Is it still possible to get a free student version of MATLAB/Simulink for personal use?
30 views (last 30 days)
Show older comments
stevesy55
on 1 Oct 2017
Commented: Image Analyst
on 31 Oct 2021
My MATLAB 2017 has expired. Is it still possible to get a free student version or must it be paid for? Thanks.
4 Comments
Walter Roberson
on 20 Aug 2018
Ndumiso Ncane: there is no free student version. You will need to purchase a license, unless your institution provides MATLAB licenses to students (in which case you would need to ask your university for a license key.)
Accepted Answer
Walter Roberson
on 1 Oct 2017
Mathworks has never offered a free version.
There was a 4.something version of MATLAB included with an old Prentice-Hall book, but you needed to buy the book. Mathworks has offered some individual MATLAB licenses as prizes for occasional contests.
Mathworks has historically (and perhaps might still) offered 8 month or 1 year student licenses, but those had to be paid for.
Some universities have offered students academic licenses under Total Academic Headcount licenses; those might have expiry dates. Someone has to pay for those, such as indirectly through student fees.
MOOC courses might include a time-limited MATLAB for people who pay for the courses.
All student licenses are valid only during the time the student is enrolled at a degree-granting institution (or secondary school.)
Mathworks offers personal license under the Home License program. Those are more expensive than student licenses but much less expensive than commercial licenses. Those licenses may not be used to earn income.
5 Comments
Walter Roberson
on 8 Feb 2018
Also, people who are writing books about MATLAB can sometimes join the Book Program, which offers a limited time no-cost license. Mathworks would have to judge that it is realistic that you would be writing a book.
More Answers (3)
Image Analyst
on 1 Oct 2017
Ask your university. Some universities provide a version that the students can use for free (I know my son's does).
2 Comments
Image Analyst
on 1 Oct 2017
You'd have to buy it. Consider it just like buying any other textbook that you need for your classes.
Igor Krupenski
on 8 Nov 2018
Is it still possible to get a free student version of MATLAB/Simulink for personal use?
2 Comments
Image Analyst
on 8 Nov 2018
If you're eligible for the student version, you can use it for personal use. They're not going to care if you use it personally for "non-homework" though I'm pretty sure you're not supposed to sell your code commercially. Call them for any licensing questions that are NOT specifically stated in the license agreement - don't ask here since we're not Mathworks employees or lawyers. The Mathworks will happily answer licensing questions by email or telephone.
Roy Cassis
on 31 Oct 2021
can i get an extension on the free student version ?
2 Comments
Image Analyst
on 31 Oct 2021
@Roy Cassis, did you read any of the above answers? Like about contacting your university? If you're no longer a student then you can get an extension by asking for a 30 day trial of the full professional version. If you need an extension longer than that you'll have to buy one, like the home version which is not much more cost than the student version.
See Also
Categories
Find more on Introduction to Installation and Licensing in Help Center and File Exchange
Products
Community Treasure Hunt
Find the treasures in MATLAB Central and discover how the community can help you!
Start Hunting!