How to Get JetBrains IDEs Free with a Student License

JetBrains makes some of the most powerful IDEs in the world: IntelliJ IDEA for Java, PyCharm for Python, WebStorm for JavaScript, and a dozen more. Professionals pay $249-$699 per year for these tools. Students pay nothing.

The JetBrains student license gives you the Professional edition of every IDE they make — not stripped-down community versions, but the full thing with every feature unlocked. Here's exactly how to get it.

What You Get

JetBrains offers their entire product lineup free for students. Here's what's included:

IntelliJ IDEA Ultimate — Java, Kotlin, Scala, Groovy ($599/year)
PyCharm Professional — Python, Django, Flask, data science ($249/year)
WebStorm — JavaScript, TypeScript, React, Vue, Angular ($169/year)
CLion — C, C++, Rust, CMake ($249/year)
GoLand — Go ($249/year)
PhpStorm — PHP, Laravel, Symfony ($249/year)
RubyMine — Ruby, Rails ($249/year)
Rider — C#, .NET, Unity ($349/year)
DataGrip — SQL, database management ($249/year)
JetBrains Toolbox — manages all installations and updates

Total value: $699/year (All Products Pack price). You get every IDE plus Toolbox, Space, and other JetBrains services.

The Professional editions include features that Community editions don't: advanced frameworks support (Django, Spring, React), database tools, deployment integration, profiling, and more. For most student projects, the Community editions are sufficient — but having Professional means you never hit a feature wall.

Eligibility

JetBrains student licenses are available to:

University and college students enrolled in a degree-granting program
High school students (14+) enrolled in formal education
Teachers and academic staff at accredited institutions
Students in coding bootcamps (some qualify — check with JetBrains)

You'll need one of the following to verify:

A .edu email address (fastest verification)
An ISIC (International Student Identity Card)
Official enrollment documentation from your institution
A GitHub Student Developer Pack (also accepted)

Step-by-Step Application

Step 1 — Go to JetBrains Education

Visit the JetBrains Free Educational Licenses page. Click "Apply Now."

Step 2 — Apply with Your Student Email

Select "University email address" as your verification method (recommended). Enter your .edu or university email address.

If you don't have an .edu email, select "Official document" and prepare to upload proof of enrollment.

Step 3 — Verify Your Email

JetBrains sends a confirmation email. Click the verification link. This is usually instant for .edu addresses.

For document verification, the review process takes 1-5 business days. JetBrains staff manually checks your documentation.

Step 4 — Download JetBrains Toolbox

Once approved, download the JetBrains Toolbox App. It's a lightweight manager that lets you install, update, and switch between JetBrains IDEs effortlessly.

Why Toolbox? Instead of downloading each IDE separately, Toolbox manages everything from one interface. Install WebStorm for your web dev class, PyCharm for your ML class, and IntelliJ for your algorithms class — all in a few clicks.

Step 5 — Activate Your License

Open Toolbox, sign in with your JetBrains account, and install any IDE. The student license is automatically applied — no license keys to copy or manage.

For the quick version, see our JetBrains student guide.

Renewal & After Graduation

During school: Your license is valid for one year and can be renewed annually while you're still a student. Renewal is simple — reverify your student status and the license extends automatically.

After graduation:

Your student license expires when your enrollment ends
JetBrains offers a 25% discount on your first year as an individual subscriber
Community editions (IntelliJ CE, PyCharm CE) are free forever — you keep these regardless
If you contribute to open source, you may qualify for a free open source license

Pro tip: If you're graduating soon, renew your student license right before graduation. The renewal gives you another full year, even if you graduate during that period.

Troubleshooting

Rejected application? Here's what to try:

Switch verification method. If your school email was rejected, try ISIC card or official documentation instead.
Use official enrollment letter. A letter from your registrar on university letterhead with your name, enrollment status, and dates works best.
Apply through GitHub Student Pack. If you have the GitHub Student Developer Pack, it includes JetBrains access. This is often the easiest workaround for non-.edu emails.
Contact JetBrains support. Their education team is responsive and willing to help students who have trouble with standard verification.

License not activating? Make sure you're signed into the JetBrains Toolbox with the same account that received the student license. If you created multiple JetBrains accounts, the license might be on a different one.

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