Making ready for pupil life may be thrilling and aggravating. To make issues simpler, it’s good to know that you simply’ve acquired the suitable tech that can assist you with notice taking, writing essays, and so you’ll be able to relax with Netflix and video games when the work is completed. The iPad has developed lately to one thing that may now act as a laptop computer alternative for a lot of college students, with equipment just like the Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil making it one of the crucial versatile gadgets you should buy.
Selecting the very best iPad may be tough although. Apple at the moment presents a variety of fashions with totally different costs and options, together with the M4 iPad Professional up to date in Could 2024, the iPad mini A17 Professional that arrived in October 2024 and the and M3 iPad Air and iPad A16 that arrived in March 2025.
Three of those iPads are able to supporting Apple Intelligence, which is Apple’s AI software that powers a number of options, however the iPad A16 doesn’t assist Apple Intelligence and its options centered round studying, writing and picture technology. These AI options could also be helpful for you as a pupil, though they might additionally get you into bother if you’re seen to be utilizing AI to jot down your essays!
Can college students get reductions on iPads?
The excellent news is that, sure, college students can get cash off an iPad when shopping for from Apple’s training retailer of their nation. Apple presents cash off new iPad purchases to college students in greater training all 12 months spherical.
One of the best time for college students to purchase a brand new iPad from Apple is throughout the summer season months as a result of Apple offers qualifying college students a free reward comparable to a pair of AirPods or an Apple Pencil with the acquisition of sure iPads and Macs. So, in case you’re a pupil about to begin greater training, benefit from the corporate’s “Again To College/Uni” occasion which is working within the U.S. and Canada proper now till late September. The supply will begin within the U.Ok. and Europe in July and can run till October. Apple does an identical deal in January-March for Australia, New Zealand and different southern hemisphere areas. Learn our information to Apple’s Again To College supply.
One other bonus in case you’re a pupil: you may get Apple Music for half worth with free Apple TV+ included.
How one can get an iPad pupil low cost
If you’re a pupil you should buy a reduced iPad by clicking on the hyperlink for Apple’s Schooling Retailer the place you reside:
Relying in your location chances are you’ll solely want to enroll with particulars of your pupil standing and course and show your identification. Some nations have much less stringent checks than others. Within the U.Ok., for instance, that you must be registered with UNiDAYS so as to even see the scholar costs. We clarify how to do that in our article How one can get an Apple pupil low cost.
To qualify for a reduction that you must meet Apple’s situations. You both have to be a pupil in greater training, or a trainer at a educating establishment. The one option to get a reduction for a kid nonetheless at college is to be dwelling educating them or to be a trainer your self.
If you happen to can’t get a pupil low cost that doesn’t imply you gained’t be capable to get cash off a brand new iPad although. Beneath we advocate the very best iPads for college students, and you’ll find hyperlinks to the very best costs at resellers the place you’re, a few of which can be greater reductions than these provided by Apple. Additionally learn our round-up of the greatest iPad offers.
How a lot can college students save on an iPad?
College students can save as a lot as $100 within the U.S., £100 within the U.Ok., $170 in Australia, and $150 in Canada in the event that they purchase from the Apple training retailer.
You might discover more cash off at a 3rd social gathering reseller, see the very best costs within the sections beneath.
| Product | U.S. | U.Ok. | Australia | Canada |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| iPad (A16) MSRP | $349 | £329 | $599 | $499 |
| iPad (A16) Pupil Worth | $329 | £309 | $559 | $469 |
| iPad mini (A17 Professional) MSRP | $499 | £499 | $799 | $679 |
| iPad mini (A17 Professional) Pupil Worth | $449 | £449 | $719 | $609 |
| iPad Air (11-inch, M3) MSRP | $599 | £599 | $999 | $799 |
| iPad Air (11-inch, M3) Pupil Worth | $549 | £549 | $919 | $729 |
| iPad Air (13-inch, M2) MSRP | $799 | £799 | $1,299 | $1,099 |
| iPad Air (13-inch, M2) Pupil Worth | $749 | £749 | $1,219 | $1,029 |
| iPad Professional (11-inch, M4) MSRP | $999 | £999 | $1,699 | $1,399 |
| iPad Professional (11-inch, M4) Pupil Worth | $899 | £899 | $1,529 | $1,249 |
| iPad Professional (13-inch, M4) MSRP | $1,299 | £1,299 | $2,199 | $1,799 |
| iPad Professional (13-inch, M4) Pupil Worth | $1,199 | £1,199 | $2,029 | $1,649 |
Greatest iPad for college students
11-inch iPad Air (M3, 2025): Greatest iPad for college students
Execs
- M3 processor
- Good number of coloration choices
Greatest Costs At this time:
$549
The 11-inch iPad Air (M3), with its 11-inch show, trendy design, low weight (462g), nice cameras, massively highly effective processor, and loads of colours to select from, is a good alternative for college students.
