Apple's student discount saves 10% on most hardware and software
Apple offers a 10% discount on most Mac computers, iPads, Apple Watches, and some software through its Education Pricing program. The discount applies whether you buy in an Apple Store, online, or through Apple's education sales team. You do not get the discount automatically — you have to prove you are a student or educator, and Apple checks this proof before you complete your purchase.
The discount does not apply to iPhones, AirPods, or Apple's most recent product releases during their first few weeks on sale. Some items like AppleCare+ protection plans and certain accessories also fall outside the program. If you are a teacher or school staff member, you may see slightly different pricing on some items.
Key Takeaways
- Apple's Education Pricing gives 10% off most Macs, iPads, and Apple Watches when you verify your student or educator status through UNiDAYS or your school email.
- You can shop online at apple.com/education or in an Apple Store, but you must complete verification before checkout — the discount does not apply retroactively.
- The discount does not cover iPhones, AirPods, or newly released products in their first few weeks, so check what is excluded before you plan your purchase.
- If your school uses Apple's volume purchasing program, you may have access to additional discounts or financing options through your institution.
Verify your student or educator status online
The fastest way to access Education Pricing is to verify through UNiDAYS, a third-party service that Apple uses to confirm you are currently enrolled or employed at an accredited school. Go to apple.com/education and click the link to verify with UNiDAYS. You will need a valid school email address or a student ID number. UNiDAYS checks your information against school records and usually confirms your status within a few minutes.
If your school email does not work or UNiDAYS cannot find your record, you can upload a photo of your student ID or current class schedule instead. Take a clear photo of the document with your name and current term visible, then upload it when prompted. Apple's verification team reviews these manually and typically responds within one business day.
Once you are verified, your account stays active for one year. You do not have to re-verify every time you shop, but you will need to verify again when your status expires.
Shop online at apple.com/education
After you verify your status, visit apple.com/education to see the full catalog of discounted products. The prices shown already include the 10% student discount — you do not enter a code or coupon. Add items to your cart and proceed to checkout as you normally would. Your discount applies automatically because you are logged into a verified education account.
The online store shows you which products are excluded from the discount. If an item does not have a discounted price listed, the Education Pricing program does not cover it. You can still buy it at regular price if you choose, but you will not save money.
Shipping is free on most orders over a certain amount, and the same return policy applies as regular Apple purchases — 14 days from the date you receive the item.
Buy in an Apple Store with your verified account
You can also shop for discounted products in a physical Apple Store. Before you go, make sure you are signed into your Apple ID on your phone or bring a way to show your verification status — either your UNiDAYS confirmation email or a screenshot of your verified education account. Tell a store employee that you want to purchase with Education Pricing, and they will verify your status at the register.
Some Apple Stores are busier than others, so you may wait longer during peak hours. If you know exactly what you want, you can call the store ahead of time and ask an employee to hold the item for you. This also gives you a chance to confirm that the specific model you want is in stock.
In-store purchases follow the same 14-day return window as online orders. Keep your receipt in case you need to return or exchange the item.
Contact Apple's education sales team for bulk purchases or financing
If you are buying multiple devices for a school project or your institution is purchasing equipment, you can work directly with Apple's education sales team. They handle larger orders and can sometimes offer additional discounts or payment plans. Call 1-800-MY-APPLE and ask to speak with someone in education sales, or visit apple.com/education and look for the contact option for institutional purchases.
The education sales team can also discuss AppleCare+ coverage, setup services, and delivery options for bulk orders. Response times vary depending on order size and your location, but you should expect to hear back within one to two business days.
Understand what the discount does and does not cover
The 10% education discount applies to most Mac computers, iPad models, Apple Watches, and some software like Final Cut Pro and Logic Pro. It does not apply to iPhones, AirPods, Apple TV, HomePod, or most accessories like cases and chargers. New product releases are also excluded from the discount for the first few weeks after launch — Apple typically adds them to Education Pricing after the initial sales period ends.
AppleCare+ protection plans are not discounted, though you can still purchase them at regular price. Some third-party software sold through the Apple Store may or may not be discounted depending on the publisher's agreement with Apple. Check the product page to see whether the discount applies before you add it to your cart.
If you are looking for a discount on an iPhone or AirPods, Education Pricing will not help. Your best option is to wait for seasonal sales events like back-to-school promotions in August or holiday sales in November and December, when Apple sometimes offers gift cards or discounts on these products.
What to do if your school uses Apple's volume purchasing program
Some schools and universities have agreements with Apple that let them buy devices in bulk at institutional rates. If your school participates in Apple's volume purchasing program, your institution may handle ordering directly with Apple rather than through the standard Education Pricing program. Ask your school's IT department or purchasing office whether they have this arrangement.
Schools with volume agreements sometimes offer devices to students at a discount, or they may provide loaner equipment for coursework. The specifics depend on your school's contract with Apple and their internal policies. Your IT department can tell you what options are available to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to be a full-time student to get the discount?
No. Apple's Education Pricing is available to part-time students, full-time students, and educators at accredited schools. UNiDAYS verifies your current enrollment status, regardless of how many classes you are taking. If you are enrolled in at least one course, you should be able to verify.
Can I use the student discount to buy a gift for someone else?
Yes. You can purchase a device with your verified education account and give it to anyone. The discount applies to the purchase, not to who receives the product. Keep your receipt in case you need to return it.
What happens to my discount when I graduate?
Your education account verification expires one year from the date you verified. If you graduate before that year is up, your account will still work until the expiration date. After that, you will need to re-verify if you are still enrolled in school or employed as an educator. If you are no longer a student or educator, you will not be able to access Education Pricing.
Can I combine the student discount with other Apple promotions or sales?
No. Education Pricing and other promotions like seasonal sales or gift card offers cannot be combined. If Apple is running a back-to-school promotion that offers a gift card with purchase, you have to choose between that deal and the 10% education discount — whichever saves you more money on your specific purchase.
Is the education discount available on refurbished Apple products?
No. Refurbished products are sold at a separate discount and do not may have access to for additional education pricing. However, refurbished items are often cheaper than the education-discounted price on new products, so compare the two before you decide which to buy.