How does a student get a DreamSpark account for free software and Azure?

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DreamSpark-2_bLDreamSpark gives students access to free software, free Azure cloud services, and free store accounts for publishing apps, but how do you get it? This post provides step by step instructions on how to request a DreamSpark account.

DreamSpark (https://www.dreamspark.com/) is a program that provides students with free Microsoft software, the ability to try Azure cloud services without entering a credit card, and a store account. Chances are your school is already signed up for DreamSpark and all you need to do is create your own account to start reaping the benefits. But even if your school isn't signed up, if you are a student you can still get it. Here's how!

Wondering what you can do with your DreamSpark and Azure after you sign up?… how about creating an online resume?

To create your DreamSpark account go here and select Create Account

DreamSparkCreateAccount

You will be prompted to sign in with a Microsoft account (hotmail.com, live.com, outlook.com) if you don't have a Microsoft account you can create one here. You can use an existing email address for your Microsoft account.

You will now see a screen where you specify your name, date of birth, preferred email, most of this is pre-populated based on the settings in your Microsoft account. Consider selecting the checkbox so Microsoft can let you know about programs and offers in your area. After you have completed all the required fields select continue to verify.

DreamSparkAccountInfo

Now, DreamSpark wants to verify that you are in fact a student. There are five different ways to do this, pick the one that works for you!

1. I have a school email account – If your school has a DreamSpark subscription, you can just provide your school email address to get verified

DreamSparkEnterSchoolEmail

2. Get verified through my school account– If your school has a DreamSpark subscription, but validates DreamSpark through school accounts rather than email addresses you can select this option. Most schools in Canada do not use this authentication method, so if you don't see your school listed it doesn't necessarily mean your school does not offer DreamSpark to its students! It just means they have chosen another method for authentication, you may want to try the email address option instead. If you choose the school account you have to search for your school in the list.

DreamSparkSelectSchool

3. I have an International Student Identity Card – This is not your university or college student ID card. this is the international student card (you can apply for one here) if you pick this option you can type in your ISIC serial number or the ISIC/CIP number or your ISIC/NUS card number to prove you are a student.

DreamSparkISICCard

4. I have a verification code – this option requires you to enter a verification code. But where do you get a verification code? You need to reach out to a Microsoft representative or possibly a school administrator. Attending a Microsoft hackathon or workshop is a great place to meet someone and find out how you can get a verification code. Entering a code will give you access to DreamSpark resources for one year. If you are a teacher, you can also reach out to a Microsoft representative to get verification codes for your students if your school does not have a DreamSpark subscription. You may also want to check out some of the material that helps you teach coding at aka.ms/learn2code

DreamSparkVerificationCode

5. I can supply documentation – if none of the above options works, choose this option. You can provide a scanned copy of your school ID card, a current report card, or acceptance letter to a university or college as proof that you are a student to get validated. When you use this method to verify your student status, keep in mind this require a manual verification of your documentation so it may take a week until you receive confirmation and your DreamSpark account is ready to use.

DreamSparkDocumentation

Once you have created and verified your account, you can now download software, get a code that allows you to publish apps to the Windows store for free and get free cloud services on Azure including website hosting!

If you have any problems with your DreamSpark account contact DreamSpark support, if you have trouble activating your Azure benefit on the DreamSpark account contact Azure support.

What are you waiting for get your DreamSpark account today!