Is Spotify Still Free For Students? Tips Ahead of Back To School

If you're looking for the soundtrack to your life, chances are you've turned to Spotify. As the undisputed king of music streaming, Spotify has woven itself into the daily routines of hundreds of millions of users worldwide, serving up everything from chart-topping hits and deep-cut classics to the latest viral podcasts. It's more than just an app; it's a cultural touchstone for music lovers and podcast enthusiasts alike. And just when you thought the service couldn't offer more, it recently added a library of audiobooks for Premium subscribers, further cementing its place as an all-in-one audio hub.

While anyone can listen for free with ads, the real magic happens with a Spotify Premium subscription, which unlocks ad-free listening, offline downloads, and on-demand playback for a competitive monthly cost. Spotify offers a few different plans to fit various lifestyles, including options for individuals, couples, and families. But for deal-savvy scholars, the crown jewel of Spotify's offerings is the Premium Student plan. This isn't just a simple discount—it's a powerhouse bundle that includes a subscription to Hulu, making it one of the absolute best entertainment values out there.

Getting a fantastic deal on your go-to streaming service is what we're all about. While the student discount is a stellar year-round offer, Spotify is known for rolling out other promotions and extended free trials. Here at DealNews, our team is always tracking the latest offers to help you get the most entertainment for your money, and this guide has everything you need to know about locking in the best price for Spotify just in time for back to school season!

Top Spotify Student Discount

Spotify Premium Student Subscription

Free 6-month trial

If you're a student and haven't tried the Spotify Premium Student subscription, now's an excellent time to do so. You'll get six months to try out all the features, including access to Hulu (With Ads). If you're enjoying it, your subscription will automatically renew for $5.99 per month when your trial period is up; however, you can cancel before the trial is up to avoid being charged if you're not sold. Be sure to take advantage of this offer before it expires on August 17, 2025.

Get Discount

Other Top Spotify Discounts

Spotify Premium Individual Subscription

Free 1-month trial

New users can take advantage of the Spotify Premium Individual trial and an entire month to check out everything the service has to offer. If you're on the fence, be sure to cancel before your trial is up; otherwise, you'll be charged the then-current rate ($11.99 at the time of publishing). Spotify Premium offers ad-free access to your favorite music and podcasts as well as 15 hours per month of listening time from the Spotify audiobooks subscriber catalog.

Shop Now

Spotify Premium Duo Subscription

$16.99/mo.

Can't bring yourself to share your Spotify account with your partner? Well, if you opt for the Spotify Premium Duo subscription, you don't have to! This plan gives you 2 Premium accounts for ad-free listening to music and podcasts. On top of that, the main plan manager will also receive 15 hours per month of listening time from the audiobook subscriber catalog, so keep that in mind when deciding who gets to be in charge when it comes to your subscription. Note that this is for "couples who reside at the same address" and you can cancel at any time.

Get Discount

Spotify Premium Family Subscription

$19.99/mo.

If you've got a large group of people that want to split the cost of a Spotify Premium subscription, it's worth checking out the Spotify Premium Family plan. With it, you'll get up to 6 Premium or Kids accounts for $19.99 per month and the ability to control content that's marked as explicit, plus access to Spotify Kids. The plan manager also gets 15 hours per month of listening time from the audiobook subscriber catalog. Not sold on the plan? You can easily cancel at any time.

Get Discount

Spotify Premium 1-Year Subscription Gift Card

$96.98

While this deal for Sam's Club members only offers $2 savings on the face value of the card, the real value is in the fact that you're getting an entire year of Spotify Premium for just $99. Ordinarily, paying monthly for the Spotify Premium Individual plan is $11.99 per month, which comes out to $143.88 for a year. That means by opting for this discounted gift card, you're saving 33% on the yearly cost of ad-free listening for your favorite music and podcasts (among other perks).Note that there are a max of two gift cards per membership, so keep that in mind if you're planning to buy multiples.

