The ChatGPT Plus subscription is now free for eligible college students in the United States and Canada through May 2025, according to an announcement by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman. The plan, typically priced at $20/month, gives students premium access to ChatGPT’s advanced features, including file uploads, image generation, data analysis, and faster response times.
This limited-time offer aims to expand AI accessibility among students and applies to those enrolled full- or part-time in degree-granting institutions located in the U.S. (including territories such as Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands) and Canada. Notably, students attempting to claim the offer through VPNs from outside the eligible regions will not be approved.
Eligibility Criteria and Verification
To access the offer, students must verify their academic status via SheerID, a third-party verification service. SheerID uses a multi-step process to confirm enrollment:
- Authoritative Sources: Cross-checking student status with university databases like the Office of the Registrar.
- Single Sign-On (SSO): If needed, students may be prompted to log in using their official school credentials to prove affiliation.
Students already subscribed to ChatGPT Plus will automatically receive two free months credited to their account, eliminating the need for manual cancellation or renewal.
What ChatGPT Plus Includes
Subscribers enjoy the following benefits:
- Access to GPT-4 (via GPT-4o)
- Priority availability during high demand
- Faster response times
- Advanced tools like file uploads, browsing, data analysis, and image generation
For students using AI in research, content creation, programming, or studying, this offer presents a significant opportunity to access cutting-edge tools without financial strain.
Regional Limitation
It’s important to note that this offer is limited to certain countries — only students residing in the U.S. and Canada can redeem it. OpenAI has not announced similar programs for other regions yet.
With over 100 million weekly users globally, ChatGPT continues to shape the future of AI-driven productivity. This initiative reflects OpenAI’s push to make advanced tools more accessible to young learners and future professionals.
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