LinkedIn doesn't offer a permanent student discount on Premium, but students can use the free one-month trial, and LinkedIn Learning (included with Premium) is often free through university libraries. The best student strategy is to time the free trial with an active job search and use free LinkedIn Learning via your school. Here's what students actually get and how to make the most of it.
The reality on student discounts
Unlike some software (Microsoft 365, Adobe, Spotify), LinkedIn does not have an ongoing student discount program for Premium. Premium costs the standard ~$29.99–$59.99/month regardless of student status. However, two things help students significantly: the free one-month Premium trial available to everyone, and the fact that many universities provide LinkedIn Learning free to students through their library or career services.
LinkedIn Learning: the free resource students miss
Before paying for anything, check whether your university offers LinkedIn Learning free. Many institutions include campus-wide access through the library — you log in with your student credentials and get the full course library (thousands of courses on resumes, interviews, Excel, coding, business skills) at no cost. This is separate from Premium but covers the learning content most students want. Ask your library or career center, or check your school's IT services page.
How students should use the free Premium trial
The one-month Premium trial is genuinely useful if timed well. The smart approach for a student:
- Polish your profile first — photo, headline with your target role, projects and coursework. Premium amplifies a strong profile.
- Start the trial when actively job/internship hunting, not at the start of the semester.
- Use InMail to message recruiters and alumni at companies you want to work for — personalized, specific messages get replies.
- Use applicant insights to apply only where you're a strong match.
- Cancel before renewal if it's not clearly helping — set a reminder for day 25.
Is Premium worth it for a student job hunt?
For a focused final-year internship or graduate job search, one month of Premium Career used actively can genuinely help — InMail and applicant insights give you an edge in competitive recruiting. But it's a tactical one-month tool, not a subscription to maintain on a student budget. Most students get the value from the trial alone, then revert to the free tier, which already lets you apply to jobs, build connections and follow companies.
The bottom line
LinkedIn doesn't offer a standing student discount, but students rarely need to pay full price: use free LinkedIn Learning through your university, and time the one-month Premium trial with your active job search for InMail and applicant insights. That's the cost-effective student playbook. If you do decide Premium is worth continuing, DigitalTools sells LinkedIn Premium at below-retail pricing with instant activation.
