The student discount cuts your Apple Music bill in half
Apple Music costs $10.99 a month for most people, but if you're a student, you pay $5.99 a month instead — roughly half price. You get the same service: ad-free streaming, offline downloads, spatial audio, and access to the full Apple Music catalog. The discount runs for four years, which covers most undergraduate degrees.
To get it, you need to prove you're currently enrolled at an accredited college or university. Apple uses a service called SheerID to verify your student status, which takes a few minutes. You can use a valid student ID, a tuition bill, or a class schedule as proof.
Key Takeaways
- The student discount reduces Apple Music from $10.99 to $5.99 per month and lasts for four years from the date you start it.
- You must verify your student status through SheerID using a student ID, tuition bill, or class schedule — no other documents work.
- The discount applies only to an individual Apple Music plan, not to Apple One bundles or family plans.
- If you graduate or leave school before four years, your discount ends and your subscription reverts to the full price unless you cancel.
How to set up the student discount on your device
Start on the device where you use Apple Music — iPhone, iPad, Mac, or Android phone. Open the Apple Music app and tap your profile picture in the top right corner. Select "View Account" and then tap "Manage Subscription" or "Subscriptions and Purchases" depending on your device.
Look for an option that says "Student Offer" or "Edit" next to your current plan. Tap it. Apple will ask you to verify your student status through SheerID. You'll be taken to a SheerID page where you choose how to prove you're a student: upload a photo of your student ID, upload a tuition bill or class schedule, or connect your school email address if SheerID recognizes your institution.
SheerID usually confirms your status within minutes. Once verified, your plan switches to the student price immediately. Your next billing date stays the same — you won't be charged twice.
What documents SheerID will accept
SheerID accepts three main types of proof. A valid student ID is the fastest option — take a clear photo of the front and back, making sure your name and school name are readable. The ID must not be expired.
A tuition bill or enrollment letter works if it shows your name, your school's name, and the current term or semester. Bank statements, transcripts, or acceptance letters do not count. A class schedule must show your name, your school, and the current term.
If your school is in SheerID's database, you can also connect your school email address directly. SheerID will send you a verification email — click the link and you're done. This is the easiest route if your school participates.
What happens if SheerID rejects your proof
If your document is blurry, expired, or doesn't clearly show your enrollment status, SheerID will reject it and ask you to try again. You get multiple attempts, so upload a clearer photo or choose a different document type.
If you're enrolled at a very new school or a school outside the United States, SheerID may not have it in their system. In that case, you can contact Apple Support directly with your student ID or tuition bill. Apple can sometimes process the discount manually, though this takes longer than the automated SheerID route.
When the student discount ends
Your discount lasts for four years from the date you activate it. After four years, Apple sends you a notification that your discount is expiring. Your subscription automatically switches to the regular $10.99 monthly plan unless you cancel before the expiration date.
If you graduate or leave school before four years are up, your discount ends immediately once Apple is notified. You have the option to cancel your subscription or keep it at the full price. Some students who graduate switch to Apple One, which bundles Apple Music with iCloud storage and other services, but it costs more than the student plan.
Student discount limitations and what it doesn't cover
The student discount applies only to an individual Apple Music plan. You cannot use it on a family plan, which costs $16.99 a month and covers up to six people. If you're on a family plan, only the primary account holder can have a student discount, and it reduces the whole family plan price to $9.99 a month.
The discount also does not work with Apple One bundles, which combine Apple Music, Apple TV+, Apple Arcade, and iCloud+ storage. If you want the student discount, you must keep Apple Music as a standalone subscription.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use someone else's student ID to get the discount?
No. SheerID verifies that the name on the document matches the name on your Apple account. If they don't match, the verification fails. The discount is tied to your account and your enrollment status.
What if my school email address doesn't work with SheerID?
Not all schools are in SheerID's database yet. If your school email doesn't work, upload a photo of your student ID or a tuition bill instead. Both are accepted by SheerID and take just a few minutes to verify.
Can I keep the student discount after I graduate?
No. Once your school confirms you've graduated or left, Apple ends the discount. Your subscription switches to the full $10.99 monthly price. You can cancel anytime if you don't want to pay the regular rate.
Does the student discount work on Android?
Yes. Open the Apple Music app on your Android phone, tap your profile picture, and follow the same steps to verify through SheerID. The discount applies to your account across all devices, including Android.
What if I took a semester off — do I lose the discount?
It depends on your school's records. If your enrollment status shows you're still a student (even if not currently taking classes), the discount stays active. If your school marks you as inactive or withdrawn, SheerID may flag it and Apple will end the discount. Contact your registrar if you're unsure of your enrollment status.