Macworld
Preparing for student life can be exciting and stressful. To make things easier, it’s good to know that you’ve got the right tech to help you with note taking, writing essays, and so you can kick back with Netflix and games when the work is done. The iPad has evolved in recent years to something that can now act as a laptop replacement for many students, with accessories like the Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil making it one of the most versatile devices you can buy.
Choosing the best iPad can be tricky though. Apple currently offers a wide range of models with different prices and features, including the M4 iPad Pro updated in May 2024, the iPad mini A17 Pro that arrived in October 2024 and the and M3 iPad Air and iPad A16 that arrived in March 2025.
Three of these iPads are capable of supporting Apple Intelligence, which is Apple’s AI tool that powers several features, but the iPad A16 doesn’t support Apple Intelligence and its features centered around reading, writing and image generation. These AI features may be useful for you as a student, although they may also get you into trouble if you are seen to be using AI to write your essays!
Can students get discounts on iPads?
The good news is that, yes, students can get money off an iPad when buying from Apple’s education store in their country. Apple offers money off new iPad purchases to students in higher education all year round.
Plus, if you’re a student and you buy an iPad (or a Mac) from Apple, you might be able to get a free gift such as a pair of AirPods or vouchers while the company’s “Back To School/Uni” event is running. This usually runs from June to September in the U.S. and Canada, from July to October in the U.K. and Europe, and from January to March in Australia, New Zealand and other southern hemisphere locations.
Another bonus if you’re a student: you can get Apple Music for half price with free Apple TV+ included.
How to get an iPad student discount
If you are a student you can buy a discounted iPad by clicking on the link for Apple’s Education Store where you live:
- Apple’s U.S. Education Store
- Apple’s U.K. Education Store (in the U.K. you will need to verify your student status via UNiDAYS).
- Apple’s Canada Education Store
- Apple’s Australian Education Store
Depending on your location you may only need to sign up with details of your student status and course and prove your identity. Some countries have less stringent checks than others. In the U.K., for example, you need to be registered with UNiDAYS in order to even see the student prices. We explain how to do this in our article How to get an Apple student discount.
To qualify for a discount you need to meet Apple’s conditions. You either need to be a student in higher education, or a teacher at a teaching institution. The only way to get a discount for a child still at school is to be home educating them or to be a teacher yourself.
If you can’t get a student discount that doesn’t mean you won’t be able to get money off a new iPad though. Below we recommend the best iPads for students, and you will find links to the best prices at resellers where you are, some of which may be bigger discounts than those offered by Apple. Also read our round-up of the best iPad deals.
How much can students save on an iPad?
Students can save as much as $100 in the U.S., £100 in the U.K., $170 in Australia, and $150 in Canada if they buy from the Apple education store.
You may find more money off at a third party reseller, see the best prices in the sections below.
| Product | U.S. | U.K. | Australia | Canada |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| iPad (A16) MSRP | $349 | £329 | $599 | $499 |
| iPad (A16) Student Price | $329 | £309 | $559 | $469 |
| iPad mini (A17 Pro) MSRP | $499 | £499 | $799 | $679 |
| iPad mini (A17 Pro) Student Price | $449 | £449 | $719 | $609 |
| iPad Air (11-inch, M3) MSRP | $599 | £599 | $999 | $799 |
| iPad Air (11-inch, M3) Student Price | $549 | £549 | $919 | $729 |
| iPad Air (13-inch, M2) MSRP |
$799 | £799 | $1,299 | $1,099 |
| iPad Air (13-inch, M2) Student Price | $749 | £749 | $1,219 | $1,029 |
| iPad Pro (11-inch, M4) MSRP | $999 | £999 | $1,699 | $1,399 |
| iPad Pro (11-inch, M4) Student Price | $899 | £899 | $1,529 | $1,249 |
| iPad Pro (13-inch, M4) MSRP | $1,299 | £1,299 | $2,199 | $1,799 |
| iPad Pro (13-inch, M4) Student Price | $1,199 | £1,199 | $2,029 | $1,649 |
Best iPad for students
11-inch iPad Air (M3, 2025): Best iPad for students
Pros
- M3 processor
- Nice selection of color options
Cons
- It’s not cheap
Best Prices Today:
$549
The 11-inch iPad Air (M3), with its 11-inch display, modern design, low weight (462g), great cameras, hugely powerful processor, and plenty of colors to choose from, is a great choice for students.
