Apple student discount: how to save money for Back to School 2024

MacBook
Image of a man using an Apple MacBook computer resting on his lap (Image credit: Farknot Architect / Shutterstock)

Believe it or not, getting an Apple student discount on MacBook and other products for Back to school 2023 is easier than you think. And, if you’re one of the unsung heroes in the education sector, getting an Apple teacher discount can be just as simple.

Both are easily accessible as Apple is fairly relaxed about eligibility for its student discount deals. For example, so as long as you're a student at school, college, or university, you should be able to take advantage and save yourself a pretty penny in the process. Right now, Apple has an extensive promotion available on its education site so it's a particularly good time to be browsing. Alongside other Back to school sales at other retailers, there's potential to save some serious money currently.

Thanks to the Apple student discount program, both educators and their students will no longer have to make do with an aging laptop. They can finally breeze through their school tasks with more powerful tools, increasing their productivity and saving them time - all while getting a top-notch product that should last a few years down the line.

We've rounded up today's best deals from the Apple Back to School sale at the top of the page here but you'll find a more in-depth guide on eligibility and how to apply for a discount further down. In short, you're looking at saving as much as 15% off the retail place on MacBooks, Macs, and iPads, among other devices,

Apple student discount: back to school sale

MacBook Air 13 M2 (256GB):$1,199now $999, plus $150 gift card at Apple

MacBook Air 13 M2 (256GB): <a href="https://apple.sjv.io/3ejZ6X" data-link-merchant="apple.sjv.io"" target="_blank">was $1,199 now $999, plus $150 gift card at Apple
This is a superb deal on the latest 13-inch MacBook Air, as not only do you get a hefty gift card, but you're paying the lowest price yet for this entry-level model. Our Apple <a href="https://www.techradar.com/reviews/apple-macbook-air-m2-2022" data-link-merchant="techradar.com"" data-link-merchant="apple.sjv.io"" target="_blank">MacBook Air (M2, 2022) review awarded this one four and half stars out of five, praising the great design upgrades, performance, and battery life. Overall, this is a superb choice for students who don't want to spend crazy amounts on a MacBook.

You can also get a significant discount on the 512GB storage variant, which is retailing <a href="https://apple.sjv.io/3ejZ6X" data-link-merchant="apple.sjv.io"" data-link-merchant="techradar.com"" data-link-merchant="apple.sjv.io"" target="_blank">for $1,299 (was $1,499<a href="https://go.redirectingat.com/?id=92X363&xcust=hawk-custom-tracking&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.apple.com%2Fus-edu%2Fshop%2Fbuy-mac%2Fmacbook-air%2F13-inch-m2&sref" data-link-merchant="SkimLinks - apple.com"" data-link-merchant="apple.sjv.io"" data-link-merchant="techradar.com"" data-link-merchant="apple.sjv.io"" target="_blank">). Alternatively, we'd also recommend the older 2020 Apple MacBook Air M1 <a href="https://amazon.com/dp/B08N5LNQCX/?tag=hawk-future-20&ascsubtag=hawk-custom-tracking-20" data-link-merchant="target.georiot.com"" data-link-merchant="SkimLinks - apple.com"" data-link-merchant="apple.sjv.io"" data-link-merchant="techradar.com"" data-link-merchant="apple.sjv.io"" target="_blank">from Amazon for $749 since that model is still a steal at that price (see below for a full overview).

Apple MacBook Air (M1):$999.99$749.99 at Amazon

Apple MacBook Air (M1): <a href="https://target.georiot.com/Proxy.ashx?tsid=8428&GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Famazon.com%2FApple-MacBook-13-inch-256GB-Storage%2Fdp%2FB08N5LNQCX%3Ftag%3Dhawk-future-20%26ascsubtag%3Dhawk-custom-tracking-20" data-link-merchant="Amazon US"">was $999.99 now $749.99 at Amazon
The 2020 Apple MacBook Air with an M1 chip is older now, but it's still one of the best laptops ever made. With this deal, the device that we awarded 4.5 stars out of five in our <a href="https://www.techradar.com/reviews/apple-macbook-air-m12020" data-link-merchant="techradar.com"" data-link-merchant="Amazon US"">MacBook Air M1 review is down to its lowest-ever price at Amazon with a price that matches the previous record from Amazon Prime Day. Simply put, this is a LOT of laptop for the money and highly recommended for students (or anyone) on a budget.

