Google has begun "ticket checking" for its free AI benefits: students enjoying free AI access must now complete identity verification, otherwise their AI Pro plans will be revoked.

When Google first launched the discounts, there were system loopholes that allowed non-student users to claim the free plans via U.S. IP addresses, temporary email accounts, or even non-educational domains (e.g., China’s .edu.cn).

What the Plan Includes

Beyond Gemini 2.5 Pro and 2TB cloud storage, the plan features a range of high-value AI tools:
Study Aids: NotebookLM Plus (audio summary reports), Gemini Deep Research (complex topic analysis).

Creative & Productivity Tools: Text-to-video model Veo 3, Flow, Jules.

A major bug emerged in May 2025, enabling any user with a U.S. IP address to claim a 1-year free subscription without verification—including access to Gemini 2.5 Pro (valued at $300) and 2TB cloud storage.

Eligibility & Latest Restrictions

Initial Coverage: United States, South Korea, Japan, Indonesia, India, Brazil, United Kingdom.

New Restrictions: Only students in India can apply for the discount now; existing users in the other five countries (Brazil, Indonesia, Japan, U.S., U.K.) must complete supplementary verification.

Currently, users are required to submit proof of identity to confirm they are enrolled students in the specified countries. Those who fail to provide valid documentation risk having their plans revoked. To continue enjoying the plan’s benefits, users must complete verification through third-party identity platform SheerID.
Google has set a verification deadline of September 23, 2025. Users must finish verification by this date; otherwise, their free subscription eligibility will be canceled.

Google has begun "ticket checking" for its free AI benefits: students enjoying free AI access must now complete identity verification, otherwise their AI Pro plans will be revoked.

When Google first launched the discounts, there were system loopholes that allowed non-student users to claim the free plans via U.S. IP addresses, temporary email accounts, or even non-educational domains (e.g., China’s .edu.cn).

What the Plan Includes

Beyond Gemini 2.5 Pro and 2TB cloud storage, the plan features a range of high-value AI tools:
Study Aids: NotebookLM Plus (audio summary reports), Gemini Deep Research (complex topic analysis).

Creative & Productivity Tools: Text-to-video model Veo 3, Flow, Jules.

A major bug emerged in May 2025, enabling any user with a U.S. IP address to claim a 1-year free subscription without verification—including access to Gemini 2.5 Pro (valued at $300) and 2TB cloud storage.

Eligibility & Latest Restrictions

Initial Coverage: United States, South Korea, Japan, Indonesia, India, Brazil, United Kingdom.

New Restrictions: Only students in India can apply for the discount now; existing users in the other five countries (Brazil, Indonesia, Japan, U.S., U.K.) must complete supplementary verification.

Currently, users are required to submit proof of identity to confirm they are enrolled students in the specified countries. Those who fail to provide valid documentation risk having their plans revoked. To continue enjoying the plan’s benefits, users must complete verification through third-party identity platform SheerID.
Google has set a verification deadline of September 23, 2025. Users must finish verification by this date; otherwise, their free subscription eligibility will be canceled.