Build your engineering skills with SOLIDWORKS for Students. Explore student software, training, certifications and resources to help you develop practical CAD skills and prepare for a career in engineering and design.
Free SOLIDWORKS for Students
Eligible students can access SOLIDWORKS Design Standard for Students free for one year, giving you the tools you need to develop practical 3D CAD and engineering design skills.
With SOLIDWORKS Design Standard, you can create detailed 3D parts, assemblies and drawings, making it ideal for university projects, coursework, personal projects and building your engineering portfolio.
What's Included
SOLIDWORKS Design Standard for Students provides access to core SOLIDWORKS design capabilities, including:
- 3D part and assembly modelling
- Engineering drawings
- Sheet metal design
- Weldments
- Design validation tools
- SOLIDWORKS Visualize Connected
Students who remain eligible can sign up again for another year, making SOLIDWORKS an accessible way to continue developing your CAD skills throughout your studies.
Looking for more advanced SOLIDWORKS tools? Students may also be eligible for SOLIDWORKS Design Premium, which provides additional capabilities including Simulation, CAM, Electrical, Visualize and Composer, along with opportunities to work towards industry-recognised SOLIDWORKS certifications.
Which SOLIDWORKS Student Version Is Right for You?
Choosing the right SOLIDWORKS student software depends on what you want to design, the tools you need and how you plan to use SOLIDWORKS. Whether you're looking for free 3D CAD for university projects, advanced engineering tools and certifications, or flexible cloud-based design, there is a SOLIDWORKS student option to suit your needs.
SOLIDWORKS Student Software Options
SOLIDWORKS Design Standard for Students
Get free SOLIDWORKS Design Standard for Students and develop practical 3D CAD skills using professional engineering design software. This student version provides core SOLIDWORKS tools for creating parts, assemblies and 2D drawings, as well as capabilities such as sheet metal and weldment design. Eligible students receive one year of access and can sign up again if they remain eligible.
SOLIDWORKS Design Premium for Students
Take your SOLIDWORKS skills further with Design Premium for Students, a comprehensive student package offering advanced design and engineering tools. In addition to professional 3D CAD, students can access capabilities including SOLIDWORKS Simulation, CAM, Electrical, Visualize and Composer. Design Premium also includes CSWA and CSWP certification attempts, helping students demonstrate their SOLIDWORKS skills to future employers.
SOLIDWORKS xDesign for Students
Design anywhere with SOLIDWORKS xDesign for Students, a browser-based 3D CAD solution built for students who want flexibility across different devices. With cloud-based design and storage, xDesign can be accessed on Windows PCs, Macs, Chromebooks and tablets without installing traditional desktop SOLIDWORKS. It also includes AI-powered design guidance and a Design Assistant to support the design process.
SOLIDWORKS Certification for Students
CSWA – Certified SOLIDWORKS Associate
Start your SOLIDWORKS certification journey with the Certified SOLIDWORKS Associate (CSWA) exam. The CSWA is an entry-level certification designed to demonstrate your understanding of fundamental SOLIDWORKS tools, 3D modelling and engineering design principles.
For students, earning a CSWA certification can be a valuable addition to your CV and engineering portfolio. It provides employers with evidence that you can apply your SOLIDWORKS skills in a practical environment and can help you stand out when applying for internships, placements and graduate engineering roles.
The CSWA is also a natural starting point for students who want to progress towards more advanced SOLIDWORKS certifications.
CSWP – Certified SOLIDWORKS Professional
Take your SOLIDWORKS skills to the next level with the Certified SOLIDWORKS Professional (CSWP) certification. The CSWP is an advanced certification that demonstrates your ability to use SOLIDWORKS for more complex parts, assemblies and parametric design challenges.
For engineering and design students looking to demonstrate a higher level of CAD expertise, the CSWP certification can strengthen your CV, portfolio and applications for engineering jobs, internships and placements.
If you're working towards both certifications, SOLIDWORKS recommends completing the CSWA before attempting the CSWP, allowing you to build your skills progressively.
Can Students Get SOLIDWORKS Certification for Free?
Yes. Students may be able to take SOLIDWORKS certification exams for free, depending on how they access SOLIDWORKS. Schools and universities participating in the SOLIDWORKS Academic Certification Provider programme can offer students free certification exams. Some student editions also include certification exam attempts.
Certification availability can vary depending on your student licence and institution, so check which options are available to you before booking an exam.
SOLIDWORKS for Student Projects & Engineering Teams
Put your SOLIDWORKS skills into practice with university projects, engineering challenges and student design teams. Whether you're studying mechanical, automotive, aerospace or product design, SOLIDWORKS can help you develop practical 3D CAD skills and bring your ideas to life.
From coursework and final-year projects to Formula Student, robotics and motorsport teams, gain hands-on experience using professional engineering design software while building a portfolio to showcase to future employers.
Supporting the Next Generation of Engineers
TMS CADCentre is proud to sponsor StrathAIS, the Strathclyde Aerospace Innovation Society, supporting students as they gain practical engineering experience through hands-on projects in rocketry, space systems and aviation. Our sponsorship reflects TMS CADCentre’s commitment to supporting engineering education, innovation and the next generation of engineers.
The Summer Interns of NMIS
We are partnered with the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS) and recently had the pleasure of interviewing their summer 2025 interns.
To learn all about their summer projects and how NMIS and SOLIDWORKS has helped their career was truly eye opening.
Watch the video to find out more!
Which SOLIDWORKS Education package is right for you?
SOLIDWORKS
Education Edition- SOLIDWORKS 3D Design Standard
- SOLIDWORKS 3D Design Premium
- SOLIDWORKS Flow Simulation
- SOLIDWORKS Motion
- SOLIDWORKS Product Data Management
- SOLIDWORKS Electrical Professional
- SOLIDWORKS Visualize Professional
- SOLIDWORKS MBD
- SOLIDWORKS Plastics Premium
- SOLIDWORKS Composer
- SOLIDWORKS CAM Professional
- SOLIDWORKS PCB
SOLIDWORKS
Student Premium- SOLIDWORKS 3D Design Standard
- SOLIDWORKS 3D Design Premium
- SOLIDWORKS Flow Simulation
- SOLIDWORKS Motion
- SOLIDWORKS Electrical Professional
- SOLIDWORKS Visualize Professional
- SOLIDWORKS MBD
- SOLIDWORKS Plastics Premium
- SOLIDWORKS Composer
- SOLIDWORKS CAM Professional
SOLIDWORKS
Student Standard- SOLIDWORKS 3D Design Standard
- SOLIDWORKS MBD
- SOLIDWORKS CAM Professional