Most DAW makers sell a discounted education licence to students and teachers. The saving is usually substantial, and it is the single biggest lever on what a DAW costs if you qualify.
Every price below is a real tracked retailer listing. All of them require proof of eligibility at checkout, typically a student ID, an enrolment letter or an academic email address, and the licence is usually restricted to non-commercial use. A DAW only appears here if we can see an education price for it.
| DAW | Edition | Standard price | Education price | Saving | Retailer | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ableton Live | Standard | £69.00 | £129.00 | n/a | Gear4music | View deal |
| Pro Tools | Studio | £199.00 | £45.00 | -77% | Gear4music | View deal |
| Cubase | Elements | £59.00 | £54.00 | -8% | Gear4music | View deal |
| Bitwig Studio | Studio | £76.80 | £229.00 | n/a | Gear4music | View deal |
Who qualifies?
Eligibility is set by each manufacturer, not by us or the retailer, and it is checked when you buy. As a general rule you will need to be enrolled at, or employed by, an accredited educational institution, and the licence you receive is for personal and educational use rather than commercial release. Some makers extend the discount to part-time students and to teachers; others do not.
Check the specific terms on the retailer's page before buying, because a rejected eligibility check means a refund and a delay rather than a cheaper DAW.
Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no cost to you. Prices are the lowest we currently track, not a claim about the whole market.