Netflix does not offer a direct student discount, but students can access cheaper plans through other routes

Netflix stopped offering a dedicated student plan in 2023. The company no longer checks student status or issues discounts based on enrollment. However, students can still watch Netflix for less money through family plans, bundled services, or by paying for the cheapest tier available.

The most common way students reduce their Netflix cost is by sharing a family plan with roommates or family members. Netflix's Standard plan allows simultaneous viewing on two devices, and the Premium plan allows four. Each person pays a portion of the monthly fee rather than the full amount.

Key Takeaways

  • Netflix does not currently offer a student-only discount or verification program.
  • A family plan split among roommates or family members costs less per person than an individual subscription.
  • The cheapest Netflix option is the ad-supported plan, which costs less than half the price of ad-free tiers.
  • Some internet service providers and phone carriers bundle Netflix with other services at a lower combined price.
  • International students or those studying abroad may find different pricing in other countries.

How Netflix pricing works for students right now

Netflix offers four subscription tiers in the United States: Basic with ads, Basic, Standard, and Premium. The ad-supported tier is the cheapest option and does not require student status. As of 2024, this plan costs significantly less than the others, though Netflix adjusts prices periodically and the exact amount varies by region.

The Basic, Standard, and Premium tiers are all ad-free but cost progressively more. The difference between them is the number of screens you can watch on at the same time and the video quality. A student living alone would pay the same price as anyone else for these plans.

Splitting a family plan with roommates or family

Netflix's family plan (called Standard or Premium depending on the tier) allows multiple people to watch at the same time on different devices. If you split the cost with two or three other people, your monthly payment drops to roughly one-quarter or one-third of the full price.

The catch is that Netflix has begun cracking down on password sharing across different households. If you share a plan with people who do not live at the same address, Netflix may ask you to pay an extra fee to add them as a separate member. The exact rules and fees vary by country and change over time, so check Netflix's current policy before setting up a shared plan with people outside your home.

Sharing with people in your dorm, apartment, or house is straightforward and does not trigger these restrictions.

Bundled services that include Netflix

Some phone carriers and internet providers bundle Netflix with their service at a lower total price than buying both separately. T-Mobile, for example, includes Netflix with certain phone plans. Comcast and other cable providers sometimes offer Netflix as part of a package deal.

The savings depend on which carrier you use and which plan you choose. Check your current phone bill or internet bill to see if Netflix is already included, or ask your provider whether adding it to your plan costs less than a standalone subscription.

The ad-supported plan as the cheapest option

Netflix's ad-supported tier is the lowest-cost way to watch, regardless of student status. You see advertisements during shows and movies, but the monthly cost is substantially less than any other plan. This option works well if you are willing to tolerate ads and do not need the highest video quality.

The ad tier has the same content library as the paid tiers — you are not locked out of shows or movies because of the lower price. The only trade-offs are the ads themselves and video resolution, which is capped at 720p rather than 4K.

What happened to Netflix's student plan

Netflix launched a student plan in some countries around 2022, offering a discounted rate for people with a valid student email address. The company discontinued this plan globally in 2023, citing password sharing and account abuse as reasons. Netflix did not replace it with another student-specific offering.

The discontinuation affected students in countries where the plan was available, including the United States, United Kingdom, and others. If you were using a student plan before it ended, Netflix notified you and gave you time to switch to a different tier.

Pricing differences for students studying abroad

Netflix prices vary significantly by country. If you are studying outside the United States, you may find Netflix costs less or more depending on where you are. Some countries have lower subscription prices than others, and some offer plans or bundles that do not exist in the United States.

Your Netflix account works in any country, but the price you pay is based on your billing address and payment method. If you move abroad temporarily for school, you can update your billing address and may see different pricing. Keep in mind that some content is region-locked, so the shows and movies available to you may change depending on your location.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my parents' Netflix account as a student?

Yes, if your parents are willing to share. You can watch on their account if you are on the same home network, or they can add you as a separate member if you live elsewhere. Netflix charges an extra fee to add household members outside your home address, so check the current cost before setting this up.

Does Netflix verify that you are actually a student?

No. Netflix does not currently offer any student-specific plan or discount, so there is no verification process. Any discount you find as a student comes from sharing a plan with others or using a bundled service through your phone or internet provider.

Is the ad-supported plan worth it if I am a student on a budget?

It depends on how much you watch and whether ads bother you. The ad tier costs roughly half as much as the cheapest ad-free plan, so the savings are real. If you watch Netflix frequently, the ads may feel intrusive. If you watch occasionally, the lower cost usually outweighs the inconvenience.

Can I get Netflix free through my school?

Some schools offer Netflix or other streaming services as part of student benefits or through partnerships with providers. Check your school's student services website or contact your student affairs office to see what is included with your enrollment. This varies widely by institution.

What if I only want Netflix for a few months?

Netflix does not require a contract. You can cancel your subscription at any time, and you will not be charged after the current billing period ends. This makes it easy to subscribe for a semester or two and then pause if you need to save money.