Autodesk for students gives eligible learners free access to several CAD, 3D and engineering programs, including AutoCAD, Revit, Fusion and Inventor. If you are enrolled at a qualified educational institution (Bildungseinrichtung), you can use a license for one year and renew it each year. This guide explains what the offer includes, who may use it and what to watch for during your studies and afterwards.
Short answer: Autodesk Education gives eligible students and teachers a free single-user license for one year. It can be renewed every year as long as you remain eligible. The software is intended for educational purposes. Last updated: October 2026, offers change frequently.
The most important points at a glance
- Free for students and teachers who are enrolled in, or employed or contracted by, a qualified educational institution and meet the minimum age.
- The license runs for one year. According to the provider, renewal opens 30 days before expiry.
- The products include, according to the page, AutoCAD, Revit, Fusion, Inventor, 3ds Max and Maya.
- Autodesk checks your eligibility during verification. The page does not list eligible countries.
- The license is meant for learning. For paid projects it is not intended under this purpose statement.
What do you actually get with Autodesk?
The access covers the software available through the Education Community. According to the provider, this also includes Autodesk Flow Studio, which is only available to post-secondary students aged 18 or older. The table gives you the key facts.
| Benefit | Regular price | Student price | Duration | Verification |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Autodesk products such as AutoCAD, Revit, Fusion, Inventor, 3ds Max, Maya | Not priced on the page | Free | 1 year, renewable each year | Education verification through Autodesk |
| Autodesk Flow Studio | Not priced on the page | Included in the offer | As for the main license | Post-secondary only, aged 18 or older |
All figures: as of October 2026, source is the Autodesk education page (see Sources below).
How do you activate the offer?
Activation runs through the education verification process. An existing Autodesk account is enough, and according to the page it does not have to be converted into a student account. The steps are these:
- Open the Autodesk education page and sign in with your account, or create one.
- Choose the product you actually need. You start the verification process for that product.
- Enter your institution and your status, either student or teacher.
- Answer any follow-up questions until Autodesk has checked your status.
- After signing in, note the expiry date shown in the banner. Renewal is possible from 30 days before it.
Who may use the offer?
Eligible are students and teachers who meet the minimum age and are enrolled at a qualified educational institution, employed there, or working there as contractors. The minimum age is not on the page itself but in a linked PDF. Whether your university counts as a qualified institution is decided in the verification process. Autodesk does not publish a list of eligible countries on the page.
What should you keep in mind when using it?
Autodesk describes the access as a single-user license. It is tied to your account and not meant for other people. The page contains no clear statement about commercial use. If you plan to use the software for part-time jobs, internships or freelance work, read the terms of use first. For an overview of discounts on software and apps, see Free Software for Students: Programs at a Glance.
What happens after your studies?
Your eligibility depends on your enrollment or employment. You can only renew the license as long as you remain eligible. The page does not say what happens to your access once eligibility ends. Plan early. Export important projects in formats such as PDF or STEP that you can open without a license. For your start into work, check whether your employer provides its own license. For how to handle AI tools in theses, read AI Use in Studies: Rules, Disclosure and Tools.
Frequently asked questions
Is Autodesk really free for students?
According to the provider page, access is free for eligible students, as of October 2026. The page does not state a regular price, so the benefit is tied to your eligibility and ends with it.
How long does the license last?
The license runs for one year. As long as you are eligible, you can renew it each year. According to the page, renewal opens 30 days before expiry, and you receive an email reminder before that date.
Do I need a separate student account?
No. An existing Autodesk account is enough. According to the page, you do not need to convert it into a student account.
Does the offer also apply to teachers?
Yes. The provider names students and teachers together, provided they meet the requirements. This includes employees and contractors of a qualified institution.
What happens if I drop out of my studies?
Eligibility depends on enrollment, so it usually ends with it. The page does not mention a grace period. Check your status in your account and note the date your license expires.
So what should you do now?
- Check whether your university counts as a qualified educational institution and whether you meet the minimum age.
- Start the verification process for the product you need for your studies.
- Put the expiry date in your calendar so that you renew in time.
- Back up important projects before your eligibility ends.
Related reading
- Free Software for Students: Programs at a Glance
- Student Discounts: How to Verify and Save
- Student Apps: The Best Tools for Studying
- AI Use in Studies: Rules, Disclosure and Tools
- AI Tools for Students 2026: Which Offers Exist with Student Status
Sources: Autodesk Education: software offer for students and teachers, as of October 2026.
Last updated: October 2026. This guide is general information, not individual advice.