Unfortunately, it’s a bit on the pricey side for a tablet, with the current prices starting at $599/£599 ($549/£549 for students). Still, it’s cheaper than a laptop and it’s the perfect combination of power, storage and features, for a price that isn’t unreasonable. This is why we can heartily recommend for those starting out on their studies.
The biggest feature of the model introduced in 2025 is the inclusion of the M3 processor. This is the same chip that has powered several Macs. In an iPad Air, it makes the device fly.
The camera is a 12MP Wide lens (also like on the iPad Pro), which can record video up to 4K/60fps, and as with other iPads on this list, the front-facing camera is a 12MP Ultra-Wide that allows for Center Stage and is sensibly positioned on the longer side of the chassis to allow landscape views for FaceTime calls.
While the 2025 iPad Air is missing some of the flagship features of the iPad Pro, such as the 120Hz ProMotion screen, TrueDepth camera, four speakers, and the powerful M4 chip, it offers more than enough for the average user.
If you want to turn your iPad into a laptop you can team it with a Magic Keyboard ($299/£299), or one of the other iPad keyboards we’ve looked at.
If you prefer a larger display, there is also the 13-inch iPad Air (M2) that comes with all the same specs and features. It starts at $799/£799 (or $749/£749 for students).
We highly recommend the 11-inch iPad Air (M2) for students who need premium performance and the best iPad you can buy without the Pro name.
Read iPad Air vs iPad Pro to find out how the iPad Air compares to the iPad Pro.
How much can students save on the iPad Air?
MSRP: $599 / £599 / AU$999 / CA$799
Student: $549 / £549 / AU$919 / CA$729
Students save: $50 / £50 / AU$80 / CA$70
Get the best deal on a new iPad Air.
iPad mini (A17 Pro, 2024): Best for note-taking and reading
Pros
- Small and light
- More storage
- Centre Stage for FaceTime calls
Cons
- May feel cramped depending on your needs
Best Prices Today:
$499
$499
$499
$439
If the most important factor to you is portability there’s one iPad in particular that you might want to consider.
The iPad mini, updated in October 2024 with the Apple Intelligence-capable A17 Pro, is the smallest and lightest iPad you can buy, weighing in at 293g. Of course, the low weight is a result of the iPad itself being smaller, thanks to the 8.3-inch display (which is bigger than it used to be since Apple got rid of the Home button and relocated Touch ID to the power button on the top edge a few generations ago). The result is a compact but powerful device that doesn’t feel too small. We think this screen size is perfect for reading books or taking notes (especially with an Apple Pencil), so it may well be ideal if that’s how you intend to use your iPad.
And don’t let the diminutive form fool you: the A17 Pro chip is the same as that found in the iPhone 15 Pro, so there’s no shortage of power on tap. Connectivity is top-notch too, with support for Wi-Fi 6E and 5G networks available, depending on the model you choose.
The front-facing camera is an Ultra-Wide lens, so it can track you and keep you in the center of the frame on video calls thanks to Center Stage, while the 12MP Wide camera on the back can capture great photos and videos that could be used in presentations or for media-based assignments.
There are three storage options available (128GB, 256GB and 512GB). We are glad Apple has stopped selling the 64GB model as we didn’t think that was enough storage. 128GB should be enough for you to store your apps, music, movies, photos, and videos, and if you need more space we recommend iCloud’s various storage options.
One disadvantage is that the mini only works with Bluetooth keyboards, rather than Apple’s range of iPad-specific keyboard, but whether that’s a significant disadvantage is debatable–at this size, a built in keyboard would be too small to type on comfortably.
Prices start at $499/£499 ($449 for students) for the 128GB model (which is what the 64GB model used to cost). The 256GB option raising the cost to $599/£599 (down from $649/£649 previously), and the 512GB model costing $799/£799. In Australia the price of the iPad mini dropped with the arrival of the new model from $829 to $799.
How much can students save on the iPad mini?
MSRP: $499 / £499 / AU$799 / CA$679
Students: $449 / £449 / AU$719 / CA $609
Students save: $50 / £50 / AU$80 / CA$70
Get the best deal on a new iPad mini.
iPad (A16, 2025): Best for students on a budget
Pros
- Air-style design
- 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display
Cons
- 64GB storage on base model
- No compatibility for Apple Intelligence
- New model coming soon (we hope)
Best Prices Today:
$328.86
The iPad (A16) model that arrived in March 2025 is the cheapest iPad available from Apple.
