OpenAI currently offers a FREE ChatGPT Plus subscription for 2 months to university students in the USA and Canada, valid from March 31, 2025, to May 31, 2025. This promotion allows eligible students to access ChatGPT Plus features at no cost during the promotion period once they claim the offer. However, eligibility is restricted geographically and by subscription type, excluding mobile subscriptions. The free subscription lasts exactly two months from the claim date but ends no later than May 31, 2025.
This initiative aims to widen ChatGPT Plus access for university communities. “Everyone in a university can now access the services for free through May,” reflects broad access within participating institutions. The offer principally targets students and faculty members who have an educational email address, usually ending with “.edu” or an equivalent domain. Participants need to verify their status through their institutional credentials to claim the offer.
Students can claim the offer any time from March 31 through May 31, 2025. The free period spans two months starting the day they claim it. This means if a student claims the offer shortly after March 31, they receive almost the full two months. Alternatively, if a student claims it near the end of May, their free period ends precisely on May 31, not extending beyond. Standard ChatGPT Plus rates apply after the free period unless users cancel their subscriptions.
Eligibility and Geographic Restrictions
Eligibility primarily depends on being a student or staff member of a university located in the USA or Canada. The offer currently excludes other regions. For example, some users report difficulties claiming the offer from Europe or countries outside North America even if affiliated with North American universities.
- USA and Canada university email addresses are accepted.
- Students outside these countries, even if attending American universities, face claiming issues.
- Users have reported that VPN use is restricted and discouraged because it may invalidate their eligibility.
Many students have asked whether students from other regions, such as Iraq or Austria, can participate but the program remains region-locked for now. Official communication specifies US and Canadian universities only. OpenAI has not announced plans to extend this offer globally.
Restrictions on Mobile Subscriptions
Mobile subscriptions or signups made through mobile apps are excluded from this promotion. OpenAI notes, “Mobile subscriptions are currently not eligible for this promotion,” which means students must claim the offer from a desktop or laptop computer. Users attempting to claim through smartphones often encounter trouble.
Some beneficiaries confirm switching to laptops resolved claiming problems. Based on reports, the process requires accessing the claim link on a desktop, logging in with the proper email, and completing subscription steps there.
How to Claim the Offer
The claiming process requires specific steps to avoid errors:
- Do not remain logged into your university email account when clicking the claim link.
- Switch to a personal OpenAI account before claiming the offer to avoid verification issues.
- Use a laptop or desktop computer as mobile devices are excluded.
- Upon successful validation, users are redirected to a payment page where a 100% discount is automatically applied.
Once claimed, you see the offer displayed as a discount with auto-renewal indicated at the end of the free period in May. Should you decide not to continue past the free period, canceling the subscription is necessary to avoid charges.
Some users report glitches when claiming, such as the subscription not appearing even after approval or receiving error messages. OpenAI customer support has limited ability to resolve some bugs, so patience and careful adherence to instructions are crucial.
Duration and Terms of Subscription
The two-month free ChatGPT Plus subscription starts immediately on claiming the offer. If the user claims the offer on March 31, the subscription runs until May 31. If the offer is claimed later, the subscription still expires on May 31.
This means the maximum benefit is the full two months; later claims shorten the free period accordingly. After expiration, users must pay for continued ChatGPT Plus access unless they cancel. OpenAI imposes a strict cutoff date regardless of claim timing.
Common Issues and User Experience
The offer’s popularity has caused notable system strain. Numerous reports from users describe “servers are melting” due to high demand. This overload affects claim reliability and response times.
Typical problems users experience include:
- Verification limits reached abruptly, preventing further claims.
- Subscription not activating after completing the process, despite confirmation.
- Error messages like “An error occurred while claiming your offer.”
- Restrictions on VPN use disallow students studying abroad from accessing the promotion.
- Confusion regarding whether the offer notifies institutions or shares user data.
Users worry about privacy. OpenAI assures that claiming the offer does not notify universities or grant them access to personal ChatGPT accounts.
User Feedback and Suggestions
Feedback varies by region and device. Many applaud the opportunity but express frustration about geographic restrictions and mobile limitations. Some students wish the offer extended to high school users.
Device differences also come into play. Subscription benefits seem inconsistent when switching between laptop and phone apps. Refreshing or logging out and back in sometimes resolves the issue.
Students in Europe actively studying remotely but unable to claim the offer express disappointment. OpenAI’s policy currently excludes them despite their legitimate educational ties.
Summary Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | University students in USA and Canada with valid university email |
| Offer Period | March 31, 2025 – May 31, 2025 |
| Subscription Length | 2 months free from claim date, max until May 31, 2025 |
| Device Restrictions | Desktop/laptop only, mobile not eligible |
| Geographic Limitations | Only USA and Canada universities |
| Data Sharing with Institutions | No, schools have no access to user accounts |
| Common Issues | Verification limits, VPN disallowed, server overload, claim errors |
Students interested in this offer must act quickly and follow detailed steps carefully. Using a personal account, claiming on a desktop, and confirming university email eligibility are essential. The promotion provides a notable opportunity to experience ChatGPT Plus without cost for two months, but comes with region and device restrictions that limit accessibility.
- The free ChatGPT Plus offer is valid only for university students and staff in the USA and Canada.
- It requires institutional email verification and cannot be claimed via mobile subscriptions.
- The free access lasts two months from claim date but expires on May 31, 2025 at the latest.
- Users may face technical and geographic challenges when claiming and need to claim via desktops.
- OpenAI confirms that schools do not gain access to student ChatGPT accounts.
- High demand has caused server instability and verification limits, so patience is necessary.
Can all university students get ChatGPT Plus free for 2 months?
Yes, everyone at a university can access ChatGPT Plus free from March 31 to May 31, 2025. The two months start once you claim the offer. You need a valid university email to be eligible.
Are mobile subscriptions eligible for the free ChatGPT Plus offer?
Mobile subscriptions are not eligible. The promotion only works on desktop or laptop devices. Using a laptop to claim the offer is recommended for smooth processing.
Does the free ChatGPT Plus end exactly on May 31 or two months after claiming?
The free access lasts for two months after claiming. However, the overall offer only runs through May 31, 2025. It’s safest to claim early to get the full two months.
What should I do if I face errors when claiming the free ChatGPT Plus?
Try switching to your personal account before claiming. Some faced verification glitches and contact with support may not resolve issues immediately. Refreshing and using a laptop can help.
Can students outside the USA and Canada claim the offer?
No, the offer is limited to students studying at institutions in the USA and Canada. Using a VPN or attempting from other regions typically won’t work due to geographic restrictions.
