For college and university students, streaming music is more than just background noise — it’s a way to focus during late-night study sessions, relax after exams, or get motivated during workouts. But premium subscriptions can be expensive, especially on a student budget. That’s where the Spotify student account comes in.
Spotify offers a discounted Premium plan exclusively for students, giving you all the benefits of Spotify Premium at half the cost. This guide will break down exactly how to sign up, who qualifies, what’s included, and common questions about the process. If you’ve been searching for how to get a Spotify student account, you’re in the right place.
What Is a Spotify Student Account?
A Spotify student account is a discounted Premium subscription plan designed for eligible college and university students. Instead of paying the regular monthly fee, students can access Premium for 50% off.
Here’s what you get with a Spotify student account:
Ad-free music streaming
Offline playback (download songs, playlists, or albums)
Unlimited skips
Access on multiple devices (mobile, desktop, tablet, and smart speakers)
High-quality audio (up to 320 kbps)
In select regions, the student plan also used to include perks like Hulu (ad-supported) and SHOWTIME at no extra cost. However, as of 2023, these bundled perks are limited to the U.S. and may vary depending on your location.
How Much Does a Spotify Student Account Cost?
As of 2025, the standard Spotify Premium subscription costs $10.99/month in the U.S. With a Spotify student account, the price drops to $5.99/month.
Here’s a quick comparison:
| Plan Type | Monthly Price | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | Ads, shuffle play, limited skips |
| Premium | $10.99 | No ads, offline listening, high-quality audio |
| Student | $5.99 | All Premium features, 50% discount |
That’s nearly $60 saved each year, which is significant when you’re managing tuition, books, and rent.
Who Is Eligible for a Spotify Student Account?
Spotify doesn’t just take your word for it. Eligibility is verified through SheerID, a third-party service that confirms whether you’re enrolled at an accredited institution.
To qualify, you must:
Be enrolled at a college or university that grants degrees.
Be at least 18 years old.
Provide proof of enrollment if required (such as a student ID or enrollment letter).
High school students, bootcamp students, and part-time learners at non-degree institutions typically do not qualify.
How to Get a Spotify Student Account: Step-by-Step
Here’s exactly how to sign up:
Click “Get Started”
You’ll be asked to log into your Spotify account, or create one if you’re new.Verify Student Status with SheerID
Enter your name, institution, and date of birth.
Upload proof of enrollment if requested (student ID, transcript, or enrollment certificate).
Select Payment Method
Enter your billing details. Spotify accepts debit/credit cards, PayPal, and in some regions, mobile carriers.Enjoy Premium Features
Once approved, your account is upgraded immediately to a Spotify student account.
How Long Does Spotify Student Discount Last?
A Spotify student account lasts for 12 months at a time. After that, you’ll need to re-verify your student status through SheerID.
You can renew your student account for up to four years total, as long as you remain eligible. Once you graduate or lose eligibility, your plan automatically switches back to standard Premium.
What If My Student Verification Fails?
Sometimes SheerID cannot immediately verify your status. Common reasons include:
Your school isn’t listed in their database.
Your uploaded documents are blurry or missing details.
You’ve already used the four-year maximum.
If this happens, you’ll receive an email requesting additional proof. You can resubmit documents within a set timeframe. If verification still fails, you won’t be able to get the discount.
Alternatives to Spotify Student Account
If you can’t qualify, don’t worry — other streaming platforms also offer student discounts:
Apple Music Student Plan: $5.99/month, includes Apple TV+ (limited time).
Amazon Music Unlimited Student: $5.99/month.
YouTube Premium Student: $6.99/month, includes ad-free YouTube and YouTube Music.
Each has its own perks, but Spotify’s student account remains one of the most popular because of its playlists, recommendation engine, and massive music library.
Tips for Maximizing Your Spotify Student Account
Download playlists for offline study sessions: Great for when Wi-Fi is spotty on campus.
Use collaborative playlists with friends: Perfect for dorm parties or road trips.
Explore Spotify Wrapped: See how your listening habits evolve each school year.
Pair with Spotify Duo or Family after graduation: Transition smoothly when your student discount ends.
Data: How Popular Is Spotify Among Students?
Spotify dominates the student streaming market. According to a 2024 Statista report:
62% of U.S. college students use Spotify as their primary music platform.
Of those, nearly 70% are on the Spotify student account plan.
The most streamed genres among students are pop, hip-hop, and lo-fi beats for studying.
These numbers highlight just how central Spotify is to student life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I get a Spotify student account if I’m studying abroad?
A: Yes, as long as your university is recognized by SheerID and you register from the same country as your payment method.
Q: What happens when I graduate?
A: Your account reverts to regular Premium pricing. You can switch to Duo or Family if you want to keep costs down.
Q: Can high school students get the discount?
A: No, only college and university students enrolled in degree-granting institutions are eligible.
Q: Is there a free trial for Spotify student accounts?
A: Yes. New users often get a 1-month free trial before billing starts.
Q: Can I share my student account with others?
A: No, Spotify Premium Student is designed for individual use. Sharing your login violates Spotify’s terms of service.
Conclusion
The Spotify student account is one of the best deals available for music streaming. For half the price of regular Premium, students unlock all the features that make Spotify the top choice for music lovers worldwide.
Signing up is straightforward: verify your enrollment with SheerID, add your payment details, and enjoy unlimited ad-free streaming. Whether you’re cramming for exams or hosting a study group, having a Spotify student account makes the experience more enjoyable — and more affordable.
If you’re a student and haven’t signed up yet, you’re leaving money on the table. Don’t wait — start streaming smarter today.