Get Discount

Spotify Premium Annual Subscription Gift Card

$99

Opt for an entire year of Spotify Premium with this $99 gift card and you'll save $44 over the typical monthly cost. That means you'll have 12 months to explore everything Premium has to offer from ad-free listening to music and podcasts, access to the audiobook subscriber catalog, and more. Note that once your gift card is spent and the term is up, you'll automatically be charged the then-current monthly rate, unless you cancel beforehand

Get Discount

Spotify Premium 12-Month Subscription Gift Card

$99

If you want to jump into Spotify Premium but don't want to worry about monthly payments, this gift card is an excellent solution! For just $99 you'll get 12 months to explore everything Spotify Premium has to offer, including ad-free listening to music and podcasts as well as access to the audiobook subscriber catalog and more. Even better, by opting for the gift card, you'll actually save $44 compared to paying for a year at the monthly rate. Note that once the year is up, your account will be charged the the-current monthly rate to continue, so be sure to cancel beforehand if you need to.

Get Discount

Spotify Premium 12-Month Subscription Gift Card

$99

Commit to a year of Spotify Premium and save $44 over the monthly rate by snagging this gift card from Walmart. Note that when the year is up, your subscription will continue at the then-current monthly rate, so be sure to cancel beforehand if you don't want pay.

Get Discount

Spotify Student Discounts Available This July

Spotify knows that one size doesn't fit all when it comes to streaming, which is why it offers a handful of different subscription plans at different costs. The standard Spotify Premium plan for individuals now runs $11.99 per month. For two people living at the same address, the Premium Duo plan costs $16.99 per month. And for families, the Premium Family plan allows up to six accounts for $19.99 per month.

But the best deal of them all is reserved for students. The Spotify Premium Student plan packs in the most value, combining two popular streaming services for one low price. It's a year-round offer, so students looking to get a jump on building their studying playlist can get started right away.

Spotify Premium Student: What Is It?

So, what exactly do you get with the Spotify student discount? This isn't just a slight price drop on a music subscription; it's a full-fledged streaming bundle. The plan includes a complete Spotify Premium account, which means you can enjoy millions of songs and podcasts with no ad interruptions, download your favorites for offline listening, and play any track on demand with unlimited skips. But the real kicker is that it also comes bundled with a subscription to the Hulu (With Ads) plan.

Even better, if you're a new subscriber who qualifies for the student plan, you can typically get your first month completely free. After the trial period, the subscription costs just $5.99 per month. When you consider that Spotify Premium and Hulu would cost nearly $20 per month if purchased separately, it's easy to see why this is one of the most popular deals for students.

How to Sign Up for the Student Discount

Ready to grab this deal? Signing up is a pretty simple process that just requires you to prove you're an active student. Here's a quick walkthrough.

Step 1: Head to the Spotify Website
Start by navigating to the Spotify Premium Student page on their official website. This is where you'll kick off the verification and sign-up process.

Step 2: Verify Your Student Status
Spotify uses a trusted third-party service called SheerID to confirm that you're eligible. You'll be prompted to enter your information and then verify your enrollment by logging into your school's student portal or by uploading an official document, like a current class schedule or tuition receipt. Be aware that the verification can sometimes take a few days to process.

Step 3: Complete Your Sign-Up and Activate Hulu
Once SheerID gives you the green light, you'll be directed back to Spotify to complete your subscription. After you've set up your payment method and started your plan, Spotify will guide you through the final step of activating your included Hulu subscription. Then you're all set to stream!

Who Is Eligible?

Not everyone can snag this sweet deal, as it's reserved specifically for those in higher education. To make sure you qualify, check the eligibility requirements below.

• You must be a student currently enrolled at an accredited, US Title IV college or university.
• You must be at least 18 years old.
• You must be able to successfully verify your student status through the SheerID service.
• The 1-month free trial offer is typically reserved for new subscribers who have not had a Premium plan before.

It's also important to remember that this discount lasts for up to four years, but you will need to re-verify your student status every 12 months to prove you're still enrolled. Once you graduate or can no longer verify your status, your account will automatically convert to a standard Premium Individual plan at the full price.

