Claim flow: download any Creator Studio app from the App Store → See All Plans → choose an Education plan → verify via SheerID → 1-month free trial starts (3 months if you recently bought a Mac or iPad).

Re-verify student status once a year — skip it and the plan renews at full price ($12.99/mo).

Cancel and your projects stay on your device, but Final Cut/Logic/Pixelmator won't open them until you resubscribe or buy the app one-time. AI features cap monthly (~50 image gens, 50 decks).