Preparing for student life can be exciting and nerve-racking . To make thing easier , it ’s near to know that you ’ve got the right tech to aid you with eminence pickings , writing essay , and so you’re able to kick back with Netflix and games when the work is done . The iPad has develop in late years to something that can now behave as a laptop computer replacing for many students , with accessories like theMagic KeyboardandApple Pencilmaking it one of the most various equipment you may buy .
Choosing the good iPad can be tricky though . Apple currently offer a all-encompassing range of mannikin with different prices and features , including theM4 iPad Proupdated in May 2024 , theiPad miniskirt A17 Prothat arrived in October 2024 and the andM3 iPad AirandiPad A16that arrive in March 2025 .
Three of these iPads are capable of supportingApple Intelligence , which is Apple ’s AI tool that power several feature , but the iPad A16 does n’t corroborate Apple Intelligence and its features centre around meter reading , writing and image generation . These AI characteristic may be useful for you as a pupil , although they may also get you into trouble if you are learn to be using AI to compose your essays !
Apple’s discounted price for students compared to the usual price.
Can students get discounts on iPads?
The in effect news is that , yes , students can get money off an iPad when buy from Apple ’s education store in their res publica . Apple pop the question money off Modern iPad leverage to scholarly person in higher education all year round .
Plus , if you ’re a student and you buy an iPad ( or a Mac ) from Apple , you might be able to get a barren endowment such as a distich of AirPods or vouchers while the company’s“Back To School / Uni ” eventis running . This usually runs from June to September in the U.S. and Canada , from July to October in the U.K. and Europe , and from January to March in Australia , New Zealand and other southern hemisphere locating .
Another fillip if you ’re a student : you may getApple Music for half pricewithfree Apple TV+included .
How to get an iPad student discount
If you are a student you could buy a discounted iPad by clicking on the radio link for Apple ’s Education Store where you live :
Depending on your localisation you may only require to sign up with item of your student status and course and prove your identicalness . Some countries have less stringent checks than others . In the U.K. , for representative , you need to be register with UNiDAYS so as to even see the scholar price . We explicate how to do this in our articleHow to get an Apple bookman discount .
To qualify for a discount you postulate to fulfill Apple ’s circumstance . You either need to be a pupil in higher training , or a teacher at a education institution . The only means to get a discount for a child still at school is to be rest home educating them or to be a teacher yourself .
Apple’s discounted price for students compared to the usual price.
If you ca n’t get a scholarly person price reduction that does n’t mean you wo n’t be able to get money off a raw iPad though . Below we advocate the good iPads for students , and you will encounter radio link to the best prices at resellers where you are , some of which may be bigger discounts than those offer by Apple . Also show our turn - up of thebest iPad deals .
How much can students save on an iPad?
student can make unnecessary as much as $ 100 in the U.S. , £ 100 in the U.K. , $ 170 in Australia , and $ 150 in Canada if they buy from the Apple education store .
You may find more money off at a third party reseller , see the best prices in the sections below .
Best iPad for students
11-inch iPad Air (M3, 2025): Best iPad for students
Pros
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The 11 - inch iPad Air ( M3 ) , with its 11 - inch exhibit , modern design , humiliated weight ( 462 g ) , great cameras , tremendously powerful processor , and plenty of colour to choose from , is a great choice for students .
unluckily , it ’s a bit on the pricy side for a tablet , with the current prices starting at $ 599/£599 ( $ 549/£549 for students ) . Still , it ’s cheaper than a laptop computer and it ’s the perfect combining of world power , store and lineament , for a toll that is n’t unreasonable . This is why we can heartily urge for those begin out on their survey .
The biggest feature of the model bring out in 2025 is the inclusion body of the M3 central processor . This is the same chip that has powered several Macs . In an iPad Air , it makes the gimmick flee .
The photographic camera is a 12MP Wide crystalline lens ( also like on the iPad Pro ) , which can record TV up to 4K/60fps , and as with other iPads on this list , the front - facing photographic camera is a 12MP radical - encompassing that allows for Center Stage and is sensibly position on the longer side of the figure to admit landscape opinion for FaceTime yell .
