How to Get the LinkedIn Premium Student Discount in 2023

Hey there, students! If you’re looking to boost your career game, the LinkedIn Premium student discount is a golden ticket. Honestly, LinkedIn isn’t just for seasoned pros—it’s a powerhouse for networking, job hunting, and skill-building, especially with Premium features. As a student, you can snag this at a fraction of the regular cost, and I’m thrilled to walk you through it. In my opinion, this discount is a game-changer for building connections before graduation. Let’s dive into how to get it, who qualifies, and why it’s worth every penny.

Why LinkedIn Premium Matters for Students

LinkedIn Premium isn’t just a shiny badge on your profile. It unlocks tools like InMail, advanced search filters, and insights into who’s viewed your profile. For students, this means reaching out to recruiters directly or spying on competitors for internships. I’ve seen firsthand how these features give an edge—my own intern hunt got a boost with InMail. Plus, Premium offers LinkedIn Learning courses to upskill. Why pay full price when a student discount slashes the cost?

Key Benefits of Premium for Career Growth

Let’s break it down. With Premium, you get 5 InMail credits monthly to message anyone, even without a connection. You also see full profiles of viewers, which helps tailor your outreach. Advanced search lets you filter by company size or alumni networks—super handy for networking. And don’t sleep on LinkedIn Learning; courses on resume writing or coding can set you apart. Honestly, these tools helped me land interviews faster than I expected.

Eligibility for LinkedIn Premium Student Discount

Before you get excited, let’s check if you qualify. LinkedIn offers this discount to currently enrolled students at accredited universities or colleges. You’ll need a valid .edu email or proof of enrollment like a student ID or transcript. Unfortunately, if you’re not in a degree program or recently graduated, you’re out of luck. I wish they’d extend it to bootcamp students, but rules are rules. Double-check your status before applying to avoid hiccups.

How LinkedIn Verifies Student Status

LinkedIn partners with third-party services like SheerID to confirm your enrollment. When applying, you’ll submit your school details or upload documents. It’s straightforward but can take a day or two for approval. Pro tip: Use your school email for faster verification—it’s often pre-validated. I’ve had friends wait longer with manual uploads, so save yourself the hassle.

Step-by-Step Guide to Claiming the Discount

Ready to grab this deal? It’s easier than you think. LinkedIn often offers a free trial (usually 1 month) before the discounted rate kicks in, so you can test the waters. Follow these steps to get started, and I’ll throw in some insider tips to smooth the process. Trust me, I’ve done this myself and helped classmates too.

Steps to Apply for LinkedIn Premium Student Discount

1. Head to LinkedIn’s Premium page or student discount portal (LinkedIn Tips).
2. Sign in with your LinkedIn account—if you don’t have one, create it with your .edu email.
3. Select the Premium Career or Business plan (discounts vary by plan).
4. Click ‘Verify Student Status’ and provide your school details or upload proof.
5. Once approved, start your free trial or pay the discounted rate (often around $10–$15/month vs. $30+).

Tip: Check for seasonal promos—LinkedIn sometimes offers deeper cuts during back-to-school months.

Cost Breakdown: What You’ll Pay

Normally, LinkedIn Premium Career costs about $29.99/month, but with the student discount, it drops significantly—sometimes to $9.99/month, depending on your region. That’s a steal for the value, in my opinion. Note that pricing can vary, and LinkedIn doesn’t always publish exact student rates upfront. After your free trial, you’re billed monthly, and you can cancel anytime. Always check your account dashboard for the latest rate to avoid surprises.

Comparing Premium Plans for Students

Career is usually enough for students, but Business is better if you’re targeting senior-level networking.

Unique Tip: Maximize Your Premium Account

Here’s something most guides won’t tell you: use Premium’s ‘Open to Work’ feature strategically. Set it to private (visible only to recruiters) to avoid looking desperate to your network. Pair this with targeted InMails to hiring managers—personalize every message with a specific ask, like feedback on your portfolio. I did this and got a mentor who later referred me for a gig. Also, dive into LinkedIn Learning’s lesser-known courses on niche skills like data visualization. These small moves can make your profile pop.

Real-World Case Study: My Experience

Back in college, I hesitated to get LinkedIn Premium—seemed pricey even with the discount. But during a career fair, a recruiter suggested it for direct outreach. I signed up, used my InMail credits to message three hiring managers, and landed an internship interview within a week. The profile insights also showed me a competitor’s background, so I tweaked my resume to stand out. Honestly, that $10/month felt like a million bucks. If I hadn’t taken the plunge, I’d still be cold-applying on job boards.

FAQ: Is the LinkedIn Premium Student Discount Worth It?

Absolutely, if you’re proactive. The discount makes Premium affordable, and features like InMail and profile insights can fast-track your job search. I’ve seen friends skip it and struggle to connect with recruiters. If you’re not ready to network aggressively, though, it might not pay off. Use the free trial to test it—see if the tools fit your goals. Check out more strategies on our Career Growth page.

FAQ: How Long Can I Use the LinkedIn Premium Student Discount?

You can use it as long as you’re enrolled in an accredited institution. LinkedIn may re-verify your status annually, so keep your .edu email active or have proof handy. Once you graduate, the discount typically ends, and you’ll shift to regular pricing unless you cancel. I suggest planning ahead—maximize it during school years!

FAQ: Can I Get a Refund if I’m Not Satisfied?

LinkedIn’s refund policy varies by region, but generally, they don’t offer refunds on monthly subscriptions. However, you can cancel anytime to avoid future charges. During the free trial, there’s no cost, so test everything risk-free. Check LinkedIn’s official help center (LinkedIn Help) for the latest policies on cancellations and refunds.