Individual Download Through the Software Vendor On the other hand, many companies have started to offer their free student software versions directly through their own websites. These student licenses are usually for academic, non-commercial use only. This is to confirm your student status and eligibility for the software as well as to receive any license code or key needed to authenticate the download. These software agreements usually involve a limited-term license (such as per year or per semester) and require registration through your school’s academic IT service department. This is often purchased and downloaded, or downloaded for free with a license key, through your school’s campus IT services or a campus-operated online storefront. Academic Institution Software Licenses Along with the licensing agreements universities already require in order to offer software on the machines on campus or in computer labs, many institutions arrange an additional central licensing agreement that allows students and faculty to download software to their personal machines.