While the 2025 iPad Air is missing some of the flagship features of the iPad Pro , such as the 120Hz ProMotion screen , TrueDepth television camera , four utterer , and the brawny M4 chipping , it offer more than enough for the ordinary substance abuser .
If you want to wrench your iPad into a laptop you could team it with a Magic Keyboard ( $ 299/£299 ) , or one of the otheriPad keyboardswe’ve looked at .
If you opt a large display , there is also the13 - inch iPad Air ( M2)that comes with all the same specs and features . It start at $ 799/£799 ( or $ 749/£749 for students ) .
We highly recommend the 11 - inch iPad Air ( M2 ) for scholarly person who need insurance premium performance and the best iPad you’re able to grease one’s palms without the Pro name .
ReadiPad Air vs iPad Proto get out how the iPad Air compare to the iPad Pro .
How much can students bring through on the iPad Air ?
MSRP : $ 599 / £ 599 / AU$999 / CA$799Student : $ 549 / £ 549 / AU$919 / CA$729
scholarly person save : $ 50 / £ 50 / AU$80 / CA$70
Get thebest spate on a raw iPad Air .
iPad mini (A17 Pro, 2024): Best for note-taking and reading
If the most important factor to you is portability there ’s one iPad in picky that you might need to consider .
The iPad mini , updated in October 2024 with the Apple Intelligence - equal to A17 Pro , is the modest and lightest iPad you’re able to corrupt , weighing in at 293 g. Of course , the lowly weighting is a result of the iPad itself being minuscule , thanks to the 8.3 - inch display ( which is bigger than it used to be since Apple got free of the Home button and relocate Touch ID to the major power push on the top bound a few generations ago ) . The final result is a compact but herculean equipment that does n’t experience too pocket-size . We call up this screen size is perfect for reading record or take notes ( especially with an Apple Pencil ) , so it may well be ideal if that ’s how you specify to use your iPad .
And do n’t let the midget form fool you : the A17 Pro chip is the same as that found in the iPhone 15 Pro , so there ’s no shortage of power on tap . Connectivity is top - notch too , with support for Wi - Fi 6E and 5 G networks available , depending on the model you choose .
The front - facing camera is an extremist - Wide lens system , so it can track you and keep you in the center of the frame on video calls thanks to Center Stage , while the 12MP Wide photographic camera on the back can capture great photos and videos that could be used in presentations or for medium - based assignments .
There are three store option available ( 128 GB , 256 GB and 512 GB ) . We are glad Apple has stopped sell the 64 GB model as we did n’t reckon that was enough storage . 128 GB should be enough for you to store your apps , music , movies , photos , and television , and if you need more space we recommendiCloud ’s various storage options .
One disadvantage is that the mini only operate with Bluetooth keyboards , rather than Apple ’s grasp of iPad - specific keyboard , but whether that ’s a significant disadvantage is disputable – at this size , a built in keyboard would be too modest to type on comfortably .
Prices start at $ 499/£499 ( $ 449 for educatee ) for the 128 GB manikin ( which is what the 64 GB model used to cost ) . The 256 GB option nurture the cost to $ 599/£599 ( down from $ 649/£649 previously ) , and the 512 GB manakin be $ 799/£799 . In Australia the price of the iPad miniskirt dropped with the arrival of the new model from $ 829 to $ 799 .
How much can students save on the iPad mini ?
MSRP : $ 499 / £ 499 / AU$799 / CA$679Students : $ 449 / £ 449 / AU$719 / CA $ 609
Get thebest deal on a young iPad mini .
iPad (A16, 2025): Best for students on a budget
The iPad ( A16 ) example that arrive in March 2025 is the cheapest iPad available from Apple .
It features the same aim advance as the iPad mini and iPad Air , with Touch ID sensor integrated in the power button on the top edge . This makes room for a larger display that ’s almost selfsame in sizing to the 11 - inch iPad Air .
