Microsoft is one of the biggest tech companies in the world, but its products and services don’t come cheap. If you’re a student on a strict budget, you may have to consider something more affordable.
However, Microsoft has recognised that. Students, parents and faculty members alike can all benefit from Microsoft’s student discounts. These apply to both hardware and software, with many discounts available all year round. Here’s everything you need to know.
How much is the discount and who can get it?
Students from K-12 (aged 5-18) as well as higher education students, faculty and parents all qualify for the student discount, with up to 10% off on selected products. As Microsoft states in its terms, “only full-time and part-time students, teachers, and parents purchasing on behalf of students and school employees are eligible to the education discount”.
You’ll need to verify your status with a Microsoft account (more on this below). Once you’ve verified, the discount automatically applies to any eligible products you add to cart.
You won’t be able to combine the student discount on other offers though. Additionally, Microsoft notes that if the product already has a discount that exceeds 10%, you won’t get an additional student discount.
Also eligible are military personnel, whether active, former or retired, and their families.
How does Microsoft verify student eligibility?
If you’re shopping at the Microsoft Store in person, you’ll have to show your student ID card to verify your student status.
Online, you’ll need to confirm your eligibility via the Microsoft’s dedicated page in the US and UK. You’ll be prompted to sign in to your Microsoft account or create one if you haven’t already.
Microsoft doesn’t verify your student status upfront, you may be contacted to provide proof at a later date. If you’re unable to verify your status then, you would have to pay the full price of the device. It’s also possible to get the 10% discount and other offers via UniDays.
Also read: How to get an Apple Education discount
What kind of deals can you get with a Microsoft student discount?
Up to 10% off Microsoft Surface devices
Microsoft offers students deals across a broad range of its products with a highlight on its Surface devices, with up to 10% off. Even before this extra discount, deals right now include:
- Up to $300/£200 off Surface Pro 8
- Up to $474/£119 off Surface Laptop 4
- Up to $500/£555 off Surface Duo 2
See all Microsoft Surface deals for students
Free Office 365 Education for students
Students and teachers also have the advantage of free web access to Office 365, which includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote as well as Microsoft Teams on Android or Windows devices. You will need a valid school email address to sign up.
- Get Office 365 for free as a student or teacher in the US
- Get Office 365 for free as a student or teacher in the UK
Office 365 is the cloud-based version of Microsoft 365 (except you don’t need a separate subscription). Like Microsoft 365, all the apps update automatically except the access is web-only. For desktop app access, Microsoft offers other plans for Education starting at £2.20 per month which includes additional security and management tools.
The free option includes access to Outlook for the web with a 50 GB mailbox and unlimited personal cloud storage, which greatly outdoes Google Drive’s 15GB limit.
Also read: Which version of Microsoft 365 should you buy?
Is there an Xbox student discount?
Unfortunately, Microsoft doesn’t offer a separate student discount on Xbox games and consoles (and seem quite protective over Xbox discounts if you ask us!). As per its terms and conditions to the student discount Microsoft outlines the following exclusions:
- Digital games, digital apps, in-app content and subscriptions, films, TV shows and associated content
- Gift cards and services/subscriptions (e.g. Skype, Xbox Live)
- Xbox consoles, games and accessories
- Products that have been personalised or customised
- Office software & apps