Google offers free Gemini AI tools and 2TB storage to US college students
Google is providing college students across the United States with free access to its advanced Gemini AI tools through the Google One AI Premium plan. Typically priced at $20 per month, eligible students can now access this plan at no cost until June 2026, as long as they sign up before June 30, 2025. To qualify for this offer, students must verify their student status using a valid .edu email address. Once enrolled, students will receive a reminder email as their complimentary subscription nears its end, giving them the option to continue as paying subscribers.
The Google One AI Premium plan includes 2TB of cloud storage and various AI-powered features designed to help students "study smarter." At its core is Gemini Advanced, powered by Google's Gemini 2.5 Pro model. With Gemini Advanced, students can utilize tools like Deep Research for summarizing complex topics, transforming reports into podcast-style audio, and receiving step-by-step guidance on homework assignments.
Additionally, the plan offers features such as NotebookLM Plus for research and writing support, integration of Gemini's AI assistant into Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides, as well as new creative tools like Veo 2 (a text-to-video AI model) and Whisk (enabling the combination of text and image prompts for content creation). Other tools in the suite include Canvas for brainstorming and writing, and Gemini Live for real-time conversational assistance.
Competition in the AI Education Space
Google's move into academia coincides with similar initiatives from other AI leaders like OpenAI and Anthropic, which have recently launched their educational programs offering free access to advanced AI models such as ChatGPT Plus and Claude for Education to students in the US and Canada. These companies are vying to establish brand loyalty among students, recognizing the significance of this demographic for the future integration of AI in society.
CEO Sundar Pichai has set a target of reaching 500 million Gemini users by the end of 2025. Offering premium features for free is a strategic move to accelerate adoption and maintain Google's position in web search against the growing popularity of generative AI tools.
Significance of Google's Offer
The timing of Google's offer aligns with the approaching final exams, where students are seeking tools to simplify research, improve writing, and cope with academic pressures. Unlike OpenAI's shorter promotional window, Google's long-term approach positions Gemini as a consistent academic companion rather than a temporary resource.
These efforts highlight Google's commitment to supporting students in their academic endeavors while advancing the adoption of AI technologies in education.
