College Students Can Get a Free Year of Google AI Pro

Google announced today that eligible college students in the United States can receive a complimentary year of Google AI Pro. This service typically costs $19.99 per month and offers 4 times the usage limits in Gemini, access to Gemini Spark, integration with Gmail and Google Docs, and 5TB of storage. For students outside the US, a similar offer exists for Google AI Plus, which includes Gemini Omni, 4x higher usage limits, and 400GB storage.

The United States also provides a bundle option combining Google AI Pro with YouTube Premium for $8.99 per month, a 70% discount off the standard rates. Students can maintain this YouTube bundle for up to four years, with verification of their student status via SheerID required. Google has introduced a "Gemini Hub" within the Gemini service, providing study notebooks, diagnostic quizzes, and personalized study plans.

This Gemini Notebook is accessible in AI Mode within Search, and users can create dedicated notebooks for each project or class. These notebooks will automatically appear in Search. Gemini Notebook and the Gemini app will integrate seamlessly with Search, especially in AI Mode. This feature is being rolled out to over 180 countries in the near future.

Google Search can now generate custom tools and simulations for complex concepts, as well as provide practice quizzes for major standardized tests like ACT, AP, ENEM, GRE, JEE, LSAT, MCAT, NEET, and SAT. Generative UIs are now available globally in AI Mode and are set to roll out to AI Overviews in the coming weeks, while the practice quiz option is accessible immediately.

The Search Lens feature will soon incorporate an interactive learning experience to help break down challenging problems. Students can utilize the Google app to capture photos of their work, and the AI Overview will identify errors and provide explanations. To sign up for a free AI plan, students can visit Google's website before December 31, 2026.

After this period, Google will charge $19.99 per month for AI Pro, unless the user cancels the subscription, and $4.99 per month (or its equivalent in local currency) for AI Plus. To qualify, students must be 18 years or older, possess a personal Google Account, and verify their student status by providing a valid school email address when prompted. Relevant tags include Gemini and Google.