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Qualified students can get SOLIDWORKS Design Standard for Students free for one year, subject to the current enrollment form and country availability. It is a Windows desktop version for core CAD—not the full suite. Before signing up, check whether your school provides a more capable license, and confirm that your computer and country are supported.
Which free SOLIDWORKS option is available to students?
SOLIDWORKS lists Design Standard for Students as free. SOLIDWORKS’ student FAQ describes the entitlement as one year of access. Qualified students may be able to sign up again, and SOLIDWORKS may request proof of student status; follow the live form and terms for the rules that apply when you enroll.
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The offer page describes an installed desktop product for Windows PCs. The FAQ says the free Standard tier does not include Simulation, CAM, Visualize, other SOLIDWORKS products, or certification vouchers. SOLIDWORKS’ Student Installation Guide says Design Standard for Students is free for valid students, but that statement does not establish that every country is currently eligible.
The Tool Desk
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The FAQ names Bangladesh, Brazil, India, Indonesia, Nigeria, and Pakistan as countries where the free offer is available, while also saying a worldwide launch was targeted for July 1, 2026. That target date has passed, but the page retains the country-limited wording. It therefore does not settle whether enrollment is now global or remains restricted.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
Start from the official student offer page and see whether its enrollment flow accepts your account country. If availability is unclear, contact SOLIDWORKS support before relying on the offer. Do not assume the FAQ’s country list is either a complete current list or proof that the offer has expanded worldwide.
Ask your school before registering or paying
A school or university with a qualifying institutional license may provide students access on their own devices at no extra cost. SOLIDWORKS directs students whose school offers Design Premium home access to use that route rather than registering for the free Standard version. Ask your CAD instructor, department, or IT desk whether an Education Edition home-use license or Student Access entitlement is available; access and included products depend on the institution.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
The free Design Standard offer is intended for individual students, not for outfitting a school classroom or computer lab. Schools should check SOLIDWORKS’ Education Edition options.
Compare the student routes
| Route | Price and access | What it suits |
|---|---|---|
| Design Standard for Students | Listed free; one year of access, with possible re-sign-up while qualified. Windows desktop installation. | Core CAD on a compatible Windows PC. Excludes Simulation, CAM, Visualize, other SOLIDWORKS products, and certification vouchers. |
| Design Premium for Students | Listed at $60 USD per year in the US, excluding local taxes; Windows desktop installation. | Students who need more advanced capabilities, including simulation, CAM, or rendering tools. The current offer page lists free CSWA and CSWP certification attempts; confirm exact inclusions and local price at checkout. |
| xDesign for Students | Listed at $60 USD per year in the US, excluding local taxes; browser-based with cloud storage and no installation. | Students using a Chromebook, Mac, tablet, or Windows PC who want browser access. It is a distinct product with a different feature set from desktop SOLIDWORKS. |
| School-provided access | May be available at no extra cost to students at qualifying institutions. | Students whose institution provides a home-use or Student Access entitlement; ask the school which license and products it supplies. |
| SkillForce | Accepted applicants receive free Design Premium or Design Premium with Cloud Services for the qualifying work-based learning term. | Eligible students with a qualifying internship or co-op; acceptance is not automatic. |
The $60 USD annual prices are the US listings on SOLIDWORKS’ student offer page, accessed in October 2026, and exclude local taxes. Prices and inclusions can vary by country and change, so use the live offer page and checkout for current terms.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Check whether your computer can run desktop SOLIDWORKS
Design Standard and Design Premium require a Windows PC and local installation. For SOLIDWORKS 2026, the official system requirements specify 64-bit Windows 11 and an x86-64 processor (Intel 64 or AMD64). They list 16 GB of RAM, with 32 GB recommended, and recommend an SSD for optimal performance. SOLIDWORKS also calls for certified graphics cards and drivers. Check the requirements for the specific release you plan to install; the page covers multiple releases.
If you do not have a compatible Windows computer, xDesign is the browser-based route SOLIDWORKS lists for Macs, Chromebooks, tablets, and Windows PCs. It avoids a desktop installation, but it is not the same product or feature set as desktop SOLIDWORKS.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
How to sign up and install the free version
- Check school access and country eligibility. Ask your institution about a home-use or Student Access license, then open the official student offer page and confirm that the live enrollment flow accepts your country.
- Choose Design Standard for Students. Use the page’s “Get started for FREE” route and complete the student form with the requested school and personal information. Eligibility is determined by the current offer prompts; do not assume requirements for another Student Edition license also govern this free offer.
- Follow the enrollment instructions. SOLIDWORKS’ FAQ says successful enrollment leads to a download link, unique serial number, and installation guidance. Keep the serial number and follow the instructions for the version offered to you.
- Install on a supported Windows PC. Review the system requirements for that release, including operating system, processor, memory, and certified graphics hardware and drivers.
- Track your access period. The FAQ describes one year of access. If you remain qualified, check the current form to see whether you can sign up again and whether student verification is required.
Could SkillForce fit an internship or co-op?
SkillForce is a separate program, not a general free student license. Its stated criteria include current enrollment at an eligible college, technical institute, or university; a secured internship offer; CSWA certification; and participation in a three- or six-month internship or co-op. Accepted applicants receive free Design Premium or Design Premium with Cloud Services for the qualifying work-based learning term. Review the complete current criteria before applying; meeting the summary conditions does not guarantee acceptance.
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Read the license terms before using the software
The Student Edition license agreement describes discounted Student Edition licenses for eligible students or full-time faculty at accredited institutions and limits the described license to personal learning use, excluding commercial purposes. That agreement concerns the Student Edition license it covers; do not assume its terms automatically govern the distinct free Design Standard offer. Read the license presented during your own enrollment, particularly if you plan to use the software for paid or commercial work.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