MacBook Air 15 M2 (256GB):&nbsp;was&nbsp;$1,299&nbsp;now $1,199, plus $150 gift card at Apple

MacBook Air 15 M2 (256GB): <a href="https://apple.sjv.io/3ejZ6X" data-link-merchant="apple.sjv.io"" target="_blank">was $1,299 now $1,199, plus $150 gift card at Apple
The brand-new <a href="https://www.techradar.com/news/macbook-air-2023-everything-we-know-so-far" data-link-merchant="techradar.com"" data-link-merchant="apple.sjv.io"" target="_blank">Apple MacBook Air 15 M2 has literally just been announced, but it's already been listed with a $100 discount and a gift card thanks to the Apple Back to School sale. Preorders are now currently open for a June 13th release date for this model, which is essentially an 'upscaled' version of the above 13-inch model. We haven't tested this one yet here at TechRadar, but we're expecting more of the same - namely, an excellent design, display, and almost unbeatable battery life for a laptop. 

MacBook Pro 13 M2 (256GB):&nbsp;$1,299now $1,099, plus $150 gift card at Apple

MacBook Pro 13 M2 (256GB): <a href="https://apple.sjv.io/5gAZ29" data-link-merchant="apple.sjv.io"" target="_blank">was $1,299 now $1,099, plus $150 gift card at Apple
Today's Back to School discount on the latest 13-inch MacBook Pro is a match for the lowest we've seen from Amazon and other retailers - not bad considering you're also getting that gift card thrown in as a bonus. Our <a href="https://www.techradar.com/reviews/apple-macbook-pro-13-inch-m2-2022" data-link-merchant="techradar.com"" data-link-merchant="apple.sjv.io"" target="_blank">Apple MacBook Pro 13-inch (M2, 2022) review praised this model, especially its blazingly quick M2 chipset. While it's not our favorite MacBook in the lineup, it's a good choice for those who need a good mix of power and portability.

Mac Mini M2 (256GB):&nbsp;was$599now $499 at Apple

Mac Mini M2 (256GB): <a href="https://apple.sjv.io/LXnmAj" data-link-merchant="apple.sjv.io"" target="_blank">was $599 now $499 at Apple
Easily the cheapest way to get your hands on some speedy Apple silicon, this discount on the Mac Mini M2 matches the lowest prices we've seen from Amazon and the like. Our <a href="https://www.techradar.com/reviews/apple-mac-mini-2023" data-link-merchant="techradar.com"" data-link-merchant="apple.sjv.io"" target="_blank">Apple Mac mini (2023) review awarded this fantastic little machine five stars out of five, and it's a great low-cost (yet powerful) option for students who want a cheap Mac setup for the form. Another great deal for the Mac Mini is the high-end 512GB model with the M2 chip, which is <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com/?id=92X363&xcust=hawk-custom-tracking&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.apple.com%2Fus-edu%2Fshop%2Fbuy-mac%2Fmac-mini&sref" data-link-merchant="SkimLinks - apple.com"" data-link-merchant="techradar.com"" data-link-merchant="apple.sjv.io"" target="_blank">currently at $1,199 - again, the lowest price yet. 

iPad Air M1 (64GB):&nbsp;was&nbsp;$599&nbsp;now $549, plus $100 gift card at Apple

iPad Air M1 (64GB): <a href="https://apple.sjv.io/eKqEdr" data-link-merchant="apple.sjv.io"" target="_blank">was $599 now $549, plus $100 gift card at Apple
Discounts on the cheaper iPads are conspicuously missing in the Apple Back to School sale, but you can get a great deal on the latest mid-range iPad Air M1. We've seen the baseline 64GB storage model go for as low as $499 at Amazon previously, but the $100 gift card arguably makes this one better value if you want more Apple gear. Our <a href="https://www.techradar.com/reviews/ipad-air-2022" data-link-merchant="techradar.com"" data-link-merchant="apple.sjv.io"" target="_blank">iPad Air (2022) review again praised this model, especially its excellent design and performance, and while it's pricier than the previous iPad Air iterations, it's definitely a good choice for a premium tablet.