Sadly, it’s a bit on the expensive facet for a pill, with the present costs beginning at $599/£599 ($549/£549 for college students). Nonetheless, it’s cheaper than a laptop computer and it’s the proper mixture of energy, storage and options, for a worth that isn’t unreasonable. That is why we are able to heartily advocate for these beginning out on their research.
The most important characteristic of the mannequin launched in 2025 is the inclusion of the M3 processor. This is similar chip that has powered a number of Macs. In an iPad Air, it makes the gadget fly.
The digital camera is a 12MP Huge lens (additionally like on the iPad Professional), which might report video as much as 4K/60fps, and as with different iPads on this checklist, the front-facing digital camera is a 12MP Extremely-Huge that enables for Heart Stage and is sensibly positioned on the longer facet of the chassis to permit panorama views for FaceTime calls.
Whereas the 2025 iPad Air is lacking a few of the flagship options of the iPad Professional, such because the 120Hz ProMotion display screen, TrueDepth digital camera, 4 audio system, and the highly effective M4 chip, it presents greater than sufficient for the typical consumer.
If you wish to flip your iPad right into a laptop computer you’ll be able to workforce it with a Magic Keyboard ($299/£299), or one of many different iPad keyboards we’ve checked out.
If you happen to choose a bigger show, there’s additionally the 13-inch iPad Air (M2) that comes with all the identical specs and options. It begins at $799/£799 (or $749/£749 for college students).
We extremely advocate the 11-inch iPad Air (M2) for college students who want premium efficiency and the very best iPad you should buy with out the Professional title.
Learn iPad Air vs iPad Professional to learn how the iPad Air compares to the iPad Professional.
How a lot can college students save on the iPad Air?
MSRP: $599 / £599 / AU$999 / CA$799
Pupil: $549 / £549 / AU$919 / CA$729
College students save: $50 / £50 / AU$80 / CA$70
Learn our full
Apple iPad Air 11-inch (M3, 2025) overview
iPad mini (A17 Professional, 2024): Greatest for note-taking and studying
Execs
- Small and light-weight
- Extra storage
- Centre Stage for FaceTime calls
Cons
- Could really feel cramped relying in your wants
If a very powerful issue to you is portability there’s one iPad specifically that you simply would possibly need to take into account.
The iPad mini, up to date in October 2024 with the Apple Intelligence-capable A17 Professional, is the smallest and lightest iPad you should buy, weighing in at 293g. In fact, the low weight is a results of the iPad itself being smaller, because of the 8.3-inch show (which is greater than it was since Apple removed the Residence button and relocated Contact ID to the facility button on the highest edge a couple of generations in the past). The result’s a compact however highly effective gadget that doesn’t really feel too small. We predict this display screen measurement is ideal for studying books or taking notes (particularly with an Apple Pencil), so it could be very best if that’s how you plan to make use of your iPad.
And don’t let the diminutive type idiot you: the A17 Professional chip is similar as that discovered within the iPhone 15 Professional, so there’s no scarcity of energy on faucet. Connectivity is top-notch too, with assist for Wi-Fi 6E and 5G networks out there, relying on the mannequin you select.
The front-facing digital camera is an Extremely-Huge lens, so it will probably observe you and hold you within the middle of the body on video calls because of Heart Stage, whereas the 12MP Huge digital camera on the again can seize nice images and movies that may very well be utilized in shows or for media-based assignments.
There are three storage choices out there (128GB, 256GB and 512GB). We’re glad Apple has stopped promoting the 64GB mannequin as we didn’t assume that was sufficient storage. 128GB needs to be sufficient so that you can retailer your apps, music, films, images, and movies, and in case you want more room we advocate iCloud’s varied storage choices.
One drawback is that the mini solely works with Bluetooth keyboards, slightly than Apple’s vary of iPad-specific keyboard, however whether or not that’s a big drawback is debatable–at this measurement, a in-built keyboard can be too small to sort on comfortably.
Costs begin at $499/£499 ($449 for college students) for the 128GB mannequin (which is what the 64GB mannequin used to value). The 256GB choice elevating the fee to $599/£599 (down from $649/£649 beforehand), and the 512GB mannequin costing $799/£799. In Australia the value of the iPad mini dropped with the arrival of the brand new mannequin from $829 to $799.
How a lot can college students save on the iPad mini?
MSRP: $499 / £499 / AU$799 / CA$679
College students: $449 / £449 / AU$719 / CA $609
College students save: $50 / £50 / AU$80 / CA$70
iPad (A16, 2025): Greatest for college students on a price range
Execs
- Air-style design
- 10.9-inch Liquid Retina show
Cons
- 64GB storage on base mannequin
- No compatibility for Apple Intelligence
- New mannequin coming quickly (we hope)
Greatest Costs At this time:
$319
The iPad (A16) mannequin that arrived in March 2025 is the most affordable iPad out there from Apple.
