SOLIDWORKS for students includes a free standard version for 3D CAD and paid extensions with simulation, rendering and CAM. This guide explains the variants, what they cost, how to activate them and what happens to your access after your studies.
Short answer: According to the provider, Design Standard for Students is free and includes 3D CAD and learning material. Design Premium and xDesign cost 60 USD per year each, according to the page (US price, as of October 2026). Access runs through a free SOLIDWORKS account. Last updated: October 2026, offers change frequently.
The most important points at a glance
- According to the provider, Design Standard for Students is free. It includes 3D CAD, local saving, learning content and the student community.
- Design Premium and SOLIDWORKS xDesign cost 60 USD per year each, according to the page. Your shopping cart shows the price in your currency.
- Standard and Premium only run on Windows PCs and must be installed. xDesign runs in the browser.
- For the full version through your university (Hochschule), ask your institution directly.
- Access runs through a free SOLIDWORKS account and MySolidWorks.
Which variants exist and what do they cost?
The variants differ mainly in scope and operating system. The table shows the details from the provider page. The prices are US prices for a single user, excluding local taxes.
| Benefit | Regular price | Student price | Duration | Verification |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Design Standard: 3D CAD, local saving, learning content, community | Not stated on the page | Free | Validity not stated | Free SOLIDWORKS account, no proof of student status described |
| Design Premium: adds simulation, rendering, 2.5 and 3-axis CAM, CSWA and CSWP certification | Not stated on the page | 60 USD per year (US price) | Annual | As Standard, Windows only with installation |
| xDesign: cloud 3D CAD, cloud storage, AI-assisted design help, xShape and 3D Sculptor certification | Not stated on the page | 60 USD per year (US price) | Annual | As Standard, runs in the browser |
All figures: as of October 2026, source is the SOLIDWORKS student page.
What does Design Premium cost over a full degree?
Assumption: you study for four years and buy Design Premium yourself every year. At the US price on the page, that adds up to 240 USD (4 × 60 USD), excluding local taxes. Prices in your shopping cart may differ. Whether the purchase pays off depends on whether your university provides a full version through a campus agreement.
How do you activate the offer?
Standard and the paid variants run through one shared account. The page links to the sign-in for MySolidWorks. The steps are these:
- Create a free SOLIDWORKS account. It gives you access to MySolidWorks.
- On the student page, choose the variant you need.
- For Premium or xDesign, buy the annual license in your shopping cart and in your local currency.
- For the full version through your university, ask your institution whether you are eligible.
- Install Standard or Premium on a Windows PC. Open xDesign in the browser.
What should you keep in mind when using it?
According to the page, the desktop license is machine-locked and can be used on a single device. xDesign is licensed as a named user. The page does not clearly state whether use must be non-commercial. If you want to use the software for part-time jobs or internships, read the license terms and check with your university. For general information on software discounts, see Studentenrabatte für Software und Apps 2026 (in German).
What happens after your studies?
The page does not say what happens to access or licenses after graduation. It does name three offers that may matter beyond your studies: the CSWA and CSWP certificates, which can help with applications, the free SkillForce program for the length of an internship, and the free SWUGN community. Plan a switch to your own license or an employer license early, so your projects do not depend on an expired account. If you also work with CAD programs from other vendors, the key facts about the Autodesk education license are here: Free Software for Students: Programs at a Glance.
Frequently asked questions
Is SOLIDWORKS free for students?
The standard version is free according to the provider. Premium and xDesign cost 60 USD per year each according to the page, as of October 2026. For the full version through your university, there is a separate arrangement that you need to ask your institution about.
Do I need proof that I am a student?
For the account, the page only describes signing in through MySolidWorks. It does not mention proof of student status. Whether the provider checks further for Premium or xDesign is not clear from the page.
Does Standard also run on a Mac?
No. According to the page, Standard and Premium are only available for Windows PCs and need to be installed. xDesign runs in the browser and, according to the page, also works on Chromebooks, Macs and tablets.
How long is the standard version valid?
The page gives no information on how long the free standard version remains valid. Premium and xDesign are offered annually, so their terms follow a yearly cycle.
Can I use the Premium license on two computers?
According to the page, the desktop license is machine-locked and tied to one device. The page does not provide for use on two devices.
So what should you do now?
- Create a free SOLIDWORKS account and install the standard version if 3D CAD is enough for now.
- Compare Premium and xDesign with the requirements of your project using the table.
- Ask your university about a full version before you spend money.
- Put the renewal date of an annual license in your calendar.
Related reading
- Free Software for Students: Programs at a Glance
- Student Discounts: How to Verify and Save
- Student Apps: The Best Tools for Studying
- Learning with AI: Opportunities and Risks for Students
- Autodesk for Students in Germany: Offer and Use
Sources: SOLIDWORKS for students: offers and prices, as of October 2026.
Last updated: October 2026. This guide is general information, not individual advice.
