Microsoft 365 Student Discount: How to Get Office Free or Cheap
If you're a student or educator, you might be able to get Microsoft 365 completely free or at a steep discount. Microsoft offers generous programs for educational users, and this guide will show you exactly how to take advantage of them.
What Students Get for Free
Microsoft offers a completely free version of Microsoft 365 for eligible students and educators. Here's what you can access at no cost:
- Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote online versions
- 1TB OneDrive cloud storage
- Microsoft Teams for collaboration
- Outlook email with your school domain
- Forms, Sway, and other web apps
- Access on any device through browser
Note: The free version includes web-based apps. For desktop applications, you may need a paid subscription or your school may provide them.
Who Qualifies for Student Pricing
Microsoft's education programs are available to a wide range of students and educators:
K-12 Students
Elementary through high school students at accredited institutions
University Students
Enrolled undergraduate and graduate students
Teachers & Faculty
Full-time and part-time educators at accredited schools
Staff Members
Administrative staff at qualifying educational institutions
Homeschool Students
Some programs accept homeschool verification
Important: You'll need a valid school email address (.edu or your institution's domain) to verify eligibility.
How to Verify Your Student Status
Getting verified is straightforward. Here's the step-by-step process:
Visit the Education Page
Go to microsoft.com/education or office.com/student
Enter Your School Email
Use your .edu address or school-provided email
Check Your Inbox
Microsoft will send a verification link
Complete Verification
Click the link and create your account
Access Your Benefits
Start using Microsoft 365 immediately
Tip: If your school email isn't recognized automatically, you may need to upload proof of enrollment like a student ID or enrollment letter.
Free vs Paid Student Options
Understanding your options helps you choose the right plan:
| Feature | Free (Web) | Personal ($) | Through School |
|---|---|---|---|
| Word, Excel, PowerPoint | Web only | Desktop + Web | Usually Desktop + Web |
| OneDrive Storage | 1TB | 1TB | 1TB+ |
| Outlook Email | School domain | Personal domain | School domain |
| Desktop Apps | No | Yes | Often included |
| Mobile Apps | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Cost | Free | ~$2.99/month | Free |
Getting Microsoft 365 Through Your School
Many educational institutions provide Microsoft 365 to students at no cost. Here's how to check:
- Check your school's IT or technology services website
- Look for 'software' or 'student resources' sections
- Contact your school's help desk or IT department
- Check your student portal for available software
- Ask your professors or classmates
Best Option: Schools with Microsoft 365 Education licenses often provide the full desktop suite. This is usually the best option since it's completely free and includes everything.
Personal Student Subscriptions
If your school doesn't provide Microsoft 365, you can get discounted personal plans:
Microsoft 365 Personal
~$2.99/month with student discount
1 user, 1TB storage, all desktop apps
Microsoft 365 Family
~$7.99/month with student discount
Up to 6 users, 6TB storage total
Student discounts vary by region and availability. Check the Microsoft Store or authorized education retailers for current pricing.
What's Included in Education Plans
Education plans often include more than standard consumer versions:
Full Desktop Suite
Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, Outlook, Publisher, Access
Generous Storage
1TB OneDrive storage per user, sometimes more
Collaboration Tools
Microsoft Teams with education features
Learning Tools
Immersive Reader, Math tools, accessibility features
Security Features
Built-in protection and privacy controls
Multi-Device Access
Use on PC, Mac, tablets, and phones
Educator and Faculty Benefits
Teachers and faculty members get similar benefits to students, plus additional tools:
- Free Microsoft 365 apps and services
- Microsoft Teams for virtual classrooms
- OneNote Class Notebook for lesson organization
- Forms for quizzes and surveys
- Learning Accelerators and education tools
- Professional development resources
Tip: Educators can also access training through the Microsoft Educator Center to learn how to use these tools effectively in teaching.
After Graduation: What Happens
Your student benefits don't last forever. Here's what to expect:
School-Provided Access
Usually ends within 30-90 days after graduation or leaving the institution
Your Files
Download everything from OneDrive before your access expires
Transition Options
Switch to a personal or family subscription to keep using Microsoft 365
Alumni Programs
Some schools offer extended access or discounts for alumni
⚠️ Important: Set a reminder to backup your files before graduation. You don't want to lose important documents!
Alternative Discounts
If you don't qualify for student pricing, consider these options:
Free Web Apps
Anyone can use Word, Excel, and PowerPoint online for free at office.com
Microsoft 365 Family
Split the cost with family members or roommates (up to 6 people)
Annual Subscriptions
Pay yearly instead of monthly to save around 16%
Retailer Deals
Watch for sales during back-to-school season and holidays
Employer Benefits
Check if your job offers Microsoft 365 through work
Tips for Maximum Savings
Get the most value from your student benefits:
- Check your school first – institutional licenses are usually the best deal
- Use your student email even after enrolling in classes
- Download and backup files before your access expires
- Share a Family subscription with classmates if your school doesn't provide it
- Look for bundle deals during back-to-school sales
- Consider the annual plan for additional savings
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my student Microsoft 365 for personal projects?
Yes! Once you have access, you can use it for any purpose – schoolwork, personal projects, or even side businesses.
What if my school email isn't recognized?
Contact Microsoft support or your school's IT department. You may need to provide additional documentation like a student ID or enrollment verification letter.
Can I use Microsoft 365 on multiple devices?
Yes. You can install the desktop apps on up to 5 PCs or Macs, 5 tablets, and 5 phones with most plans.
Is the student version different from the regular version?
The apps are identical. Education versions just have different licensing terms and may include extra educational tools.
How long does student access last?
As long as you remain an eligible student or educator. Your school may require annual re-verification.
Can I keep my files after graduation?
You'll need to download or migrate your files to a personal account before your student access expires.
Need Microsoft 365 After Graduation?
Get Microsoft 365 Family at the best price – perfect for sharing with up to 6 people!
View Microsoft 365 Family Deals