Autodesk reaches 150 million students and educators worldwide, advancing its role in preparing the next generation for the future of work.
Autodesk has officially surpassed a major global milestone, providing free access to its software and learning tools to more than 150 million students and educators worldwide. For over two decades, Autodesk has focused on expanding access to professional-grade Design and Make technology — a mission that has become increasingly essential as AI reshapes the future workforce.
For more than ten years, Autodesk has offered free licenses for students, teachers, and accredited institutions, giving learners hands-on experience with the same tools used by architects, engineers, manufacturers, and digital creators. This early exposure helps students build job-ready skills long before they enter the workforce.
The need for skilled, tech-ready talent is growing fast. Autodesk’s State of Design and Make report highlights:
Students feel the pressure too. Nearly half of college students believe they’re not learning the AI skills required for modern careers.
Autodesk’s education ecosystem helps bridge this gap by connecting learners at every level — from secondary school to university — with essential tools, real-world projects, and clear pathways into Design and Make industries.
“As technology advances faster than education, it’s crucial that students have access to the right tools,” said Mary Hope McQuiston, Autodesk’s Vice President of Education. “From Tinkercad to advanced professional tools, we’re helping learners build the skills that lead to meaningful careers. Reaching 150 million learners is proof of what’s possible when everyone has access to industry-grade technology.”
As part of this milestone, Autodesk has also surpassed 100 million users of Tinkercad, its free browser-based 3D design platform.
Tinkercad introduces students to:
Many learners start with Tinkercad and later move on to more advanced Autodesk tools like Fusion or Forma, turning early creativity into real-world design capabilities.
Autodesk is also expanding free access to Flow Studio (formerly Wonder Studio), giving all verified students aged 18+ and educators the opportunity to use professional-grade VFX and animation tools at no cost.
Flow Studio empowers learners to:
With just a single video clip, students can create results once achievable only by professional studios — making Flow Studio an ideal learning tool for filmmaking, digital media, game design, advertising, and content creation programs.
Autodesk continues to support learners through:
From classrooms to makerspaces to production studios, Autodesk is helping students everywhere gain the technical, creative, and AI-driven skills needed for the future of work.
As AI transforms every aspect of how we design, build, and create, Autodesk remains committed to empowering every student — whether they aim to become an architect, engineer, artist, or digital storyteller — with the tools to design and make anything.