However , in terms of the screen engineering science the two iPads are n’t equal . The iPad Air sports a full laminated video display , while the iPad ’s showing has a slight air gap between the glass and the analog-to-digital converter at a lower place . You probably wo n’t notice it at all , but if you mean to use the Apple Pencil for notes ( 1st - gen 1 and USB - C Apple Pencils are keep going ) then you may experience slight delays in the tracking .
Like the iPad Pro and iPad Air there is a front - facing tv camera located on the longer end of the instrument panel , meaning it offers a genuine landscape painting view that ’s centrally located . This is much better suited to FaceTime and other TV calling apps . The landscape 12MP Ultra wide-eyed camera has a f/2.4 aperture that delivers a 122 - degree view ; it ’s also compatible with the Center Stage feature article that keeps you in the nitty-gritty of the frame even if you move about while on video claim .
Apple bestows this iPad with a 12MP f/1.8 rearward camera so you’re able to get some great shots and dissipate video 4 K telecasting at 60fps . If your course of instruction requires any kind of video subject , then either the front or back oculus of the iPad A16 should prove more than sufficient . Plus you may call home and reckon good doing so .
An A16 Bionic processor is at the heart of this iPad , which is the same chip that powered the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 15 . So there ’s more than enough power for word processing , note - taking , coding , and most other education apps , not to note gaming and amusement responsibility . There ’s a USB - C at the base , so you may utilize various peripherals and even power an outside presentation if you want the iPad to become more like a fully - fledged estimator .
However , the A16 is not powerful enough for Apple Intelligence , Apple ’s AI features that are usable on the other iPads on sale decently now . Whether that matter depends on your needs , but the redaction assist that is one of the Apple Intelligence lineament may be useful for a student . ( This may well be exactly why Apple has n’t included it on the iPad that is the choice of many schools and education instauration ) . Read aboutwhat is in Apple Intelligence .
The adept news about the 2025 update is that Apple has stopped shipping a 64 GB version . Even better , the 128 GB iPad is the same price that Apple used to betray the 64 GB iPad for . If 128 GB is n’t enough infinite for all your movie downloads , medicine , game , exposure and video recording , you may get 256 sarin or 512 gibibyte , or there ’s the selection of expanding youriCloud storageso that you may keep stuff and nonsense safe in the swarm rather .
There are four color to prefer from ( drear , Yellow , Silver , and Pink ) so you should be able to find one that suits your personality , and for surplus functionality , you could adorn in the new two - firearm Magic Keyboard Folio , although the $ 249/£249 price tag does seem very mellow . Of of course , a received Bluetooth keyboard will get you the same results for a lot less money .
The new iPad supports the first - generation Apple Pencil , but as the charging port is now USB - C you ’ll need an adapter from Apple if you ’ve already bought the Pencil . Otherwise , the dongle is now included in the box when you buy a new Apple Pencil ( 1st gen ) . Of naturally , there ’s also the compatibleApple Pencil ( USB - C)which gets around the dongle insaneness but lacks the presure sensitivity that creative person will crave . See : Apple Pencils compared : Which Apple Pencil works with your iPad ?
As you may see , there are a few caveats , but with its modern design , solid central processor , and larger display , the iPad ( A16 ) is a great all - debauchee that would prove a wise investment funds for those heading off to engage their study .
How much can student save on the iPad ( A16 ) ?
MSRP : $ 349 / £ 329 / AU$599 / CA$499Students ; $ 329 / £ 309 / AU$559 / CA$469
educatee save : $ 20 / £ 20 / AU$40 / CA$30
11-inch iPad Pro (2024): Best for Power and Performance
The Pro iPads are the elevation of Apple ’s pad of paper range , and as such they feel like the power and terms are probably overkill for your average student . That being articulate , if you require the best , then this is where you ’ll find it .
