Chatgpt Plus is typically priced at $20 per month, giving users access to faster response times, higher usage restrictions and advanced features such as GPT-4O, image generation, advanced voice modes and professional research tools. These features are now temporarily open to students.
Who is eligible and how to apply
The company clearly explains the eligibility criteria: “Full-time and part-time students in degree-granting schools in the United States and Canada are eligible for this offer. If you do not see your school in the student verification list, please click this link for further assistance from our partner. This will allow you to submit your school request to submit a different name, or not meet the requirements of your school, or whether you are eligible for this offer.”
Students can verify their admission status through Sheerid. Once confirmed, they will be redirected to chatgpt, and a two-month subscription will be automatically activated on their account. Existing Chatgpt plus eligible subscribers will also receive credits covering the free period.
Subscribe to what to offer students
In the free window, students will be able to use Chatgpt Plus to support their learning in a variety of ways. These include:
- Turn a handout or read into a short summary or flashcard
- Explain complex topics in simpler terms, such as calculus or philosophy
- Brainstorm, outline and improve the essay or project idea
- Create a quote in APA, MLA or Chicago style
- Translate terms from research papers and identify key arguments
- Write a personal statement or apply for a paper
- Practice grammar, vocabulary and even language dialogue
This initiative provides students with a way to learn intelligence, rather than being more difficult.
More and more educational technology
The move reflects a broader shift in AI entering classrooms. It’s not only about tools, but also about habits. College students have become one of the most common users of Chatgpt. According to Forbes, more than one-third of adults aged 18 to 24 use the platform, and nearly 25% of their questions are related to academic work. Students are not only experimenting, but also integrating it into their way of thinking, modifying and exploring ideas.
Another AI company, Anthropic, also launched Claude Education this week. It includes features designed for universities such as university model that encourage critical thinking through solutions to problems. It is driven by Northeastern University and London School of Economics.
Close the access gap
By offering Chatgpt Plus for free, OpenAI is also trying to address digital inequality.
Some universities, such as those in the California State University system, have formal partnerships with OpenAI. But others (especially those with less resources) don’t. This prevents many students from using advanced AI tools.
For students facing financial or geographical barriers, this temporary offer helps balance the field.
It also supports real-world preparation. AI has reshape the workplace. Students who obtain early contact through hands-on experiments will be prepared for the future.
“Today’s college students are under tremendous pressure to learn faster, solve more serious problems and get into an increasing AI workforce. Supporting their AI literacy rates means more than just demonstrating how these tools work. It requires how to create spaces to enable students to interact directly, experiment, ask their own questions, and ask their own questions.”
Learning tools, not just access
To support students using Chatgpt Plus, OpenAI has also launched a new learning platform. Openai Academy helps students build fluent attitudes in AI concepts, while Chatgpt Lab allows them to exchange tips and ideas with each other. Obviously, the company can not only provide access, but also build infrastructure around learning.
This can help students use the tool in a more thoughtful way, rather than simply as a shortcut. This is not about replacing teachers or assignments, but providing support systems at the most demanding moments in academic life.
What happens after May?
After the end of the free period, students will be sent back to the paid subscription model. Those who wish to opt out can cancel before the fee is charged. Nevertheless, transitions can pose a challenge, especially for students who rely on the tool.
This raises important questions for educators and institutions. Does homework need to develop? Will universities design new “protective” tasks, or will they tend to be more creative and critical assessments?
The industry is still researching its answers. But for now, this offer marks a major shift.
This is not only a promotional agreement, but also a test of the future of education.
AI is no longer a distant concept in higher education. It is in the hands of students, shaping how they learn, research and interact with knowledge. Whether the free quotes have been expanded may have a much greater impact than May.
While tools like Chatgpt cannot replace human teaching, they may just help students ask better questions, and this is a place to start.