How to Maximize Your Spotify Student Discount

Getting Spotify and Hulu for just $5.99 a month is already a massive win for your wallet. But if you're a true deal seeker, you know there are always ways to squeeze even more value out of a great offer. With a few simple strategies, you can make sure you're taking full advantage of every perk that comes with your student subscription.

Don't Forget to Activate Your Included Hulu Subscription

Let's be real: the biggest selling point of the Spotify student plan is the Hulu bundle. You're not just getting discounted music; you're getting a whole other streaming service for free. After you sign up and verify your student status, make sure you complete the final step of activating your Hulu (With Ads) plan. If you don't, you're essentially leaving a free $7.99-per-month value on the table. It's the perfect way to binge-watch hit shows and movies after a long week of classes.

Save on Mobile Data with Offline Downloads

As a student, you're constantly on the move, and relying on spotty campus WiFi or your precious mobile data isn't always ideal. One of the best features of any Spotify Premium plan is the ability to download your favorite playlists, albums, and podcasts directly to your device. Before you head out, load up your phone with all the music you need for your commute, workout, or walk between classes. Listening offline means you won't use a single byte of data, saving you from potential overage charges.

Other Premium Perks

You can also use social features like Jam to create a real-time, shared queue with friends during a study group or party, making the experience more collaborative and fun.

Keep the Savings Going with Annual Re-Verification

This is a big one. The Spotify student discount is valid for 12 months at a time and requires you to re-verify your enrollment status each year. Spotify will send you an email reminder when it's time to do so. Make sure you complete the re-verification process promptly. If you miss the deadline, your subscription will automatically roll over to a standard Premium Individual plan, and you'll be charged the full $11.99 price on your next billing date. Staying on top of this ensures you keep your discounted rate for up to four years.

FAQs About Spotify's 2025 Student Discount

Getting a deal on Spotify is exciting, but you probably have a few questions about how it all works. We've compiled the answers to the most frequently asked questions to help you navigate the process and make sure you're getting the best value.

How Do I Know If I'm Eligible for the Student Discount?

In the U.S., you're generally eligible if you are at least 18 years old and are currently enrolled at a Title IV-accredited college or university. The key is that you must be able to prove your student status through SheerID, the third-party verification service that Spotify uses. If your school is on their list and you can log into your student portal or provide an official document, you should be good to go.

How Long Does the Student Discount Last?

The discount is valid for 12 months at a time. As long as you remain an eligible student, you can renew it every year for a maximum of four years. Spotify will send you a reminder when it's time to re-verify your status, so be sure to watch for that email.

Can I Get Spotify for Free?

Yes, you can absolutely get Spotify for free! The company has always offered a free, ad-supported tier that gives you access to its entire massive library of music and podcasts. It's a fantastic way to use the service without ever paying a dime. However, this free version comes with some significant limitations: you'll hear ads between songs, you'll be restricted to shuffle-play on mobile for most content, and you won't be able to download anything for offline listening.

If you're wondering if you can get Spotify Premium for free, the answer is also yes, but usually on a temporary basis. Spotify regularly offers a 1-month free trial for new Premium subscribers, and frequently runs promotions that extend this to a generous three months. We also see occasional "welcome back" offers for lapsed subscribers. While the student discount isn't free, its bundled value with Hulu makes it feel like you're getting one service for free, which is a deal that's hard to pass up.

What if I Already Have a Hulu Account?

This is a common question, and the answer is usually yes, you can link it. If you're already subscribed to the Hulu (With Ads) plan and are billed directly by Hulu (not a third party like Apple or Roku), you can connect your existing account to the Spotify + Hulu bundle (as mentioned above). Your billing will then be handled by Spotify. However, this offer isn't compatible with Hulu plans that have add-ons like Max or Live TV.

What Happens When I Graduate or Leave School?

Once you're no longer an eligible student, or if you don't re-verify your status after 12 months, your subscription will automatically convert to a standard Spotify Premium Individual plan. You'll then be charged the full monthly price, but you'll keep all your playlists, saved music, and account history.

