What you get with an Economist student subscription

An Economist student subscription gives you access to The Economist's website, app, and print edition at a reduced rate compared to the standard subscription price. The exact price and what's included varies by country and changes periodically, so you'll need to check The Economist's website directly for current rates in your region.

The subscription includes full access to all articles published on The Economist's website and mobile app, plus the weekly print magazine delivered to your address if you choose that option. You can read on any device — phone, tablet, or computer — and read articles to read offline. The subscription also includes access to The Economist's audio edition and their daily briefing newsletter.

Student subscriptions typically require proof that you're currently enrolled at a college, university, or secondary school. The verification process usually happens during signup, and you may need to provide a student ID number, a school email address, or a photo of your student ID card.

Key Takeaways

  • Student subscriptions cost less than regular subscriptions and include full access to The Economist's website, app, print edition, and audio content.
  • You'll need to prove you're a current student by providing a student ID, school email, or photo of your student card during signup.
  • The subscription works across multiple devices and lets you read articles to read offline.
  • Pricing and what's included varies by country, so check The Economist's website for rates where you live.

How to sign up for a student subscription

Go to The Economist's website and look for the student subscription option, usually found in their subscription pricing section. Click on the student plan and enter your email address to create an account. You'll be asked to verify your student status before your subscription becomes active.

During verification, you'll typically choose one of these methods: enter a valid school email address (one that ends in .edu or your school's domain), provide your student ID number, or upload a photo of your student ID card. The verification usually happens automatically if you use a school email address. If you upload a photo or provide an ID number, it may take a few business days for The Economist to confirm your status.

Once verified, you can log in when ready and start reading. If you chose the print edition as part of your subscription, delivery typically begins within one to two weeks depending on your location.

What happens when your student status expires

Your student subscription is only valid while you're enrolled as a student. When you graduate or leave school, your subscription will end on the date your student status expires. The Economist will send you a notice before this happens, usually a few weeks in advance.

After your student subscription ends, you have the option to convert to a regular paid subscription at the full price. The Economist typically offers a discount on the conversion to make the transition easier, though the exact offer varies. You can also let the subscription lapse and restart it later if you return to school.

Pausing or canceling your subscription

You can pause or cancel your subscription at any time through your account settings on The Economist's website. Log in, go to your subscription or account settings, and look for the option to manage your subscription. From there you can pause for a set period or cancel entirely.

If you cancel, you'll lose access to the website, app, and other content when ready. If you pause, your subscription will resume on the date you set. There's typically no penalty for pausing or canceling a student subscription, though you won't receive a refund for the time remaining if you cancel mid-billing cycle.

Using your subscription across devices

Your Economist subscription works on any device where you log in with your account. You can read on your phone, tablet, laptop, or desktop computer simultaneously — there's no limit to the number of devices you can use, though you may only be able to read on one device at a time depending on your subscription terms.

read The Economist app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, then log in with your subscription email and password. On the website, straightforward log in at economist.com. Your reading history, saved articles, and preferences sync across devices, so you can start reading on one device and pick up where you left off on another.

Troubleshooting common issues

If you can't log in, first check that you're using the correct email address and password. If you've forgotten your password, use the "Forgot password" link on the login page to reset it. You'll receive an email with instructions to create a new password.

If your student status won't verify, make sure you're using a current school email address or that your student ID number is entered exactly as it appears on your ID card. If you've recently changed schools or your email address changed, contact The Economist's customer service to update your account. If you're having trouble accessing articles or the app is crashing, try logging out and back in, or uninstalling and reinstalling the app.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I share my student subscription with roommates or family?

No. Your subscription is for your personal use only, and sharing login credentials violates The Economist's terms of service. Each person who wants access needs their own subscription. However, if someone in your household is also a student, they can sign up for their own student subscription at the reduced rate.

What if I take a semester off but plan to return to school?

Your subscription will end when your student status expires. When you return to school and re-enroll, you can sign up for a new student subscription by verifying your current student status. You won't be able to keep the old subscription active during the gap.

Does the student subscription include The Economist's special reports and guides?

Yes. Your subscription includes access to all of The Economist's regular content, special reports, and guides published on their website and in the print edition. Some older archives may have limited access depending on your subscription terms.

Can I get a refund if I cancel mid-month?

Refund policies vary by country and how you're billed. Most subscriptions are non-refundable once the billing period has started, but you can pause your subscription instead of canceling if you want to preserve your access for later. Contact The Economist's customer service for details about your specific situation.

What's the difference between the student subscription and the regular subscription?

The main difference is price — student subscriptions cost significantly less. The content you receive is the same: full access to the website, app, print edition, and audio. The only restriction is that you must be a current student to maintain the subscription.