Microsoft is pulling free emails for schools, colleges, and universities
Free as in not
Microsoft has removed free email access for schools, colleges, and universities from its Microsoft 365 Education portfolio. The A1 plan, which provided free Microsoft Exchange access for students, is set to be retired on January 1, 2028. Existing customers will receive a term-long extension, but this news presents a significant challenge for educational institutions around the world.
Microsoft has introduced a new tier, Microsoft 365 Education A7, which includes additional features such as Microsoft Copilot and Microsoft Agent 365. However, the removal of free email for students is the most impactful change. The education sector is already facing funding issues, and this development will create a considerable budgetary challenge for educators in British universities and colleges.
Microsoft has explained that license flexibility and transition planning are available, but the pricing structure for Microsoft 365 Education plans will also change from January 1, 2028. The company emphasizes that its decision is tied to the growing role of AI services and experiences. The surviving plans will all feature enhanced AI capabilities, and institutions should consider upgrading based on their productivity, management, security, analytics, and AI needs.
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