you have the AT Mobile App and you are a Full Time Student who is eligible for the Tertiary Concession Fare, the Tertiary Concession Fare can remain activated on your AT HOP card for up to 3 years (subject to you remaining eligible for the Tertiary Concession Fare during that time).
If you elect to use the AT Mobile App, you must apply for the Tertiary Concession Fare following the steps above and then consent to AT contacting your AT Approved Tertiary Provider each year (and at any other time at AT’s discretion) to confirm that you remain eligible for the Tertiary Concession Fare. Your eligibility for the Tertiary Concession Fare will be displayed within the AT Mobile App.