Making ready for pupil life could be thrilling and annoying. To make issues simpler, it’s good to know that you simply’ve acquired the fitting tech that will help you with be aware taking, writing essays, and so you possibly can chill with Netflix and video games when the work is completed. The iPad has advanced lately to one thing that may now act as a laptop computer substitute 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 purchase.
Selecting one of the best iPad could be difficult although. Apple at the moment gives 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 instrument 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 hassle in case you are seen to be utilizing AI to write 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 gives cash off new iPad purchases to college students in increased training all yr spherical.
One of the best time for college students to purchase a brand new iPad from Apple is throughout the summer time months as a result of Apple provides qualifying college students a free present corresponding to a pair of AirPods or an Apple Pencil with the acquisition of sure iPads and Macs. So, for those who’re a pupil about to begin increased 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 provide will begin within the U.Okay. and Europe in July and can run till October. Apple does the same deal in January-March for Australia, New Zealand and different southern hemisphere areas. Learn our information to Apple’s Again To College provide.
One other bonus for those who’re a pupil: you may get Apple Music for half value with free Apple TV+ included.
How you can get an iPad pupil low cost
In case you are a pupil you should purchase a reduced iPad by clicking on the hyperlink for Apple’s Schooling Retailer the place you reside:
Relying in your location it’s possible you’ll solely want to enroll with particulars of your pupil standing and course and show your id. Some international locations have much less stringent checks than others. Within the U.Okay., for instance, you must be registered with UNiDAYS so as to even see the coed costs. We clarify how to do that in our article How you can get an Apple pupil low cost.
To qualify for a reduction you must meet Apple’s situations. You both must be a pupil in increased training, or a trainer at a educating establishment. The one method to get a reduction for a kid nonetheless in school is to be dwelling educating them or to be a trainer your self.
For those who can’t get a pupil low cost that doesn’t imply you received’t have the ability to get cash off a brand new iPad although. Beneath we suggest one of the best iPads for college students, and you will see hyperlinks to one of the best costs at resellers the place you’re, a few of which can be greater reductions than these supplied 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.Okay., $170 in Australia, and $150 in Canada in the event that they purchase from the Apple training retailer.
Chances are you’ll discover extra money off at a 3rd get together reseller, see one of the best costs within the sections under.
| Product | U.S. | U.Okay. | Australia | Canada |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| iPad (A16) MSRP | $349 | £329 | $599 | $499 |
| iPad (A16) Pupil Value | $329 | £309 | $559 | $469 |
| iPad mini (A17 Professional) MSRP | $499 | £499 | $799 | $679 |
| iPad mini (A17 Professional) Pupil Value | $449 | £449 | $719 | $609 |
| iPad Air (11-inch, M3) MSRP | $599 | £599 | $999 | $799 |
| iPad Air (11-inch, M3) Pupil Value | $549 | £549 | $919 | $729 |
| iPad Air (13-inch, M2) MSRP |
$799 | £799 | $1,299 | $1,099 |
| iPad Air (13-inch, M2) Pupil Value | $749 | £749 | $1,219 | $1,029 |
| iPad Professional (11-inch, M4) MSRP | $999 | £999 | $1,699 | $1,399 |
| iPad Professional (11-inch, M4) Pupil Value | $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 Value | $1,199 | £1,199 | $2,029 | $1,649 |
Finest iPad for college students
11-inch iPad Air (M3, 2025): Finest iPad for college students
Execs
- M3 processor
- Good number of colour choices
Value When Reviewed:
$599
The 11-inch iPad Air (M3), with its 11-inch show, fashionable design, low weight (462g), nice cameras, vastly highly effective processor, and loads of colours to select from, is a good selection 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 value that isn’t unreasonable. That is why we are able to heartily suggest for these beginning out on their research.
The largest characteristic of the mannequin launched in 2025 is the inclusion of the M3 processor. This is identical chip that has powered a number of Macs. In an iPad Air, it makes the system fly.
The digicam is a 12MP Large lens (additionally like on the iPad Professional), which might report video as much as 4K/60fps, and as with different iPads on this listing, the front-facing digicam is a 12MP Extremely-Large 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, TrueDepth digicam, 4 audio system, and the highly effective M4 chip, it gives greater than sufficient for the typical consumer.