Can I Use the Student Discount More Than Once?

Yes, you can! "Using it more than once" means renewing your discount. You can renew your student status annually for a total of four years, allowing you to enjoy the discounted rate throughout your undergraduate studies.

Can I Combine the Student Discount With Other Offers?

No, the Spotify student discount is a standalone promotional offer. It can't be combined or "stacked" with a Premium Duo or Premium Family plan, nor can you use it with other temporary promotions or gift cards.

Which Spotify Plans Have Ads?

The only plan that includes ads is Spotify Free, where you'll hear commercials between songs. All Spotify Premium plans, including the student plan, offer completely ad-free music listening. It is important to note, however, that the Hulu subscription included with the student plan is the Hulu (With Ads) tier, so you will see commercials while watching TV shows and movies on that service.

When is the Best Time to Save on Spotify?

The great news is that the student discount is available year-round, so you can sign up whenever you're ready. For other Spotify deals, such as extended free trials for new users (often three months free), keep an eye out during major promotional periods like the back-to-school season in late summer, Black Friday in November, and the end-of-year holidays.

How Much Does Spotify Normally Cost?

If you're not a student, Spotify has several other plans to choose from. The best option for you depends on how many people will be listening.

Each premium plan offers the core benefits of ad-free listening and offline downloads. The Duo and Family plans provide excellent per-person value for those who can share an account, while the Student plan remains the undisputed champ for bundled entertainment value.

What Other Discounts Does Spotify Offer?

Besides the student plan, the main ways to get a "discount" are by bundling accounts. The Premium Duo plan saves you about $7 per month compared to two individual subscriptions, and the Premium Family plan can save a household a significant amount of money by bringing the per-person cost down to less than $4. Additionally, buying a full-year gift card when it's on sale for $99 effectively gives you a discount of over $40 for the year.

What Have Spotify's Student Discounts Looked Like Previously?

Spotify has a long and consistent history of offering a great deal to students. For many years, as far back as 2020, the Premium Student plan was priced at just $4.99 per month and consistently included access to Hulu. For a time, it even included Showtime. The price has seen a slight increase to $5.99, but with the continued inclusion of Hulu, it remains one of the best values in streaming.

What Other Music Streaming Platforms Offer Student Discounts?

Spotify faces some serious competition in the student discount arena, with most major streaming players offering some kind of deal to win over college students. While some focus purely on music, the biggest rivals have followed Spotify's lead by bundling in a video streaming service, creating an all-in-one entertainment package.

The most direct competitor to Spotify's bundle is Apple Music, which offers its student plan at the exact same price while swapping Hulu for Apple TV Plus. Your choice between the two will likely come down to which video service you prefer. Amazon's Prime Student is another powerhouse offer, though at a slightly higher price point, it bundles music, video, and the massive shipping benefits of Prime into one package.

Other services like Tidal and Pandora offer a lower price for music-only subscriptions, which could be a great fit if you aren't interested in a video component. And if you're already set for music but need a cheap video streaming service, the incredibly low prices from Peacock and Paramount Plus are tough to ignore. Ultimately, Spotify's offer remains one of the strongest and most well-rounded deals on the market for students.

Why Should I Trust DealNews For Student Discounts?

For more than 25 years, DealNews has been the authority on one thing: finding the absolute best deals on everything you want to buy. Our team of expert deal curators works around the clock, scouring every corner of the internet to unearth and verify the latest offers on streaming services, tech, and thousands of other products. We do the hard work of sifting through the noise so that you don't have to, presenting you with only the top, hand-picked offers that will save you the most money.

Staying on top of constantly changing promotions can be a full-time job, but we've got you covered. To get the best offers delivered straight to your inbox, be sure to sign up for the DealNews Select newsletter. And if you want to be the first to know about a new Spotify promotion, you can set up deal alerts for instant notifications. Let us do the deal hunting so you can just press play and save.