Whether buying a new MacBook for college or grabbing a pair of AirPods for those late-night study sessions, Apple’s student discount is a great way to save on pricey gear. However, the process to actually get the discount may not be obvious at first glance. This comprehensive guide will walk through how students—both in college and university—can take advantage of Apple’s education pricing.
TLDR: Apple offers a student discount through its Education Store, allowing students, educators, and even parents purchasing for students to receive lower prices on select products. Verification is usually processed through UNiDAYS or institutional credentials. Always use the official Apple Education Store to browse discounted prices, and double-check eligibility with your student info. The process is straightforward, but requires a few verification steps before savings can be applied.
What Is the Apple Student Discount?
Apple’s student discount is part of its Education Pricing program, which provides reduced prices on select Apple products for those involved in education. Eligible groups include:
- Current and newly accepted college or university students
- Parents purchasing on behalf of students
- Faculty and staff at all grade levels
- Homeschool teachers
The discount typically applies to popular products, including:
- MacBook Air and MacBook Pro
- iMac
- iPad Air and iPad Pro
- AppleCare+ plans (discounted for students)
- Occasional bonus items like AirPods during Back to School events
Step-by-Step Guide to Getting the Apple Student Discount
Step 1: Confirm Eligibility
First, confirm if you’re eligible for educational pricing. Generally, you’re fine if:
- You are currently enrolled in college or university
- You’ve been accepted to a qualifying institution and can prove it
- You are a parent purchasing on behalf of a qualified student
- You’re a teacher or educator
Step 2: Visit the Apple Education Store
You’ll need to access Apple’s specific Education Store, not the main Apple homepage. Go to:
https://www.apple.com/us-hed/store
This link will redirect to the U.S. Higher Education store. For other countries, visit Apple’s homepage and navigate to ‘Education Store’ using the menu options.
Step 3: Log In and Verify via UNiDAYS
Apple partners with UNiDAYS, an identity verification platform for students, to make sure you are truly eligible.
- Click the product you want to buy (Mac, iPad, etc.)
- At checkout or when prompted, sign in or register with UNiDAYS
- Verify your student status using your institution’s login credentials or email
If you’re not prompted to use UNiDAYS, Apple may request enrollment confirmation via email or ask for a copy of a student ID manually.
Step 4: Browse and Select Products
Once you’ve verified eligibility and are on the Education Store site, you can shop like normal. Select your device, and you’ll see the Education Pricing automatically applied. Expect discounts like:
- $100–$200 off on Macs
- $50–$100 off iPads
- Up to 20% off AppleCare+
During Apple’s annual Back to School promotion (usually around June–September), students may also get perks such as a free pair of AirPods with select purchases.
Step 5: Confirm and Complete Purchase
Once configured with the desired specs, add the product to your shopping cart and proceed to checkout. Apple may request you to re-confirm your student status at this stage. Shipping and delivery work the same as standard Apple orders, and you can also choose in-store pickup.
Step 6: Consider Additional Student Perks
In addition to hardware discounts, Apple offers students lower prices on services such as:
- Apple Music Student Plan: Get a 50% discount and access to Apple TV+ at no additional cost
- Apple One Bundle: Bundle student Apple subscriptions at lower prices
Tips for a Smooth Experience
- Use a university-issued email (e.g., name@university.edu) for faster UNiDAYS approval
- Be ready to upload student ID or acceptance letter if manual verification is needed
- Check for seasonal sales like Apple’s Back to School event
- Try Apple’s trade-in program to stack more savings
Countries Where the Student Discount Is Available
Apple’s student discount program is available in various regions, including:
- United States
- United Kingdom
- Australia
- Canada
- Germany
- France
- India
Note that the specific discount amounts and verification steps may differ slightly depending on the country. Some regions use other verification systems instead of UNiDAYS.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can high school students use Apple’s education discount?
Typically, Apple’s education discount is intended for higher education students and staff. However, parents of K-12 students may qualify when buying for their children. Some education-related purchases for teachers and homeschool instructors are also eligible.
How many times can a student use the Apple discount?
Apple places annual limits to prevent abuse. A general rule is:
- One desktop, one Mac mini, one notebook, and two iPads per year
These limits reset annually and apply per student or educator.
Is it legal to let a friend use my student discount?
It’s not recommended. Apple’s policies outline that the discount is for eligible students and educators only. Misuse could result in cancellation of the order or restriction from future discounts.
Do refurbished Apple products come with student discounts?
No, Apple does not apply student discounts to refurbished products. However, the refurbished store already offers reduced prices, so it’s still a great alternative for budget shoppers.
How long does it take to verify through UNiDAYS?
Most students are verified instantly when logging into UNiDAYS using their school email or credentials. If you have to go through manual verification, it may take 24–48 hours.
Is the Apple student discount better than Best Buy or other retailers?
Apple’s student pricing is consistent and includes perks like AppleCare+ discounts and hardware bundles. Retailers like Best Buy also offer student deals on Apple products via their own programs, but these vary and may not include all Apple perks. Always compare before purchasing.
How often can I renew my Apple Music Student Plan?
Students can access the Apple Music Student Plan for up to 4 years. You must reverify status periodically to maintain eligibility.
Do I have to set up anything differently on the device to keep the discount?
No, once purchased, the device functions the same as any other Apple product. There are no restrictions or settings tied to student devices—just the benefit of a lower price.
With the right documents and a few quick steps, students can save a meaningful amount on their Apple purchases. Whether you’re outfitting a dorm room or just upgrading your study tools, Apple’s Education Store makes high-end tech a bit more affordable for the next generation of learners.