It options the identical design method because the iPad mini and iPad Air, with Contact ID sensor built-in within the energy button on the highest edge. This makes room for a bigger show that’s nearly equivalent in measurement to the 11-inch iPad Air.
Nonetheless, by way of the display screen expertise the 2 iPads aren’t equal. The iPad Air sports activities a totally laminated show, whereas the iPad’s show has a slight air hole between the glass and the digitizer beneath. You in all probability gained’t discover it in any respect, however in case you intend to make use of the Apple Pencil for notes (1st-gen 1 and USB-C Apple Pencils are supported) then chances are you’ll expertise slight delays within the monitoring.
Just like the iPad Professional and iPad Air there’s a front-facing digital camera positioned on the longer finish of the panel, which means it presents a real panorama view that’s centrally positioned. That is significantly better suited to FaceTime and different video calling apps. The panorama 12MP Extremely Huge digital camera has a f/2.4 aperture that delivers a 122-degree view; it’s additionally suitable with the Heart Stage characteristic that retains you within the middle of the body even in case you transfer about whereas on video calls.
Apple bestows this iPad with a 12MP f/1.8 rear digital camera so you may get some nice pictures and shoot video 4K video at 60fps. In case your course requires any sort of video content material, then both the entrance or again optics of the iPad A16 ought to show greater than ample. Plus you’ll be able to name dwelling and look good doing so.
An A16 Bionic processor is on the coronary heart of this iPad, which is similar chip that powered the iPhone 14 Professional and iPhone 15. So there’s greater than sufficient energy for phrase processing, note-taking, coding, and most different training apps, to not point out gaming and leisure duties. There’s a USB-C on the base, so you need to use varied peripherals and even energy an exterior show if you need the iPad to develop into extra like a fully-fledged pc.
Nonetheless, the A16 is just not highly effective sufficient for Apple Intelligence, Apple’s AI options which are out there on the opposite iPads on sale proper now. Whether or not that issues depends upon your wants, however the modifying help that is likely one of the Apple Intelligence options could also be helpful for a pupil. (This could be precisely why Apple hasn’t included it on the iPad that’s the alternative of many faculties and training establishments). Examine what’s in Apple Intelligence.
One of the best information concerning the 2025 replace is that Apple has stopped transport a 64GB model. Even higher, the 128GB iPad is similar worth that Apple used to promote the 64GB iPad for. If 128GB isn’t sufficient house for all of your film downloads, music, video games, images and movies, you may get 256GB or 512GB, or there’s the choice of increasing your iCloud storage so as to hold stuff secure within the cloud as a substitute.
There are 4 colours to select from (Blue, Yellow, Silver, and Pink) so it’s best to be capable to discover one which fits your character, and for further performance, you might put money into the brand new two-piece Magic Keyboard Folio, though the $249/£249 price ticket does appear very excessive. In fact, a typical Bluetooth keyboard will get you an identical outcomes for lots much less cash.
The brand new iPad helps the first-generation Apple Pencil, however because the charging port is now USB-C you’ll want an adaptor from Apple in case you’ve already purchased the Pencil. In any other case, the dongle is now included within the field if you purchase a brand new Apple Pencil (1st gen). In fact, there’s additionally the suitable Apple Pencil (USB-C) which will get across the dongle insanity however lacks the presure sensitivity that artists will crave. See: Apple Pencils in contrast: Which Apple Pencil works together with your iPad?
As you’ll be able to see, there are a couple of caveats, however with its trendy design, stable processor, and bigger show, the iPad (A16) is a good all-rounder that might show a clever funding for these heading off to pursue their research.
How a lot can college students save on the iPad (A16)?
MSRP: $349 / £329 / AU$599 / CA$499
College students; $329 / £309 / AU$559 / CA$469
College students save: $20 / £20 / AU$40 / CA$30
Learn our full
Apple iPad (A16) overview
11-inch iPad Professional (2024): Greatest for Energy and Efficiency
Execs
- M4 Processor
- OLED show
- Stupidly gentle and skinny
Cons
- Costly
- In all probability overkill for college students
Greatest Costs At this time:
$906.83
The Professional iPads are the head of Apple’s pill vary, and as such they really feel like the facility and worth are in all probability overkill on your common pupil. That being mentioned, if you need the very best, then that is the place you’ll discover it.
The 11-inch iPad Professional (M4), was launched in Could 2024, boasting extremely gentle and skinny development, however with a silly quantity of energy inside. In an unprecedented step, Apple launched the brand new M4 processor within the iPad earlier than the Mac, making the 11-inch iPad Professional and 13-inch iPad Professional essentially the most up-to-date gadgets within the Apple catalog.
