AutoCAD (Student Version) – Free Download

About AutoCAD (Student Version)

AutoCAD by Autodesk is the industry-standard 2D & 3D CAD software used across MEP, architectural, structural and mechanical drafting. Students and educators can use the full version of AutoCAD free for one year (renewable) through the official Autodesk Education plan — a legitimate educational licence, not a trial or a crack.

What you get

• The full AutoCAD (latest 2026 release) — identical features to the paid version
• A 1-year education licence, renewable while you stay eligible
• Both Windows and macOS versions
• AutoCAD specialised toolsets plus the web & mobile apps

Who is eligible?

Students aged 13+ and educators at accredited schools, colleges and universities. You verify your status with a school email or documentation during sign-up.

The Download button opens Autodesk’s official Education portal. MEPMate does not host AutoCAD and is not affiliated with Autodesk — always get it from the official source.

System Requirements

• OS: Windows 10 / 11 (64-bit) or macOS 12+
• CPU: 2.5–3+ GHz multi-core processor
• RAM: 8 GB minimum, 16 GB recommended
• Disk: 10 GB free space (SSD recommended)
• GPU: 1 GB DirectX 11 (4 GB recommended for 3D)
• Display: 1920×1080 resolution or higher

How to Install AutoCAD (Student Version)

1. Click Download to open the Autodesk Education portal.
2. Create a free Autodesk account (or sign in) using your school / university email.
3. Verify your student or educator eligibility when prompted (SheerID or documents).
4. Select AutoCAD, choose the version, operating system and language, then click Install / Download.
5. Run the installer, sign in with your Autodesk account, and the free education licence activates automatically.

If you’re asked for payment, you’ve landed on the free-trial page — go back and choose the Education plan instead. The licence renews yearly while you remain eligible.