When I started working as a mechanical design engineer eight years ago, SOLIDWORKS was the first 3D CAD software I learned seriously. Until today, it still shapes the way I think about 3D design and mechanical engineering.
SOLIDWORKS is one of the most widely used CAD tools in engineering and manufacturing companies around the world. If you plan to work in mechanical design, product development, manufacturing, robotics or any engineering related field, there is a good chance the company you join will be using it.
That is why this news is a big deal. Starting 1 July 2026, SOLIDWORKS Design Standard is free for students worldwide. If you are a student, I really recommend you grab this chance, learn the software properly and start building a design portfolio before you enter the industry.
What Changed?
Before this, some students could already use SOLIDWORKS for free if their university or school provided access through a SOLIDWORKS Education licence. But this depended entirely on the institution, and not every student could install it on their own laptop.
Students without access through their institution normally had to buy an individual student package. The paid SOLIDWORKS Design Premium for Students currently costs US$60 per year.
SOLIDWORKS actually started this free offer earlier in six countries, including Indonesia, India and Brazil. From 1 July 2026 it is open worldwide, and yes, Malaysia is on the list. Qualified students can now register directly with SOLIDWORKS and get Design Standard for free. No more depending on whether your university provides a licence or not.
What Is Included In The Free Version?
The free package is called SOLIDWORKS Design Standard for Students. This is the real desktop CAD application installed on a Windows PC, not some watered down browser version.
It includes the main tools students need to learn mechanical CAD. You can create sketches and turn them into 3D parts using features like Extrude, Revolve, Sweep and Loft, plus the usual Fillet, Chamfer and Patterns.
Because SOLIDWORKS is a parametric CAD system, dimensions and features stay editable. Change a dimension in an earlier sketch and the rest of the model updates based on that change. In my opinion, this is one of the most important concepts to understand when you move from basic 3D modelling into proper mechanical design.
The free version also supports assembly modelling. You can combine multiple parts, apply mates, check movement and interference, and calculate properties like mass. That makes it suitable for designing mechanisms, machines, robots, fixtures and anything with multiple components.
You can also create 2D engineering drawings from your models, including projected views, section views, dimensions, tolerances, exploded assembly drawings, bills of materials and item balloons. On top of that, you get sheet metal, weldments, structural frames and surface modelling. These are the same workflows used in professional engineering and manufacturing environments.
One thing to note, simulation is not really included. The free version only comes with SimulationXpress, a very basic stress check tool. For proper simulation you need the paid version.
Free Version Compared With The Paid Student Version
The free version covers the core tools for learning 3D CAD, but it does not include every SOLIDWORKS product.
| Capability | Design Standard (Free) | Design Premium (US$60 per year) |
|---|---|---|
| Parts and assemblies | Included | Included |
| 2D engineering drawings | Included | Included |
| Sheet metal, weldments and surfacing | Included | Included |
| SOLIDWORKS Simulation | Not included | Included |
| SOLIDWORKS CAM | Not included | Included |
| SOLIDWORKS Electrical | Not included | Included |
| Visualize rendering and Composer | Not included | Included |
| CSWA and CSWP exam vouchers | Not included | Included |
SOLIDWORKS Design Premium for Students is still there for anyone who needs the advanced tools, such as structural simulation, CAM, electrical design, rendering and technical illustrations.
The paid version also includes one CSWA and one CSWP certification attempt. SOLIDWORKS currently lists the exams at US$99 per attempt if you buy them separately, so the two vouchers alone are already worth more than the US$60 package price. Students on the free version can still take the certification exams, just paid separately.
For most students who are just starting, the free Design Standard should be more than enough. Parts, assemblies and engineering drawings are the foundation of most mechanical design work anyway.
Who Can Register?
The free licence is for qualified students currently enrolled in a formal educational institution at primary, secondary or post-secondary level.
The registration form covers primary and middle school, secondary school, vocational school, technical college, undergraduate and graduate programmes. You just need to provide basic information like your email address, school or university name, country, education level and field of study.
Malaysia is in the list of supported countries, along with Japan and most other countries worldwide. SOLIDWORKS may ask for proof that you are currently a student. Students between 13 and 17 years old need a parent or guardian involved in using the software.
How Long Does The Free Licence Last?
Each registration gives you one year of access. If you are still a qualified student when it expires, you can register again for another year, although SOLIDWORKS may ask for student verification.
Registration is quick. Sign in with a 3DEXPERIENCE ID, which is free to create, fill in the form, and you will receive the download link, a unique serial number and the installation guide.
You need a Windows PC to install it. Mac, Chromebook and tablet users cannot run the desktop version directly. SOLIDWORKS offers a separate browser based product called xDesign for Students, but that one currently costs US$60 per year.
Can Students Use It For Commercial Projects?
No. The free licence is strictly for educational use. It cannot be used for commercial or research applications, including designing or testing products intended for sale, licensing or commercial distribution. Files saved in the student version are also watermarked as educational files, so do not try to sneak them into paid client work.
Learning, school assignments, personal educational projects and portfolio development are all fine. Anyone doing paid client work or commercial product development still needs a proper commercial licence.
What Should Students Learn First?
You do not need to start with complicated machines or advanced surface modelling. Begin with sketches, dimensions and basic features like Extrude, Revolve, Fillet and Pattern.
After that, learn how to create assemblies and apply mates correctly. Once you are comfortable with parts and assemblies, start producing proper 2D engineering drawings with dimensions, tolerances and section views.
My biggest advice, create a few complete personal projects instead of only following tutorials. Design something that solves a real problem, assemble the components, prepare the drawings, then manufacture it with 3D printing or whatever method you have access to.
A portfolio with several completed projects shows employers you understand more than just the software interface. It shows you can take an idea, turn it into a design and prepare it for manufacturing.
For students interested in mechanical design, this free licence is a very good opportunity. You can now practise SOLIDWORKS at home, build your own projects and develop skills that will stay useful when you apply for internships or engineering jobs.
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