Canva is the design tool many students use for posters, presentations and infographics. Canva for Education gives eligible schools premium features for free. But the rules about who can get it, and how students join, confuse a lot of people.
Here’s how it works, based on Canva’s own help pages.
Is Canva for Education free?
Yes, for eligible K-12 teachers and their students, worldwide. Canva describes it as an upgrade with Canva Pro-level features at no cost. It includes premium templates, design tools for images, video and animation, real-time sharing and comments, and LMS integrations.
Who is eligible?
Eligible:
- certified K-12 (primary and secondary) teachers
- school librarians, learning support staff and curriculum specialists
- teachers at technical or vocational schools serving primary or secondary students
- accredited K-12 schools and districts
- K-12 students invited by an eligible teacher
Not eligible:
- university and college students and lecturers (see below for their options)
- parents, preschool staff and public librarians
- unlicensed homeschool educators
How teachers get Canva for Education
- Go to Canva’s education page and choose Teacher.
- Sign up with a verified school email, or a school or district Google, Microsoft or Clever account. With a verified domain, access is usually immediate.
- Enter your school details.
- If your email isn’t recognised, upload proof such as a teaching licence or a document showing your name, school and role.
How students get Canva for Education
Students can’t sign up for it on their own. According to Canva:
- your teacher invites you from their Canva Education account
- if you weren’t invited, try signing up with your school email. If it matches a school district, you may get access straight away. If not, you can enter your teacher’s email so they know your class wants it
Teachers need parental consent for students under 13. School administrators can also turn premium features off for students.
Canva connects with Google Classroom, Microsoft Teams, Canvas, Schoology and other LMSs, so many teachers share Canva assignments through those. If you’re new to Google Classroom, see how to join Google Classroom with a class code.
Canva for college and university students
Canva for Education is not available to college students. Instead:
- your university may offer Canva for Campus. Try signing in with your university email, or ask IT
- otherwise you can use Canva Free, or pay for Canva Pro
Before you leave school
When you graduate, you may lose your school email and your Canva Education account. Canva recommends copying your designs to a personal account before that happens.
Is it safe for schools?
Canva says Canva Education is FERPA, COPPA and GDPR compliant and offers “safe-for-school” content. Schools should still check it against their own data-protection rules.
Frequently asked questions
Is Canva free for students? Canva Free is free for anyone. Canva for Education’s premium features are free for K-12 students whose teacher invites them.
Can college students get Canva for Education? No. Check whether your university offers Canva for Campus.
Can parents or homeschoolers get it? Parents and unlicensed homeschool educators aren’t eligible.
How do I join my teacher’s Canva class? Your teacher sends the invite. Accept it with your school account. If you can’t find it, ask your teacher to resend it.
Related guides on WebTechHelp
Sources
- Canva Help: About Canva for Education
- Canva: Canva for students
