Get this deal →
✓ checked Jul 23
Students get free access to Unreal Engine, the game development platform behind countless AAA titles, plus Twinmotion and RealityCapture.
How to claim it
- Request a school code. Ask your school administrator or teacher to sign up for the Unreal Engine for Education program and request a license code
- Use GitHub Student Pack. Alternatively, access it through the
GitHub Student Developer Packif you're already verified there - Create your Epic account. Create or sign into your Epic Games account at
unrealengine.com - Redeem your access. Redeem your access code or complete verification to unlock free access
- Download the engine. Download Unreal Engine through the Epic Games Launcher
Who's eligible
Who can get the Unreal Engine - Free for Students student discount?
Students enrolled at accredited institutions, plus educators and school administrators. Access is issued through a school code or the GitHub Student Developer Pack for verified students.
How long does Unreal Engine - Free for Students student access last?
Unreal Engine stays free to use for anyone earning under $1M a year, so students keep working with it regardless. Institution-issued education codes are renewed by your school while you stay enrolled.
Is the Unreal Engine - Free for Students student discount available worldwide?
Availability depends on your institution's participation and the route you use (school-issued code or the GitHub Student Developer Pack). Unreal Engine itself is free to download and use for anyone under $1M annual revenue.
What's included
Unreal Engine, the powerhouse behind countless AAA games and professional visualizations, is free for students. You get full access to the same tools used by professional game developers, architects, and filmmakers, including C++ source code, Blueprint visual scripting, Twinmotion for real-time visualization, and RealityCapture for photogrammetry. This is the exact same engine used to create Fortnite, and it's yours at no cost while you're studying.
- Full Unreal Engine AccessComplete access to the industry-standard game engine with all features, updates, and bug fixes, the same version professionals use.
- C++ Source Code AccessDive deep into the engine's source code to learn how professional game engines work and customize functionality for your projects.
- Blueprint Visual ScriptingCreate game logic without writing code using the intuitive visual scripting system, perfect for designers and beginners.
- Twinmotion IncludedReal-time visualization software for creating immersive 3D environments, ideal for architecture and design students.
- RealityCapture IncludedProfessional photogrammetry software to create 3D models from photos, great for scanning real-world objects and environments.
- No Revenue Royalties for StudentsCreate and release projects without worrying about royalty fees during your student period.
Fine print & gotchas
- Not a student-only freebie. Unreal Engine is free to use for anyone earning under $1M/year; students qualify regardless.
- Access via school code or the GitHub Student Pack. Student Beans is not an official Epic route.
- Institution codes are renewed by your school while you stay enrolled.
- Standard 5% royalty still applies once a game passes $1M lifetime gross revenue.
Common questions
Is Unreal Engine really free for students?
Yes. Students get full access to Unreal Engine, Twinmotion, and RealityCapture at no cost. In fact Unreal Engine is free to use for anyone earning under $1 million a year, and students qualify regardless of revenue.
What happens to my projects after I graduate?
You keep any projects you've created, and Unreal Engine stays free to use as long as you're under $1M in annual gross revenue. Your existing work remains yours either way.
Do I have to pay royalties on games I make as a student?
Standard royalty terms apply: a 5% royalty only kicks in after a game earns more than $1 million in lifetime gross revenue. Non-game projects like simulations, visualizations, and films have no royalties at all.
How do I renew my student access?
Institution-issued education codes are renewed by your school while you stay enrolled. Because Unreal Engine is free to use for anyone under $1M revenue, you don't lose access to the engine even if a code lapses.
Can I use my student license for commercial projects?
Yes. There are no limitations on commercial use beyond the standard royalty structure. You can publish and sell games or other projects you build.
What's the difference between student access and the free version for everyone?
Unreal Engine is already free for all individuals and companies under $1M annual revenue. The student route mainly adds verified institutional access through your school or the GitHub Student Developer Pack.
Students also grabbed
Collaboration Linear Student Discount Full-time college students get 100% off Linear's Basic and Business plans for one year through Linear's Education… $10/mo FREE Coding Zed for Students Currently enrolled university students (18+) get Zed Pro free for one year — including $10/month in AI token credits… $10/mo FREE Apps & Sites Lovable Student Discount Verified students get one year of Lovable Pro for $12.50/month — half off the AI app builder's standard $25/month Pro… $25/mo $12.50/mo
FREE · Free pro game engine Get deal →