Students get completely free access to Unreal Engine, the industry-leading game development platform, including Twinmotion and RealityCapture tools.
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How to claim it
- Verify with Student Beans. Verify your student status at
Student Beansusing your school credentials - Request a school code. Alternatively, 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. Another option is to access 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
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Who's eligible
Who can get the Unreal Engine - Free for Students student discount?
Students enrolled at higher education institutions or schools, educators, and school administrators. Also available through GitHub Student Developer Pack for verified students.
How long does Unreal Engine - Free for Students student access last?
Education license codes are valid for 1 year from issuance and renewable annually by your school while enrolled. After graduation or expiration, you retain your current engine version but won't receive updates unless you resubscribe.
Is the Unreal Engine - Free for Students student discount available worldwide?
Available worldwide to students at qualifying educational institutions.
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What's included
Unreal Engine, the powerhouse behind countless AAA games and professional visualizations, is completely 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.
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Fine print & gotchas
- License is valid 1 year, renewable annually by your school while you stay enrolled.
- After graduation/expiry you keep your current version but get no updates unless you resubscribe.
- Verification required via Student Beans, a school-issued code, or the GitHub Student Pack.
- Standard 5% royalty still applies once a game passes $1M lifetime gross revenue.
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Common questions
Is Unreal Engine really completely free for students?
Yes! Students get full access to Unreal Engine, Twinmotion, and RealityCapture at no cost. The commercial subscription normally costs $1,850/year, but students pay nothing.
What happens to my projects after I graduate?
You retain your current engine version and any projects you've created. However, you won't receive updates unless you resubscribe through another education code or a paid plan. Your existing work remains yours.
Do I have to pay royalties on games I make as a student?
Standard royalty terms apply: 5% royalty only kicks in after your 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?
Your education license is valid for 1 year. Your school can issue a new code annually as long as you're still enrolled. Simply redeem the new code to continue your free access.
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 created with your student license.
What's the difference between student access and the free version for everyone?
Unreal Engine is actually free for all individuals and companies under $1M annual revenue. The student program provides institutional support and ensures you have verified access through your school, plus includes Twinmotion and RealityCapture.
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Students also grabbed
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