If you wish to flip your iPad right into a laptop computer you possibly can workforce it with a Magic Keyboard ($299/£299), or one of many different iPad keyboards we’ve checked out.
For those who want a bigger show, there may be 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 suggest the 11-inch iPad Air (M2) for college students who want premium efficiency and one of the best iPad you should purchase 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) assessment
iPad mini (A17 Professional, 2024): Finest for note-taking and studying
Execs
- Small and lightweight
- Extra storage
- Centre Stage for FaceTime calls
Cons
- Could really feel cramped relying in your wants
Value When Reviewed:
$499 (128GB); $599 (256GB); $799 (512GB)
If crucial issue to you is portability there’s one iPad specifically that you simply may wish to think about.
The iPad mini, up to date in October 2024 with the Apple Intelligence-capable A17 Professional, is the smallest and lightest iPad you should purchase, 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 Dwelling button and relocated Contact ID to the ability button on the highest edge just a few generations in the past). The result’s a compact however highly effective system that doesn’t really feel too small. We predict this display measurement is ideal for studying books or taking notes (particularly with an Apple Pencil), so it might be supreme if that’s how you plan to make use of your iPad.
And don’t let the diminutive kind idiot you: the A17 Professional chip is identical 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 digicam is an Extremely-Large lens, so it may monitor you and preserve you within the heart of the body on video calls because of Heart Stage, whereas the 12MP Large digicam on the again can seize nice images and movies that might 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 suppose that was sufficient storage. 128GB ought to be sufficient so that you can retailer your apps, music, films, images, and movies, and for those who want extra space we suggest iCloud’s varied storage choices.
One drawback is that the mini solely works with Bluetooth keyboards, somewhat than Apple’s vary of iPad-specific keyboard, however whether or not that’s a major drawback is debatable–at this measurement, a in-built keyboard could be too small to kind on comfortably.
Costs begin at $499/£499 ($449 for college students) for the 128GB mannequin (which is what the 64GB mannequin used to price). The 256GB choice elevating the fee to $599/£599 (down from $649/£649 beforehand), and the 512GB mannequin costing $799/£799. In Australia the worth 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): Finest for college students on a finances
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)
Value When Reviewed:
$349
The iPad (A16) mannequin that arrived in March 2025 is the most affordable iPad out there from Apple.
It options the identical design strategy 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 virtually an identical in measurement to the 11-inch iPad Air.
Nonetheless, by way of the display know-how the 2 iPads aren’t equal. The iPad Air sports activities a completely laminated show, whereas the iPad’s show has a slight air hole between the glass and the digitizer beneath. You most likely received’t discover it in any respect, however for those who intend to make use of the Apple Pencil for notes (1st-gen 1 and USB-C Apple Pencils are supported) then it’s possible you’ll expertise slight delays within the monitoring.
Just like the iPad Professional and iPad Air there’s a front-facing digicam positioned on the longer finish of the panel, that means it gives a real panorama view that’s centrally positioned. That is a lot better suited to FaceTime and different video calling apps. The panorama 12MP Extremely Large digicam has a f/2.4 aperture that delivers a 122-degree view; it’s additionally appropriate with the Heart Stage characteristic that retains you within the heart of the body even for those who transfer about whereas on video calls.
Apple bestows this iPad with a 12MP f/1.8 rear digicam so you may get some nice photographs and shoot video 4K video at 60fps. In case your course requires any form of video content material, then both the entrance or again optics of the iPad A16 ought to show greater than adequate. Plus you possibly can name dwelling and look good doing so.
An A16 Bionic processor is on the coronary heart of this iPad, which is identical 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 in order for you the iPad to grow to be extra like a fully-fledged pc.
Nonetheless, the A16 isn’t highly effective sufficient for Apple Intelligence, Apple’s AI options which can be out there on the opposite iPads on sale proper now. Whether or not that issues will depend on your wants, however the enhancing help that is without doubt one of the Apple Intelligence options could also be helpful for a pupil. (This might be precisely why Apple hasn’t included it on the iPad that’s the selection of many faculties and training establishments). Examine what’s in Apple Intelligence.
