The Importance of Learning Engineering Software in School

A large part of an engineer’s education is more than facts, calculations and theories. A strong engineering education should prepare young engineers to enter the professional world with all of the skills and knowledge they need to succeed.

Many engineering disciplines are becoming increasingly digital, which means relying on an increasing number of digital tools.  Often these tools take the form of software packages and platforms for every possible engineering application: CAD/CAM/CAE design and simulation, product development and management, and many more.

It is essential that engineering students learn to use the same software programs during their time at university as they will be expected to use in the professional world, so that they can then bring those skills into their internships and first jobs as.  Projects and competitions, whether in school or on the job market, also require engineers to take full advantage of available software tools.

The question is, if learning to use all this software is essential, how can engineering students get their hands on it?

Student Versions and Why They Matter

Luckily for engineering students, there is a growing trend for engineering software companies to offer student versions of their programs for free, or at greatly reduced cost.

And everyone likes the word “free,” right?

Of course, free or discounted student versions usually come with restrictions, such as limitations on storage or file size, the length of license terms or the kinds of work for which it can be used. Most such student licenses permit the software to be used for academic and non-commercial projects only, meaning students can use the program to complete coursework, pursue hobby projects or participate in engineering competitions, but cannot commercialize anything they used the software for without a full professional license.

Aside from that, most student versions offer the same functionality, toolsets, and models as the professional versions, which makes sense, since only learning half of a program wouldn’t provide the professional-level skills that new engineers need.

Being able to access engineering software during your education is vital, and being able to access it for free makes a big difference. Students already incur enough costs pursuing higher education. Having free access to essential software can mean the difference between a student mastering the skills they need or only learning the basics.

Any university or college program worth its salt will have campus computer labs with the necessary programs you need to complete all your courses, but as any engineering student knows, relying solely on lab access isn’t always ideal.

Every other student in your class will need the same software you do, which is why labs are often busy – sometimes even at capacity. The labs could also be closed, or (let’s be honest) you simply may not want to be stuck on campus in a computer lab all day and night.

Software Licenses and Options

There are typically two ways students can access free engineering software.

Academic Institution Software Licenses

Along with the licensing agreements universities already require in order to offer software on the machines on campus or in computer labs, many institutions arrange an additional central licensing agreement that allows students and faculty to download software to their personal machines. This is often purchased and downloaded, or downloaded for free with a license key, through your school’s campus IT services or a campus-operated online storefront.

These software agreements usually involve a limited-term license (such as per year or per semester) and require registration through your school’s academic IT service department. This is to confirm your student status and eligibility for the software as well as to receive any license code or key needed to authenticate the download.

These student licenses are usually for academic, non-commercial use only.

Individual Download Through the Software Vendor

On the other hand, many companies have started to offer their free student software versions directly through their own websites. This still requires users to register in order to prove their eligibility, typically by using an academic email address, student ID number, an access code from your school’s IT services or other proof of enrollment in a college or university program.

License terms can vary, but these student versions are most often on a per-semester or per-school-year basis and require renewal with your student credentials at the end of the license term in order to keep using the software. These licenses are also almost always limited to academic and non-commercial uses.

How and Where Can I Get This Software?

Not all the software listed below is available for free; some licenses are only available for purchase at a discounted student price. As a general rule of thumb, check with your school’s campus or department IT services first to see what software you can access for free or at a discount through your institution. Chances are good that many, if not all, of your software needs will be covered by bulk academic licenses.

For more ways to help you afford your engineering degree, check out How Will You Pay For Your Engineering Master's Degree?

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