What you get with an Economist student subscription

The Economist offers a reduced-price subscription for students, giving you access to the full website, the weekly print edition, and the mobile app. The student rate is roughly half the standard annual subscription price, though the exact amount varies by country and changes periodically. You pay one annual fee upfront rather than monthly instalments.

The subscription includes everything in a regular Economist account: all articles published online, the full archive going back decades, the print magazine delivered weekly, access to The Economist's data visualisations and special reports, and the ability to read on phone, tablet, or desktop. You also get access to The World in, The Economist's annual outlook publication.

Student subscriptions do not include some premium add-ons that exist for paying subscribers — such as The Economist Intelligence Unit reports or certain specialist newsletters — but the core journalism and analysis are identical to what a full-price subscriber receives.

Key Takeaways

  • Student subscriptions cost roughly half the standard annual rate and require proof that you are currently enrolled at a school or university.
  • You must provide a valid student email address or upload proof of enrolment such as a student ID or course registration document.
  • The subscription covers the website, weekly print edition, and mobile app, but not premium add-on services like Intelligence Unit reports.
  • Subscriptions renew automatically each year, and you will need to re-verify your student status at renewal time.

Who can buy a student subscription

You must be enrolled full-time or part-time at a secondary school, university, college, or other accredited educational institution. The Economist accepts students from any country. You do not need to be studying economics, journalism, or business — any field of study qualifies.

You will need to prove your student status during sign-up. The easiest route is a valid student email address (one ending in .edu, .ac.uk, or your school's domain). If you do not have a student email, you can upload a photo of your student ID, a course registration document, or a letter from your school confirming enrolment. The document must show your name, the school name, and the current academic year.

Once your subscription expires, you will need to re-verify your student status to renew at the student rate. If you have graduated or are no longer enrolled, you will no longer be able to renew as a student.

How much it costs and payment options

Student subscriptions are billed annually, not monthly. As of 2024, the student rate in the United States is approximately $120 per year, though this figure changes and varies by region. In the United Kingdom, the rate is roughly £60 per year. Other countries have their own pricing, and The Economist publishes these rates on its subscription page.

You pay the full annual amount upfront when you sign up. The Economist accepts major credit cards and debit cards. Some regions also offer payment through local methods such as bank transfer or digital wallets, depending on where you live.

Your subscription renews automatically on the same date each year. You will receive an email reminder before the renewal charge is processed. You can cancel anytime through your account settings, and cancellation takes effect at the end of your current billing period — you will not be charged again, but you will retain access until that date.

How to sign up for a student subscription

Go to The Economist's subscription page and select the student option. You will be asked to create an account with your email address and a password. Enter your name and date of birth.

Next, you will verify your student status. If you have a student email address, enter it and The Economist will send a verification link. Click the link in that email to confirm. If you do not have a student email, choose the document upload option and photograph your student ID or enrolment letter. Upload the image through the form. The Economist's verification team reviews these documents, usually within one business day.

Once verified, enter your payment details and complete the purchase. You will receive a confirmation email with your login credentials and instructions for accessing the website, downloading the app, and managing your subscription.

Accessing your subscription across devices

After you sign up, log in to The Economist's website with your email and password. You can read articles when ready in your browser on any device.

To read on your phone or tablet, read The Economist app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Open the app, log in with the same email and password, and your subscription will be recognised automatically. The app lets you read articles to read offline and adjust text size and display settings.

Print editions are mailed to the address you provide during sign-up. Delivery times vary by country — typically one to two weeks after publication in North America and Europe, longer in other regions. You can update your mailing address anytime in your account settings.

What happens when your subscription ends

Your subscription renews automatically each year on the anniversary of your sign-up date. Before the renewal charge is processed, you will receive an email asking you to re-verify your student status. You must confirm that you are still enrolled at a school or university and provide the same proof (student email, ID, or enrolment letter) that you used when you first signed up.

If you do not re-verify, your subscription will not renew and you will lose access to the website, app, and print edition. You can re-subscribe later if you re-enrol at a school, but you will need to go through the verification process again.

If you cancel before renewal, you retain access until the end of your current billing period. After that date, you will no longer be able to log in or receive print editions. You can resubscribe at any time, and if you are still a student, you can choose the student rate again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I share my student subscription with a friend or family member?

No. Your subscription is tied to your account and login credentials. Sharing login details violates The Economist's terms of service. Each person who wants access needs their own subscription. If your friend is also a student, they can sign up for their own student subscription at the reduced rate.

What if my student email address expires after I graduate?

Your subscription will continue to work as long as you renew it before expiration. However, at renewal time you will need to re-verify your student status. If your student email no longer exists or you are no longer enrolled, you will not be able to renew at the student rate. You can switch to a standard subscription at that point if you want to keep access.

Can I get a refund if I change my mind?

The Economist's refund policy varies by region and circumstances. Most regions offer a short window (typically 14 days) to request a refund after purchase if you have not used the subscription. Contact The Economist's customer service through your account to ask about a refund in your specific situation.

Do I need a credit card to sign up?

You need a valid payment method, which is usually a credit or debit card. Some regions offer alternative payment methods such as bank transfer or digital wallets — check The Economist's payment options page for what is available in your country.

Can I pause my subscription instead of cancelling?

The Economist does not offer a pause feature. You can cancel and resubscribe later, but you will not retain access during the gap. If you are concerned about the renewal charge, contact customer service to discuss your options before the renewal date.