It features the same design approach as the iPad mini and iPad Air, with Touch ID sensor integrated in the power button on the top edge. This makes room for a larger display that’s almost identical in size to the 11-inch iPad Air.
However, in terms of the screen technology the two iPads aren’t equal. The iPad Air sports a fully laminated display, while the iPad’s display has a slight air gap between the glass and the digitizer beneath. You probably won’t notice it at all, but if you intend to use the Apple Pencil for notes (1st-gen 1 and USB-C Apple Pencils are supported) then you may experience slight delays in the tracking.
Like the iPad Pro and iPad Air there is a front-facing camera located on the longer end of the panel, meaning it offers a true landscape view that’s centrally located. This is much better suited to FaceTime and other video calling apps. The landscape 12MP Ultra Wide camera has a f/2.4 aperture that delivers a 122-degree view; it’s also compatible with the Center Stage feature that keeps you in the center of the frame even if you move about while on video calls.
Apple bestows this iPad with a 12MP f/1.8 rear camera so you can get some great shots and shoot video 4K video at 60fps. If your course requires any kind of video content, then either the front or back optics of the iPad A16 should prove more than sufficient. Plus you can call home and look good doing so.
An A16 Bionic processor is at the heart of this iPad, which is the same chip that powered the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 15. So there’s more than enough power for word processing, note-taking, coding, and most other education apps, not to mention gaming and entertainment duties. There’s a USB-C at the base, so you can use various peripherals and even power an external display if you want the iPad to become more like a fully-fledged computer.
However, the A16 is not powerful enough for Apple Intelligence, Apple’s AI features that are available on the other iPads on sale right now. Whether that matters depends on your needs, but the editing assistance that is one of the Apple Intelligence features may be useful for a student. (This may well be exactly why Apple hasn’t included it on the iPad that is the choice of many schools and education institutions). Read about what is in Apple Intelligence.
The best news about the 2025 update is that Apple has stopped shipping a 64GB version. Even better, the 128GB iPad is the same price that Apple used to sell the 64GB iPad for. If 128GB isn’t enough space for all your movie downloads, music, games, photos and videos, you can get 256GB or 512GB, or there’s the option of expanding your iCloud storage so that you can keep stuff safe in the cloud instead.
There are four colors to choose from (Blue, Yellow, Silver, and Pink) so you should be able to find one that suits your personality, and for extra functionality, you could invest in the new two-piece Magic Keyboard Folio, although the $249/£249 price tag does seem very high. Of course, a standard Bluetooth keyboard will get you the same results for a lot less money.
The new iPad supports the first-generation Apple Pencil, but as the charging port is now USB-C you’ll need an adaptor from Apple if you’ve already bought the Pencil. Otherwise, the dongle is now included in the box when you buy a new Apple Pencil (1st gen). Of course, there’s also the compatible Apple Pencil (USB-C) which gets around the dongle madness but lacks the presure sensitivity that artists will crave. See: Apple Pencils compared: Which Apple Pencil works with your iPad?
As you can see, there are a few caveats, but with its modern design, solid processor, and larger display, the iPad (A16) is a great all-rounder that would prove a wise investment for those heading off to pursue their studies.
How much can students save on the iPad (A16)?
MSRP: $349 / £329 / AU$599 / CA$499
Students; $329 / £309 / AU$559 / CA$469
Students save: $20 / £20 / AU$40 / CA$30
Read our full
Apple iPad (A16) review
11-inch iPad Pro (2024): Best for Power and Performance
Pros
- M4 Processor
- OLED display
- Stupidly light and thin
Cons
- Expensive
- Probably overkill for students
Best Prices Today:
$919
The Pro iPads are the pinnacle of Apple’s tablet range, and as such they feel like the power and price are probably overkill for your average student. That being said, if you want the best, then this is where you’ll find it.
The 11-inch iPad Pro (M4), was introduced in May 2024, boasting incredibly light and thin construction, but with a stupid amount of power inside. In an unprecedented step, Apple introduced the new M4 processor in the iPad before the Mac, making the 11-inch iPad Pro and 13-inch iPad Pro the most up-to-date devices in the Apple catalog.
