Crucially: You cannot use the student version for commercial freelance work or monetized YouTube content. But for your demo reel? It is perfect. The process takes about five minutes. You will need a valid .edu email address or an official school document (report card, ID, or enrollment letter).
Use your school email. If your school doesn't provide one, Autodesk allows manual verification by uploading a photo of your student ID.
If you are pursuing a career in AAA gaming or Hollywood VFX, proficiency in Maya is a non-negotiable line on your resume. Thanks to the Autodesk Education Community, the financial barrier has been removed.
