Student ID Cards

The University of South Wales Student SMART ID card is multi-purpose and acts as your University identification, Library card, Door Entry card and allows you access to University services and facilities.

You will be issued with a student ID card in the first year of your course. Your ID card will remain valid for the duration of your course and will not be re-issued annually.  The expiry date is shown on the card.


Your ID card photograph

Your photograph should show a close-up of your full head and shoulders, facing forward.  It must be only of you with no other objects or people.  Your photo must be: 

  • in colour, taken against a plain cream or light grey background
  • show you facing forward without anything covering your face (eg your eyes not covered by sunglasses, tinted glasses, glasses frames or hair)
  • recent (eg taken within the last six months)
  • clear and in focus
  • unaltered by computer software
  • in portrait orientation (not landscape)
  • in a jpg format, within the maximum file size limit of 2 MB

Click here to see example of photos.


Student ID card: Conditions of Use

Your student ID card is the property of the University and is valid until the expiry date shown on the card, which will be the end of your course.  If you think this expiry is incorrect or needs extending please contact your Campus Advice Zone.

You will be required to produce your ID card when accessing certain University facilities on request.

You should not allow anyone else to use your ID card.

Your ID card will act as your Library Card and users of the Library must comply with Library Regulations.

Student ID Card Collection: September 2023

Click here for further information about Student ID Card Collection for September 2023.

No, the library will accept a form of proof of identity such as a passport.

No, you can download a student status letter on your Unilife account as proof our your studies at the University



Yes, please collect your card from the campus where you are living.   The campus distribution locations are listed above.

This service is not being provided.   ID cards are being given out on campus to students who attending scheduled teaching activity.

If you have lost your ID card, you can order a replacement from the University's online store.