Is Autodesk Free for Students? How the Education Plan Works

If you're studying design, engineering, architecture or animation, this is one of the best free deals in software. The rules about how you use it matter, though, especially if you're also freelancing on the side.

What Autodesk student access covers

Autodesk says that once you're verified, you can access all the software available through its Education Community. Its education software page lists tools such as:

• AutoCAD for 2D and 3D drafting, plus AutoCAD Web for working in a browser or on mobile.
• Revit for building design and BIM.
• Inventor for 3D mechanical design.
• Fusion for cloud-based product design and manufacturing.
• Maya and 3ds Max for 3D animation and visualisation.
• Tinkercad, a simple 3D design and 3D printing app.

How long it lasts

Autodesk describes it as one year of free access for qualifying students and educators. Access is renewable annually as long as you're still eligible, so you'll go through the check again each year rather than getting it once for the whole of your course.

How to get Autodesk for free as a student

1. Check that you're eligible on Autodesk's education pages.
2. Choose a product on Autodesk's Get Products page.
3. Complete the education verification process. Autodesk does verify student and faculty status.
4. Once you're verified, download the software you need.
5. Set a reminder to renew before your year is up.

If your teacher has assigned software to your class, Autodesk says you should get an email telling you which products have been assigned and where to download them. The steps differ slightly depending on whether you already have an Autodesk account.

The rule that catches students out

This is the important bit. Autodesk says software accessed through the Education plan may be used only for purposes directly related to learning, training and research. It may not be used for commercial, professional or any other for-profit purposes.

So if you pick up freelance drafting work, design a product for a client or use the software in a part-time job, the education licence doesn't cover it. That's easy to forget when the software is already on your laptop. Keep your coursework and your client work separate, and use a correctly licensed version for any client work.

A second catch: some products have their own rules. On its software list, Autodesk notes that users of Flow Studio must be post-secondary students aged 18 or older, with institutional participation limited to post-secondary.

Autodesk for teachers and educators

The Education plan isn't only for students. Autodesk says educators also qualify for the one-year free access, and teachers can assign products to a class. Students then get an email from Autodesk listing the assigned products and where to download them, which saves everyone working out what to install.

Keeping your access running

Because access lasts a year at a time, the most common problem is simply losing it mid-project. Autodesk says access is renewable annually as long as you're eligible, so note the date you were verified and renew before it runs out. If you're in your final year, remember that once you're no longer eligible, the education access doesn't carry on.

Where to start if you're new to design software

Autodesk's catalogue is huge, which can be overwhelming. If you're a beginner, Tinkercad is the gentlest way in: Autodesk describes it as a simple 3D design and 3D printing app. From there, AutoCAD suits 2D drawing and drafting, Fusion suits product design, Revit suits buildings and Maya suits animation. Pick the one your course uses, learn it well, then branch out. Most of these tools have a learning curve, so give yourself a few weeks of regular practice before you judge whether one suits you.

Free Autodesk alternatives to know about

If you don't qualify, or you need something you can use for business, there are other routes. My guide to AutoCAD alternatives covers options for drafting, and this round-up of the best CAD software for beginners is a good starting point if you're new to 3D design.

Using the Education plan with a portfolio

Many students want to show their work to employers, and that's part of learning. The line Autodesk draws is about commercial and for-profit use, so showing coursework in a portfolio is a different thing from delivering designs to clients or working on commercial projects. If you're unsure where a project sits, check Autodesk's education terms before you start, not after it's finished.

Who the Autodesk Education plan suits

It suits students and teachers who need industry-standard design software for their course, projects and research. Learning the same tools employers use is a real advantage when you start applying for jobs.

It doesn't suit anyone who wants to use the software to make a living yet. That includes students who freelance alongside their studies.

My verdict: Autodesk is free for eligible students and educators, and it's a fantastic way to learn. Verify, renew each year, and keep it strictly for your learning, never for client work.

Frequently asked questions

Is Autodesk free for students?

Yes. Autodesk offers eligible students and educators one year of free access to its software and services through the Education plan, renewable annually while they're eligible.

Does Autodesk verify student status?

Yes. Autodesk says it verifies student and faculty status for educational access before you can download the software.

Can I use Autodesk student software for freelance work?

No. Autodesk says Education plan software may only be used for learning, training and research, not for commercial, professional or other for-profit purposes.

How many years is AutoCAD free for students?

Autodesk gives one year of free access at a time. You can renew it each year as long as you're still eligible.

Is Autodesk free for teachers?

Yes. Autodesk says the Education plan offers one-year free access to qualifying students and educators, and teachers can assign products to their classes.

What happens when my Autodesk student access ends?

Autodesk access lasts one year and is renewable annually as long as you're still eligible. Once you're no longer eligible, the education access doesn't continue.

Which Autodesk products can students get?

Verified students can access the software in the Education Community, including AutoCAD, Revit, Inventor, Fusion, Maya, 3ds Max and Tinkercad.