VPN Student Discounts Compared: Proton, ExpressVPN, Surfshark, NordVPN
Four big VPN providers have student offers, and they work in very different ways: some cut the price of one plan, others add a percentage on top of any plan.
The offers side by side
| VPN | Student offer | Plan | Where | Verify with |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Proton VPN Plus | 75% off | 12 months only | US, UK, France, Germany | Student Beans |
| ExpressVPN | Up to 87% (Basic), 85% (Advanced), 78% (Pro) + 4 bonus months | Education store | Listed in Ireland, Canada, Austria | Student Beans |
| Surfshark | Extra 15% | Any length you choose | Not stated | Student Beans |
| NordVPN | Extra 15% | 2-year plan | Worldwide | See our NordVPN page |
From each provider’s own page or Student Beans, checked 9–12 October 2026. “Up to” figures are maximums.
How to compare them
- Compare the total you pay up front, not the percentage. A big percentage on a long plan can still mean a large first payment.
- Check the renewal price. Student discounts usually apply to the first term; afterwards you pay the normal rate.
- Count your devices. Phone and laptop at least; check how many devices the plan allows.
- Use the trial or money-back period to test speed on your campus or halls Wi-Fi. Surfshark mentions a 30-day money-back guarantee; ExpressVPN announced a 14-day free trial with its student deal in 2025.
Do students need a VPN at all?
A VPN encrypts your traffic on shared networks such as halls, libraries and cafés, and can help when you travel. It does not replace your university’s own VPN, which you often need to reach library databases or internal systems from home; that one is usually free with your student account. If you only need campus access, you may not need a paid VPN.
Our picks by situation
- You want the lowest yearly price and live in the US, UK, France or Germany: Proton VPN Plus at 75% off the 12-month plan.
- You want a long subscription with bonus time: ExpressVPN’s education store with 4 extra months.
- You want flexibility on plan length: Surfshark’s extra 15% works on whatever length you choose.
- You already like NordVPN: the student extra 15% applies to the 2-year plan.
These are matches to situations, not a ranking of privacy or speed; read each provider’s terms before you buy. For more software, see our software hub and free software for students.
Students also ask
Which VPN has the best student discount?
By percentage, ExpressVPN (up to 87% plus 4 months) and Proton VPN Plus (75% off the yearly plan); compare the actual total you pay.
Do I need Student Beans for VPN student discounts?
Proton, ExpressVPN and Surfshark all verify through Student Beans.
Is my university VPN the same as a privacy VPN?
No. A university VPN connects you to campus systems; a commercial VPN encrypts your traffic on public networks.
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