The Athena Card is currently the multifunctional chip card used at TU Darmstadt and is used for various IT, access and service offerings, among other things. As part of a strategic development of the systems used, we would like to inform you today about an important change in the use of the Athena Card, which will take effect immediately.

New regulations for the Athena Card from 2026

From now on, the Athena Card will only be reissued in absolutely necessary and justified exceptional cases. Regular reissuance is no longer planned in future.

Alternatives to the Athena Card

Alternative solutions are already available for the previous areas of application of the Athena Card, which are presented in a separate overview on our website. Appropriate replacement solutions are being developed for functions that are not yet fully covered. The aim is to completely replace the Athena Card in the medium term.

Alternatives that are already available are based on common usage patterns, such as using the TUDa app or cashless payment by bank card or smartphone at Student Services facilities.

Still valid: cards already issued

Athena Cards that have already been issued can still be used as long as the respective service supports their use. Users with existing Athena Cards do not need to take any action at this time.

Background to the decision

Among other things, the change is intended to save costs and resources and to increase flexibility and independence from individual manufacturers.