Netflix does not offer a student discount directly, but you may be able to get a lower price through your school or a third-party service
Netflix stopped offering a dedicated student plan in 2023. If you search for "Netflix student discount," you will not find an official program run by Netflix itself. However, there are still ways to watch Netflix for less money as a student: some universities bundle Netflix into their student services, and some third-party discount platforms claim to offer reduced rates through partnerships.
The catch is that these alternatives are not may provide, vary widely by school and location, and may not actually save you money compared to Netflix's standard plans. Before you sign up for anything, it is worth checking what your school actually offers and comparing the real cost.
Key Takeaways
- Netflix's official student plan ended in 2023, so there is no direct student discount from Netflix anymore.
- Some universities include Netflix access in their student services bundle, but this depends entirely on your school's partnerships.
- Third-party discount platforms sometimes advertise Netflix deals, but they often require a paid membership to access the discount, which can cost more than Netflix itself.
- Netflix's standard plans start at a lower price point than they did years ago, so comparing the actual monthly cost to a discount offer is worth doing before committing.
How to check if your school offers Netflix
The first step is to log into your school's student portal or benefits page and search for "Netflix" or "streaming services." Many universities partner with companies that bundle multiple services — sometimes including Netflix, Hulu, Spotify, or others — as part of student packages. These bundles are usually free or cost a small amount per semester.
If you do not see Netflix listed, contact your school's student services office directly. They can tell you whether Netflix is part of any current partnerships and what the cost is. Some schools change their partnerships each year, so even if Netflix was not available last year, it might be now.
Keep in mind that if your school does offer Netflix, it may come with restrictions — for example, it might only work on one device at a time, or it might be the Basic plan rather than the Standard or Premium tier. Ask what plan level is included before you assume it will work the way you want.
Third-party discount platforms and what they actually cost
Services like Student Beans, UNiDAYS, and others advertise Netflix discounts to students. These platforms verify that you are a student (usually by checking your school email address) and then offer you a code or link to a reduced Netflix rate. However, many of these platforms charge their own membership fee, which can range from $10 to $20 per year.
Before you use one of these services, do the math. If the discount saves you $2 per month but the platform costs $15 per year, you are only saving $9 total — and that assumes you stay subscribed for the full year. Some platforms also require you to sign up for a free trial first, which can lead to unexpected charges if you forget to cancel.
The safest approach is to check the current Netflix pricing directly on Netflix's website, then compare it to what the discount platform is actually offering. If the difference is small, it may not be worth the extra step or the platform fee.
Netflix's current plan options and actual prices
Netflix offers several plans at different price points. The Basic plan is the cheapest option and includes standard definition video on one device at a time. The Standard plan costs more but allows two devices to watch at once and includes high definition. The Premium plan is the most expensive and allows four simultaneous streams in 4K.
Netflix also offers an ad-supported tier at a lower price than the Basic plan, though it includes advertisements during shows and movies. This plan is worth considering if you do not mind ads and want to spend the least amount of money.
Prices change periodically and vary slightly by region, so the exact dollar amount you will pay depends on where you live. The important point is that Netflix's entry-level options are already relatively affordable compared to what they cost five or ten years ago, which is why the student discount was less valuable and why Netflix eventually discontinued it.
Sharing a Netflix account with family or roommates
One way to reduce your Netflix cost is to split a subscription with other people. Netflix allows multiple profiles on a single account, and depending on which plan you choose, you can have multiple people watching at the same time from different locations. If you split the cost of a Standard or Premium plan with a roommate or family member, your share becomes significantly cheaper.
Netflix has added restrictions on password sharing in recent years, so you cannot straightforward give your login to anyone anywhere. The account owner needs to add people as household members or allow them to use a profile, and there are limits on how many people can watch simultaneously and from how far apart geographically. Check Netflix's current sharing policy to see what is allowed under your plan.
Free or low-cost alternatives to Netflix
If you are looking to reduce streaming costs overall, there are other options beyond Netflix. Many public libraries offer free streaming services through apps like Hoopla or Kanopy, which include movies, TV shows, and documentaries. Your school library may also have its own streaming collection available to students.
Services like Tubi, Pluto TV, and Freevee offer free streaming with ads. They have smaller libraries than Netflix, but if you are willing to watch ads or do not mind a narrower selection, they cost nothing. Some students also rotate subscriptions — subscribing to Netflix for a month or two, then switching to another service, rather than paying for everything year-round.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Netflix ever have an official student plan?
Yes. Netflix offered a student plan for several years that cost less than the standard Basic plan. It was discontinued in 2023, and Netflix has not indicated plans to bring it back. The company decided that offering lower-cost ad-supported plans to everyone was a better strategy than maintaining a student-specific tier.
Can I use my parents' Netflix account as a student?
You can if they add you as a household member or let you use a profile on their account. However, Netflix's sharing rules mean that if you live in a different city or state from your parents, you may run into restrictions. Check Netflix's current household rules to see whether your situation is allowed under their terms.
Is the ad-supported Netflix plan worth it for students?
That depends on how much you watch and how much ads bother you. The ad tier costs significantly less than the Basic plan and includes the same content. If you watch a few hours per week and do not mind commercial breaks, it can be a good way to save money. If you watch constantly or find ads frustrating, the extra cost for an ad-free plan may be worth it to you.
What if my school does not offer Netflix?
You can either pay for Netflix directly at the current standard rate, split a plan with roommates or family to reduce your share, or explore free alternatives like your library's streaming services. There is no secret way to get Netflix for free or at a student rate if your school does not have a partnership and you do not want to pay the regular price.