iPad Pro 11 M2 (128GB):&nbsp;was$799now $749, plus $100 gift card at Apple

iPad Pro 11 M2 (128GB): <a href="https://apple.sjv.io/1r1PER" data-link-merchant="apple.sjv.io"" target="_blank">was $799 now $749, plus $100 gift card at Apple
And finally, those on the hunt for a powerful tablet will definitely want to check out today's deal on the excellent iPad Pro M2 models. The best bang for the buck model in the range is the baseline 11-inch 128GB model, which has been $20 cheaper than at other retailers, but does include a very handy $100 gift card, really adding to the value. Our <a href="https://www.techradar.com/reviews/ipad-pro-129-2022" data-link-merchant="techradar.com"" data-link-merchant="apple.sjv.io"" target="_blank">iPad Pro (2022) review gave the 12.9-inch model four and a half stars out of five when we tested it last year, praising its incredible performance and unbeatable display. Overall, it's a niche buy but one that will appeal to power users who can make the most of Apple's excellent selection of tablet apps.

Apple Watch SE (44mm, GPS), 2020: $279 $149 at Walmart

Apple Watch SE (44mm, GPS), 2020: <a href="https://goto.walmart.com/c/1943169/565706/9383?subId1=hawk-custom-tracking&sharedId=hawk&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.walmart.com%2Fip%2FApple-Watch-SE-1st-Gen-GPS-40mm-Space-Gray-Aluminum-Case-with-Midnight-Sport-Band-Regular%2F758438118" data-link-merchant="walmart.com"">was $279 now $149 at Walmart
If you're looking for an Apple Watch in today's back to school sales, Walmart has the still-fantastic Apple Watch SE on sale for just $149. Apple's budget smartwatch is a great choice for someone who just wants basic functions like activity tracking, calorie counting, and sleep tracking, plus the ability to see notifications, take calls, and reply to texts directly from your wrist.

Apple student discount: FAQ

Apple back to school banner image

(Image credit: Apple)

Am I eligible for Apple's education pricing?

As long as you're enrolled in a post-secondary education (or high school) establishment, such as a college or university, and have some kind of documentation or a student ID to prove it, then you should be able to take advantage of the education discounts. Parents of students can also apply for discounts on their children's behalf.

If you're a teacher, lecturer, or other staff member at an educational institution you can apply for the discount by providing an ID card, payslip, or other form of identification that proves you work there.

To make the process as smooth as possible if you're a university student, sign up online at Unidays, which is a free website that offers a number of student-only deals. All you need is your university email address that you're given when you enrol.

How to claim an Apple education discount

If you're eligible, go to the Apple For Education website (head to the UK Apple for Education website if you're in the United Kingdom), which underscores the current deals available for students and staff. Select your preferred device (such as MacBooks, iMacs and iPads), then verify your current student or staff status with Unidays. You can do this by clicking 'Get started'.

You can also visit a nearby Apple Store with your ID, or phone Apple on 0800 048 0408 in the UK, 800–692–7753 in the US or 133-622 in Australia.

Assuming you're accepted you can then go ahead and order your devices. Apple limits your purchases to one desktop per academic year, one Mac mini, one notebook, two iPads, two displays and two pieces of software with the discounts.

Apple MacBook Air (M2, 2022) on a white desk in a studio

(Image credit: Future)

Trade in your old devices for a discount

Here's another absolutely awesome way to save at the official Apple Store - make use of its extensive trade-in program. While you can only get a rebate in the form of credit to spend at the Apple Store, you can potentially get up to $740 off for handing over a Mac, up to $640 for iPhones, up to $490 for iPads, and up to $165 off for Apple Watches. Note that you don't have to trade-in an Apple product specifically for a discount here - Apple will also take Android and Windows devices from leading brands.

Right now, this is one of the most sure-fire ways to bag a discount at the Apple Store since it never usually posts outright discounts on new products - with the exception of the Apple Student Discount.

UK students have access to similar trade-in offers. Again, the price you get depends on the make, model, and condition of the device, but you could receive up to £630 by trading in your current computer or mobile device. Australian students can get up to AU$1,150 in trade-in value on their devices, which of course will vary based on the make, model, and condition of the device.

Adam Vjestica

Adam was formerly TRG's Hardware Editor. A law graduate with an exceptional track record in content creation and online engagement, Adam has penned scintillating copy for various technology sites and also established his very own award-nominated video games website. He’s previously worked at Nintendo of Europe as a Content Marketing Editor and once played Halo 5: Guardians for over 51 hours for charity. He is now an editor at The Shortcut.

With contributions from