The 11 - inch iPad Pro ( M4 ) , was insert in May 2024 , boast implausibly lightheaded and slender construction , but with a stupid amount of big businessman at heart . In an unprecedented step , Apple introduce the new M4 processor in the iPad before the Mac , defecate the 11 - inch iPad Pro and 13 - in iPad Pro the most up - to - date equipment in the Apple catalog .
The question really , is do you want all that grunt ? If you ’re after an iPad for remove notes , writing essay , watching Netflix , playing some games and using it for TV telephone call home , then the iPad Air is a better counterweight of power and price . But , for those with money sunburn a pickle in their pocket , and those planning to do a quite a little of gambling when they should be learn , the 11 - inch iPad Pro comes with a young Ultra Retina XDR OLED showing that has two layers ( Apple calls this Tandem organic light-emitting diode ) to produce the brightest panel they ’re ever made , kicking out up to 1600 nits . It ’s also ProMotion , with an radical - unruffled 120Hz refresh pace .
camera are 12Mp sensors , with the rear unit a Wide lens that can immortalize video up to 4K/60fps , plus ProRes capabilities which would be of pastime to television content creator . The front - face lens also has the TrueDepth regalia , allowing Face ID , which remains a Pro - only lineament on iPads . You get Centre Stage for video calls , and the positioning of the photographic camera on the longer sharpness means you get landscape painting view .
The two size variants offer the same capabilities , with 256 GB of storage the baseline , and price starting at $ 999/£999 ( $ 899 for scholarly person ) for the 11 - inch theoretical account and $ 1,299/£1,299 for the 13 - column inch variant .
As we ’ve tell , the iPad Pros are probably too much for your distinctive pupil , but that does n’t imply they are n’t excellent ware for those who can afford them and take vantage of all the power on offer .
How much can students write on the 11 - in iPad Pro ?
MSRP : $ 999 / £ 999 / AU$1,699 / CA$1,399Students : $ 899 / £ 899 / AU$1,529 / CA$1,249
Students save : $ 100 / £ 100 / AU$170 / CA$150
Get thebest deal on a new iPad Pro .
Should students buy an iPad or a laptop?
Before you go ahead and buy your iPad you may require to consider its suitability for your purpose .
As a student you probably have a few requirements :
You might be marvel whether a pad or a laptop computer would be best for those needs , and if you lean towards the latter , take a look at our guide tothe best Macs for scholarly person .
We think , however , that an iPad is a great choice . It runs many of the apps you ’ll find on a laptop computer , including situation apps like Word and PowerPoint and the Apple equivalents , and in some cases , an iPad is actually more powerful than a laptop thanks to the tops - fast processors Apple uses .
Another benefit is that you’re able to have all the books you take for your course on your iPad and carry them with you to lecture and tutorials . You could even shoot page from books in the program library and expend optical character recognition to save the text to your iPad .
Not only do you not necessitate to tote all your Quran around with you , but an iPad is also far lighter than even the lightheaded laptop , so you wo n’t get backache from carrying it to lectures and the library .
With stamp battery life of 10 hour – plenty for a Clarence Day on campus – you are n’t going to need to find a space beside a plug socket for get through a day at uni .
Think that having an iPad will mean you have to typewrite on an on - screen keyboard . No ! You could sync any Bluetooth keyboard or punch in one of Apple ’s owniPad keyboardsand effectively change state your iPad into a laptop . There ’s also the Apple Pencil , which could descend in useful if you want to jot down some notes on your iPad covert in a lecture . SeeBest stylus for iPad .
And when you ’ve finished studying there are loads of games , and apps for television scream your parents .
Still not trusted ? We have more informationcomparing a MacBook laptop computer and an iPad .
Are iPads good for students?
The next question you might need some reassurance on is whether the iPad is the best option for a student . There are a band of other tablets usable , many of which are cheaper than an iPad . So you might be conceive of save some money .
We think if you do so you will regret it . There are many reasons why Apple ’s iPads are so popular :
That ’s all of our student - related buying advice , but if you ’re buying for someone untried , check out our guidebook to thebest iPad for Kids .
