LinkedIn has solidified its role as more than just a resume-sharing platform—it’s now considered a critical tool for career development, networking, and personal branding. Its premium tier introduces added benefits, such as InMail messages, advanced job insights, and access to online learning through LinkedIn Learning. For students aiming to kickstart their careers early, the question often arises: Is there a LinkedIn Premium student discount? If you’re a student looking to enhance your profile and stand out in a competitive market, you’re in the right place to find out if LinkedIn offers you a more affordable way to do just that.
TL;DR
Yes, LinkedIn does offer a student discount through LinkedIn Premium Career, but it’s not widely advertised. Eligible college and university students can often receive a discounted rate or even a free trial for several months. This version of Premium includes access to LinkedIn Learning and advanced job search tools. However, the availability may depend on your school or graduation year, so it’s important to check the details before subscribing.
What is LinkedIn Premium?
Before diving into student-specific discounts, it’s essential to understand what LinkedIn Premium actually offers. LinkedIn has several Premium tiers tailored for different user needs:
- Premium Career: Designed for job seekers and students, includes InMail messages, job insights, and LinkedIn Learning.
- Premium Business: Aimed at professionals seeking more business-oriented tools and insights.
- Sales Navigator: Built for sales professionals who need lead-generation tools.
- Recruiter Lite: Suitable for talent acquisition professionals.
For students, Premium Career is the most relevant plan. It opens up a range of features that can make a huge difference for those looking to get internships, network with professionals, or even attend LinkedIn Learning courses to supplement their education.
Does LinkedIn Offer a Student Discount?
The short answer is: yes—but with some caveats.
LinkedIn does not have a widely promoted, standard “Student Discount” like Spotify or Amazon Prime. However, students can still take advantage of opportunities to reduce or waive the subscription fee through:
- Free trials for students — Most students receive a 1-month free trial for LinkedIn Premium Career. In certain cases, this free trial can be extended for up to 12 months if you’re part of a partner program or enrolled at a participating university.
- LinkedIn Learning access through school — Some educational institutions provide free access to LinkedIn Learning, which is also available under Premium.
- Promotional offers — Occasionally, LinkedIn rolls out promotional student pricing, especially during back-to-school seasons.
So, while there is no formal, always-on student discount program, there are still multiple options for students to access Premium services at reduced (or zero) cost.
How to Check Your Eligibility
LinkedIn doesn’t always make it obvious whether you qualify for a student discount or free trial. Here are steps to check if you’re eligible:
- Log into your LinkedIn account.
- Navigate to the LinkedIn Premium page by clicking on “Try Premium” in your profile menu.
- Look for any banner or message that mentions a student offer or free trial.
- If you see an offer like “Get Premium Free for Students” or similar, follow the prompts to redeem the trial.
If your school is a LinkedIn partner institution, you may also be approached through your university email or career services center with a discount or extended trial offer.
What Do Students Get With LinkedIn Premium?
The student-focused version of LinkedIn Premium, typically under the Career Plan, unlocks several advantages:
- Access to LinkedIn Learning: More than 16,000 expert-led video courses on software, career development, business skills, and more.
- InMail Messages: Send direct messages to people who aren’t in your connection network—a great way to reach recruiters.
- Profile Views Insights: See who viewed your profile and how they found you.
- Job Application Insights: Learn how you stack up against other candidates applying for the same job.
- Featured Applicant Status: Your application will appear more prominently to recruiters.
These features are incredibly valuable for students transitioning into the workforce, applying for internships, or seeking mentorship.
School Partnership Programs
Some universities have established partnerships with LinkedIn to give students access to Premium features for free—or at least at a reduced rate. Past collaborations have included:
- LinkedIn Learning Campus Program: Offered through certain schools, it grants access to LinkedIn Learning, included in Premium accounts.
- University Career Centers: Some career services departments within schools provide Premium access to students preparing for job fairs or interview seasons.
It’s worth reaching out to your academic advisors or career services department to see whether your school participates in any such partnership programs.
Comparison: Free vs. Premium for Students
| Feature | Free | Premium Career |
|---|---|---|
| InMail Messaging | No | Yes |
| LinkedIn Learning | No | Yes |
| Profile Insights | Limited | Full access |
| Job Search Filters | Basic | Advanced |
| Who Viewed My Profile | Limited | Full history |
Pro Tips for Students Considering Premium
If you’re on the fence about whether Premium is worth it, here are some actionable tips:
- Use the free trial wisely: Time it around internship or job application season so you get the most from your month of InMail and job tools.
- Maximize LinkedIn Learning: If you plan to work in a highly competitive industry, courses can give you a leg up on certifications and skills.
- Cancel if you don’t gain value: The Premium Career plan costs around $29.99/month after the trial. Make sure it’s worth the investment before continuing.
- Look for annual payment plans: If you commit to a year, the cost per month drops significantly.
Are There Alternatives to LinkedIn Premium for Students?
If you decide not to go Premium, you still have options:
- Optimize your free profile: Students can still connect, post relevant content, and build a personal brand for free.
- Network through school events: Career fairs, clubs, and seminars can complement your online efforts.
- Use other free learning platforms: Sites like Coursera and edX also offer free or school-sponsored learning paths.
Conclusion
So, is there a LinkedIn Premium student discount? Yes—and no. While there’s no ongoing discount program that reduces the cost indefinitely, students do have access to free trials, partnership perks, and occasional promotional pricing. By staying proactive—checking for eligibility, maximizing trial periods, and tapping into university resources—students can make the most out of LinkedIn Premium’s powerful tools without breaking the bank.
As with any investment in your career, evaluate the benefits it offers in your specific field or goals. Whether you stay on the free version or dive into Premium, LinkedIn remains a critical platform for students looking to get ahead of the competition.