ChatGPT has transformed the world of artificial intelligence, making advanced AI accessible to everyone, including those who aren’t tech-savvy. ChatGPT remains the most widely used despite competition from other AI chatbots and applications. While the free version offers many powerful features, the premium ChatGPT Plus subscription provides enhanced reasoning, priority access during peak times, and quicker updates to new models. This service usually costs US$20 per month, but some users can get it for free for a limited time.
College students in the US and Canada can get free access
OpenAI’s CEO and co-founder, Sam Altman, recently announced on X that ChatGPT Plus will be available at no cost until the end of May. However, this offer is only available to college students studying at degree-granting institutions in the United States and Canada. The goal is to support students preparing for their final exams, potentially increasing OpenAI’s presence among younger users.
chatgpt plus is free for college students in the US and canada through may!
— Sam Altman (@sama) April 3, 2025
As part of this promotion, OpenAI highlights how ChatGPT can assist students with summarising study material, generating quizzes, brainstorming research ideas, and using the advanced Voice mode for interactive conversations. This feature allows students to speak naturally with ChatGPT, even interrupting mid-sentence, without breaking the flow of information.
How to check if you qualify for the free offer
To claim this offer, visit ChatGPT’s official website (not OpenAI’s main page). Once there, tap “Claim Offer,” which will redirect you to SheerID, a platform that verifies student eligibility for exclusive discounts. You must provide details such as your college or university name and student email address. If your institution isn’t listed, you can submit a request form, but processing may take some time.
If you encounter any issues, consider an alternative: Perplexity AI. This ChatGPT competitor offers students a free one-month subscription, which they can extend for up to 24 months by referring peers.
Be sure to cancel before May 31
If your verification is successful, you will have free access to ChatGPT Plus until May 31. However, OpenAI’s terms and conditions specify that you will be charged US$20 on June 1 unless you cancel before the trial ends. It’s advisable to cancel a few days early, as your subscription will remain active until the end of the period. Setting a phone reminder could help you avoid unexpected charges.
While OpenAI aims to assist students in their studies, there are no restrictions on how you use ChatGPT Plus. Whether you want to join the viral Studio Ghibli art trend, generate content to sell, or use AI to help build your website, the free trial lets you explore its full potential without limitations.
