A large part of an engineer’s education is more than facts, calculations and theories. A strong engineering education should prepare young engineers to enter the professional world with all of the skills and knowledge they need to succeed.Many engineering disciplines are becoming increasingly digital, which means relying on an increasing number of digital tools. Often these tools take the form of software packages and platforms for every possible engineering application: CAD/CAM/CAE design and simulation, product development and management, and many more.It is essential that engineering students learn to use the same software programs during their time at university as they will be expected to use in the professional world, so that they can then bring those skills into their internships and first jobs as. The solution to the lab problem, of course, is having the software you need available on your own computer, ready for use at any time and any place you want to work.Software Licenses and OptionsThere are typically two ways students can access free engineering software. Academic Institution Software LicensesAlong with the licensing agreements universities already require in order to offer software on the machines on campus or in computer labs, many institutions arrange an additional central licensing agreement that allows students and faculty to download software to their personal machines. This is often purchased and downloaded, or downloaded for free with a license key, through your school’s campus IT services or a campus-operated online storefront.These software agreements usually involve a limited-term license (such as per year or per semester) and require registration through your school’s academic IT service department. This is to confirm your student status and eligibility for the software as well as to receive any license code or key needed to authenticate the download.These student licenses are usually for academic, non-commercial use only.
Individual Download Through the Software VendorOn the other hand, many companies have started to offer their free student software versions directly through their own websites. This still requires users to register in order to prove their eligibility, typically by using an academic email address, student ID number, an access code from your school’s IT services or other proof of enrollment in a college or university program.License terms can vary, but these student versions are most often on a per-semester or per-school-year basis and require renewal with your student credentials at the end of the license term in order to keep using the software. These licenses are also almost always limited to academic and non-commercial uses.How and Where Can I Get This Software?Not all the software listed below is available for free; some licenses are only available for purchase at a discounted student price. As a general rule of thumb, check with your school’s campus or department IT services first to see what software you can access for free or at a discount through your institution. Chances are good that many, if not all, of your software needs will be covered by bulk academic licenses.For other programs you want or need, we’ve compiled a list of free and discounted student software resources for a wide range of engineering design, simulation and product development needs.
A large part of an engineer’s education is more than facts, calculations and theories. A strong engineering education should prepare young engineers to enter the professional world with all of the skills and knowledge they need to succeed.Many engineering disciplines are becoming increasingly digital, which means relying on an increasing number of digital tools. Often these tools take the form of software packages and platforms for every possible engineering application: CAD/CAM/CAE design and simulation, product development and management, and many more.It is essential that engineering students learn to use the same software programs during their time at university as they will be expected to use in the professional world, so that they can then bring those skills into their internships and first jobs as. The solution to the lab problem, of course, is having the software you need available on your own computer, ready for use at any time and any place you want to work.Software Licenses and OptionsThere are typically two ways students can access free engineering software. Academic Institution Software LicensesAlong with the licensing agreements universities already require in order to offer software on the machines on campus or in computer labs, many institutions arrange an additional central licensing agreement that allows students and faculty to download software to their personal machines. This is often purchased and downloaded, or downloaded for free with a license key, through your school’s campus IT services or a campus-operated online storefront.These software agreements usually involve a limited-term license (such as per year or per semester) and require registration through your school’s academic IT service department.
This is to confirm your student status and eligibility for the software as well as to receive any license code or key needed to authenticate the download.These student licenses are usually for academic, non-commercial use only. Individual Download Through the Software VendorOn the other hand, many companies have started to offer their free student software versions directly through their own websites. This still requires users to register in order to prove their eligibility, typically by using an academic email address, student ID number, an access code from your school’s IT services or other proof of enrollment in a college or university program.License terms can vary, but these student versions are most often on a per-semester or per-school-year basis and require renewal with your student credentials at the end of the license term in order to keep using the software. These licenses are also almost always limited to academic and non-commercial uses.How and Where Can I Get This Software?Not all the software listed below is available for free; some licenses are only available for purchase at a discounted student price.
As a general rule of thumb, check with your school’s campus or department IT services first to see what software you can access for free or at a discount through your institution. Chances are good that many, if not all, of your software needs will be covered by bulk academic licenses.For other programs you want or need, we’ve compiled a list of free and discounted student software resources for a wide range of engineering design, simulation and product development needs.