For students worldwide, Microsoft has some very special programmes called "MSDNAA", "Microsoft Imagine" and "The Ultimate Steal", through which it's possible to get a variety of Microsoft software products either for free or at a very low rate.
Microsoft Imagine (formerly DreamSpark)
The scope of this programme is mainly (but not exclusively) on secondary schools. To get download access, you'll need to have a Windows Live ID, and pass a simple e-mail verification procedure. Available software include:
- Windows Server 2012 R2
- Windows Server 2016
- Windows 8.1 Embedded
- SQL Server 2012 Developer
- SQL Server 2014 Developer
- SQL Server 2016 Enterprise
- and other...
The downloads are available on the Microsoft Imagine Website.
Imagine Premium
The former MSDN Academic Alliance programme (MSDNAA) focuses on universities and colleges. Download access must be applied for at your organisation's data centre. The downloads will also be provided by your organisation. Available software includes almost the full MSDN catalogue including the following:
- Windows 10 Professional
- Windows 8.1 Professional
- Windows 8 Professional
- Windows 7 Professional, Ultimate and Enterprise
- Windows Vista Business and Enterprise
- Windows XP Home and Professional
- Windows Server 2003
- Windows Server 2003 R2
- Windows Server 2008
- Windows Server 2008 R2
- Windows Server 2012
- Windows Server 2012 R2
- Windows Server 2016
- MS-DOS 6.22
- Office 2016 Project Professional
- Office 2016 Visio Professional
- Office 2016 Access
- Office 2016 OneNote
- Visual Studio 2010 Ultimate
- Visual Studio 2012 Ultimate
- Visual Studio 2013 Ultimate
- Visual Studio 2015 Ultimate
- Visual Studio 2017 Ultimate
The Ultimate Steal
The "Ultimate Steal" programme offered heavily discounted Windows and Office licenses for students. This programme has been discontinued. The only small remainder is availability of a discounted subscription of Office 365 for academic use and a few minor discounts for students. This package comes not close to be as attractive as the former student deals. It can be purchased through the Amazon website or the Microsoft Store for example:
- Office 365 University (Amazon/eBay/etc.)
- Microsoft Student Store
