SOLIDWORKS Education Edition
Powerful, engaging, hands-on software to understand and develop designs for the real world, specifically designed for educational institutions and classroom learning environments.
What is SOLIDWORKS Education Edition?
SOLIDWORKS Education Edition is a CAD software package built specifically for teaching and learning in classrooms and labs at qualified educational institutions. It gives students and educators access to the same design tools used in real engineering and manufacturing roles, without the licensing or setup complexity of commercial software.
With Education Edition, you get:
- Full 3D design and modeling tools used in industry
- Built-in curriculum materials and lesson plans for instructors
- Structured exercises that walk students through real-world design problems
- A learning environment designed for teaching, not commercial production
Unlike commercial or research licenses, Education Edition is purpose-built for academic instruction. It focuses on helping educators teach modern design principles clearly, while giving students hands-on experience with tools they are likely to encounter in professional engineering and design careers.
SOLIDWORKS Education Edition Applications
Classroom Instruction and Laboratory Learning
Provide students with hands-on experience using industry-standard CAD software in structured classroom and laboratory environments, enabling them to develop practical skills that directly translate to professional engineering and design careers.
Student Project Development and Capstone Programs
Support student projects, capstone programs, and design competitions where the work is non-proprietary, does not create or transfer intellectual property, and results become part of the public domain, fostering innovation and creative problem-solving skills.
Curriculum Development and Course Preparation
Enable qualified instructors to develop comprehensive design curricula, prepare engaging course materials, and create structured learning experiences that effectively teach modern CAD principles and design methodologies.
Skills Development and Career Preparation
Prepare students for successful careers in engineering and design by providing experience with the same professional software tools they will encounter in industry, ensuring smooth transition from academic to professional environments.
SOLIDWORKS Education Edition Features & Benefits
SOLIDWORKS Education Edition empowers educators with comprehensive tools and resources to effectively teach modern design principles while providing students with industry-relevant skills and experience. This complete educational solution combines powerful software capabilities with structured curriculum resources, creating an engaging learning environment that prepares students for successful careers in engineering and design.
Complete CAD Teaching Tool
Access a comprehensive suite of 3D design tools specifically configured for educational environments, providing students with hands-on experience using the same professional software employed by leading manufacturers worldwide. The integrated interface combines powerful modeling capabilities with educational-specific features that make complex design concepts accessible to students at all skill levels.
Integrated Curriculum and Lesson Plans
Benefit from professionally developed curriculum materials, structured lesson plans, and educational resources that make design development easy to learn and teach. These comprehensive materials provide educators with ready-to-use content that can be customized to meet specific course objectives and learning outcomes, reducing preparation time while ensuring effective knowledge transfer.
Student-Friendly Learning Environment
Engage students with intuitive software interfaces and guided learning experiences that build confidence and competency in modern design principles. The educational environment provides appropriate scaffolding and support structures that enable students to progress from basic concepts to advanced design challenges at their own pace.
Industry-Standard Skills Development
Prepare students for successful careers by providing experience with the same professional tools and workflows used throughout the engineering and manufacturing industries. This direct exposure to industry-standard software ensures that graduates possess immediately applicable skills that employers value and seek.
Collaborative Learning Capabilities
Support collaborative learning environments where students can work together on design projects, share ideas, and learn from each other’s approaches to problem-solving. The software’s collaboration features enable effective teamwork and communication skills development that are essential for professional success.
Academic Certifications
SOLIDWORKS Academic Certification is an integral part of the education program and enables students and educators to demonstrate their expertise with SOLIDWORKS modeling and design concepts. Students may take these exams for free if their school is a SOLIDWORKS Academic Certification Provider and on subscription.
SOLIDWORKS Education Edition Frequently Asked Questions
Who qualifies for SOLIDWORKS Education Edition?
SOLIDWORKS Education Edition is available to accredited schools, colleges, universities, and other recognized educational institutions.
Can SOLIDWORKS Education Edition be used for research projects?
No, SOLIDWORKS Education Edition is strictly limited to educational purposes and cannot be used for research purposes, commercial activities, or curriculum development by commercial curriculum developers. Research activities require SOLIDWORKS Research License [link to research product page] which provides appropriate permissions and capabilities for research applications.
What's the difference between Education Edition and Student Edition?
Education Edition is designed for institutional use in classroom and laboratory instruction, while Student Edition is specifically for individual students to complete assigned course work.
Can students take their Education Edition software with them after graduation?
No, Education Edition licenses are institutional and cannot be transferred to individual students upon graduation. Students who need SOLIDWORKS software after graduation must obtain appropriate commercial or student licenses based on their post-graduation activities and employment status.
Related Resources
Blogs & Articles
Explore information on educational licenses and tools tailored for students, educators, and academic institutions—covering special low-cost license types, install guides, and links to student downloads and instructor resources. SOLIDWORKS Education equips learners with industry-standard CAD, simulation, and design skills used in real-world engineering workflows. Empower learning with SOLIDWORKS—access educational resources now!