The query actually, is do you want all that grunt? If you happen to’re after an iPad for taking notes, writing essays, watching Netflix, taking part in some video games and utilizing it for video calls dwelling, then the iPad Air is a greater steadiness of energy and worth. However, for these with cash burning a gap of their pockets, and people planning on doing quite a lot of gaming when they need to be learning, the 11-inch iPad Professional comes with a brand new Extremely Retina XDR OLED show that has two layers (Apple calls this Tandem OLED) to provide the brightest panel they’re ever made, kicking out as much as 1600 nits. It’s additionally ProMotion, with an ultra-smooth 120Hz refresh price.
Cameras are 12Mp sensors, with the rear unit a Huge lens that may report video as much as 4K/60fps, plus ProRes capabilities which might be of curiosity to video content material creators. The front-facing lens additionally has the TrueDepth array, permitting Face ID, which stays a Professional-only options on iPads. You get Centre Stage for video calls, and the position of the digital camera on the longer edge means you get panorama view.
The 2 measurement variants supply the identical capabilities, with 256GB of storage the baseline, and costs beginning at $999/£999 ($899 for college students) for the 11-inch mannequin and $1,299/£1,299 for the 13-inch variant.
As we’ve mentioned, the iPad Execs are in all probability an excessive amount of on your typical pupil, however that doesn’t imply they aren’t wonderful merchandise for many who can afford them and benefit from all the facility on supply.
How a lot can college students save on the 11-inch iPad Professional?
MSRP: $999 / £999 / AU$1,699 / CA$1,399
College students: $899 / £899 / AU$1,529 / CA$1,249
College students save: $100 / £100 / AU$170 / CA$150
Learn our full
Apple iPad Professional 11-inch (M4, 2024) overview
Ought to college students purchase an iPad or a laptop computer?
Earlier than you go forward and purchase your iPad chances are you’ll need to take into account its suitability on your objective.
As a pupil you in all probability have a couple of necessities:
- Low worth
- Nice apps for issues like note-taking, recording lectures and revision
- Gentle sufficient to hold round all-day
- Keyboard and stylus assist
- Appropriate for making video calls dwelling
You could be questioning whether or not a pill or a laptop computer can be higher for these wants, and in case you lean in direction of the latter, check out our information to the very best Macs for college students.
We predict, nevertheless, that an iPad is a good alternative. It runs most of the apps you’ll discover on a laptop computer, together with Workplace apps like Phrase and PowerPoint and the Apple equivalents, and in some circumstances, an iPad is definitely extra highly effective than a laptop computer because of the super-fast processors Apple makes use of.
One other profit is you could have all of the books you want on your course in your iPad and carry them with you to lectures and tutorials. You could possibly even {photograph} pages from books within the library and use optical character recognition to avoid wasting the textual content to your iPad.
Not solely do you not have to lug all of your books round with you, however an iPad can be far lighter than even the lightest laptop computer, so that you gained’t get backache from carrying it to lectures and the library.
With battery lifetime of 10 hours–a lot for a day on campus–you aren’t going to want to discover a house beside a plug socket so as to get by a day at uni.
Suppose that having an iPad will imply it’s important to sort on an on-screen keyboard. No! You could possibly sync any Bluetooth keyboard or plug in one among Apple’s personal iPad keyboards and successfully flip your iPad right into a laptop computer. There’s additionally the Apple Pencil, which might are available in helpful in case you wished to jot down some notes in your iPad display screen in a lecture. See Greatest stylus for iPad.
And if you’ve completed learning there are a great deal of video games, and apps for video calling your mother and father.
Nonetheless undecided? We now have extra data evaluating a MacBook laptop computer and an iPad.
Are iPads good for college students?
The following query you may want some reassurance on is whether or not the iPad is the best choice for a pupil. There are quite a lot of different tablets out there, a lot of that are cheaper than an iPad. So that you could be considering of saving some cash.
We predict in case you accomplish that you’ll remorse it. There are a lot of the explanation why Apple’s iPads are so well-liked:
- The App Retailer is heaving with nice apps designed particularly for the iPad.
- A lot of these apps shall be very best for college students: note-taking apps, apps for changing handwriting to textual content, apps for recording lectures, timetable administration, and naturally video calling (so you’ll be able to keep in contact with mum and pop).
- There may be an ecosystem of nice equipment designed to work with the iPad.
- Apple’s iPadOS is secure and simple to make use of, particularly if you have already got an iPhone.
- If you happen to’ve acquired a Mac you need to use an iPad as a second display screen, supplied you’re working Large Sur or later.
- Apple Intelligence, powered by AI, might simplify your research by finishing up summarisations of textual content, creating photos for illustrations, and different helpful options.
That’s all of our student-related shopping for recommendation, however in case you’re shopping for for somebody youthful, take a look at our information to the greatest iPad for Youngsters.