The question really, is do you need all that grunt? If you’re after an iPad for taking notes, writing essays, watching Netflix, playing some games and using it for video calls home, then the iPad Air is a better balance of power and price. But, for those with money burning a hole in their pockets, and those planning to do a lot of gaming when they should be studying, the 11-inch iPad Pro comes with a new Ultra Retina XDR OLED display that has two layers (Apple calls this Tandem OLED) to produce the brightest panel they’re ever made, kicking out up to 1600 nits. It’s also ProMotion, with an ultra-smooth 120Hz refresh rate.
Cameras are 12Mp sensors, with the rear unit a Wide lens that can record video up to 4K/60fps, plus ProRes capabilities which would be of interest to video content creators. The front-facing lens also has the TrueDepth array, allowing Face ID, which remains a Pro-only features on iPads. You get Centre Stage for video calls, and the placement of the camera on the longer edge means you get landscape view.
The two size variants offer the same capabilities, with 256GB of storage the baseline, and prices starting at $999/£999 ($899 for students) for the 11-inch model and $1,299/£1,299 for the 13-inch variant.
As we’ve said, the iPad Pros are probably too much for your typical student, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t excellent products for those who can afford them and take advantage of all the power on offer.
How much can students save on the 11-inch iPad Pro?
MSRP: $999 / £999 / AU$1,699 / CA$1,399
Students: $899 / £899 / AU$1,529 / CA$1,249
Students save: $100 / £100 / AU$170 / CA$150
Get the best deal on a new iPad Pro.
Read our full
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4, 2024) review
Should students buy an iPad or a laptop?
Before you go ahead and buy your iPad you may want to consider its suitability for your purpose.
As a student you probably have a few requirements:
- Low price
- Great apps for things like note-taking, recording lectures and revision
- Light enough to carry around all-day
- Keyboard and stylus support
- Suitable for making video calls home
You might be wondering whether a tablet or a laptop would be better for those needs, and if you lean towards the latter, take a look at our guide to the best Macs for students.
We think, however, that an iPad is a great choice. It runs many of the apps you’ll find on a laptop, including Office apps like Word and PowerPoint and the Apple equivalents, and in some cases, an iPad is actually more powerful than a laptop thanks to the super-fast processors Apple uses.
Another benefit is that you can have all the books you need for your course on your iPad and carry them with you to lectures and tutorials. You could even photograph pages from books in the library and use optical character recognition to save the text to your iPad.
Not only do you not need to lug all your books around with you, but an iPad is also far lighter than even the lightest laptop, so you won’t get backache from carrying it to lectures and the library.
With battery life of 10 hours–plenty for a day on campus–you aren’t going to need to find a space beside a plug socket in order to get through a day at uni.
Think that having an iPad will mean you have to type on an on-screen keyboard. No! You could sync any Bluetooth keyboard or plug in one of Apple’s own iPad keyboards and effectively turn your iPad into a laptop. There’s also the Apple Pencil, which could come in useful if you wanted to jot down some notes on your iPad screen in a lecture. See Best stylus for iPad.
And when you’ve finished studying there are loads of games, and apps for video calling your parents.
Still not sure? We have more information comparing a MacBook laptop and an iPad.
Are iPads good for students?
The next question you might want some reassurance on is whether the iPad is the best option for a student. There are a lot of other tablets available, many of which are cheaper than an iPad. So you might be thinking of saving some money.
We think if you do so you will regret it. There are many reasons why Apple’s iPads are so popular:
- The App Store is heaving with great apps designed specifically for the iPad.
- Many of those apps will be ideal for students: note-taking apps, apps for converting handwriting to text, apps for recording lectures, timetable management, and of course video calling (so you can stay in touch with mum and dad).
- There is an ecosystem of great accessories designed to work with the iPad.
- Apple’s iPadOS is stable and easy to use, especially if you already have an iPhone.
- If you’ve got a Mac you can use an iPad as a second screen, provided you’re running Big Sur or later.
- Apple Intelligence, powered by AI, may simplify your studies by carrying out summarisations of text, creating images for illustrations, and other useful features.
That’s all of our student-related buying advice, but if you’re buying for someone younger, check out our guide to the best iPad for Kids.
Source : Macworld