One of the best information in regards to the 2025 replace is that Apple has stopped delivery a 64GB model. Even higher, the 128GB iPad is identical value 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 in an effort to preserve stuff secure within the cloud as an alternative.
There are 4 colours to select from (Blue, Yellow, Silver, and Pink) so it’s best to have the ability to discover one which fits your character, and for additional performance, you possibly can spend money on 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 a similar 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 for those who’ve already purchased the Pencil. In any other case, the dongle is now included within the field once you purchase a brand new Apple Pencil (1st gen). In fact, there’s additionally the appropriate 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 possibly can see, there are just a few caveats, however with its fashionable design, stable processor, and bigger show, the iPad (A16) is a good all-rounder that might show a sensible 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) assessment
11-inch iPad Professional (2024): Finest for Energy and Efficiency
Execs
- M4 Processor
- OLED show
- Stupidly mild and skinny
Cons
- Costly
- In all probability overkill for college students
Value When Reviewed:
$999 (Wi-Fi solely)
The Professional iPads are the top of Apple’s pill vary, and as such they really feel like the ability and value are most likely overkill to your common pupil. That being stated, in order for you one of the best, then that is the place you’ll discover it.
The 11-inch iPad Professional (M4), was launched in Could 2024, boasting extremely mild and skinny building, 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 probably the most up-to-date gadgets within the Apple catalog.
The query actually, is do you want all that grunt? For those who’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 value. However, for these with cash burning a gap of their pockets, and people planning on doing lots of gaming when they need to be finding out, 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 supply the brightest panel they’re ever made, kicking out as much as 1600 nits. It’s additionally ProMotion, with an ultra-smooth 120Hz refresh fee.
Cameras are 12Mp sensors, with the rear unit a Large 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 digicam on the longer edge means you get panorama view.
The 2 measurement variants provide 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 stated, the iPad Execs are most likely an excessive amount of to your typical pupil, however that doesn’t imply they aren’t glorious merchandise for many who can afford them and benefit from all the ability on provide.
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) assessment
Ought to college students purchase an iPad or a laptop computer?
Earlier than you go forward and purchase your iPad it’s possible you’ll wish to think about its suitability to your function.
As a pupil you most likely have just a few necessities:
- Low value
- Nice apps for issues like note-taking, recording lectures and revision
- Mild sufficient to hold round all-day
- Keyboard and stylus assist
- Appropriate for making video calls dwelling
You is likely to be questioning whether or not a pill or a laptop computer could be higher for these wants, and for those who lean in direction of the latter, check out our information to one of the best Macs for college students.
We predict, nonetheless, that an iPad is a good selection. 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 instances, 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 that you would be able to have all of the books you want to your course in your iPad and carry them with you to lectures and tutorials. You possibly can 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 must lug all of your books round with you, however an iPad can also be far lighter than even the lightest laptop computer, so that you received’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 wish to discover a house beside a plug socket so as to get via a day at uni.
Suppose that having an iPad will imply it’s a must to kind on an on-screen keyboard. No! You possibly can sync any Bluetooth keyboard or plug in one in every of 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 for those who needed to jot down some notes in your iPad display in a lecture. See Finest stylus for iPad.
And once you’ve completed finding out there are a great deal of video games, and apps for video calling your mother and father.
Nonetheless unsure? We have now extra data evaluating a MacBook laptop computer and an iPad.
Are iPads good for college students?
The subsequent query you may want some reassurance on is whether or not the iPad is the best choice for a pupil. There are lots of different tablets out there, a lot of that are cheaper than an iPad. So that you is likely to be pondering of saving some cash.
We predict for those who accomplish that you’ll remorse it. There are various 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 might be supreme 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 possibly can 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 straightforward to make use of, particularly if you have already got an iPhone.
- For those who’ve acquired a Mac you need to use an iPad as a second display, offered you’re working Huge Sur or later.
- Apple Intelligence, powered by AI, might simplify your research by finishing up summarisations of textual content, creating pictures for illustrations, and different helpful options.
That’s all of our student-related shopping for recommendation, however for those who’re shopping for for somebody youthful, take a look at our information to the greatest iPad for Children.
