Your Mac. Your apps.
Your advantage.
Run Windows-only class software like SOLIDWORKS, Revit, and Power BI right on your Mac with Parallels Desktop Pro Edition—and save % when you verify your education status.
Parallels Desktop: Your classroom companion
Parallels Desktop removes the barriers between Mac and Windows operating systems so you can focus on what matters most: Learning, creating, and teaching.
One education offer for every learner
Whether you’re a student completing coursework, a professor managing labs,
or a parent setting up a Mac for studying, Parallels Desktop makes it simple.
Get Parallels Desktop Pro Edition for 50% off when you verify your academic status. One plan, one price, no surprises.
Find the right fit for your academic needs
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Maximum virtual RAM and CPUs
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8 GB vRAM, 4 vCPUs |
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Supports latest versions of macOS, Windows, and Linux
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Subscription only |
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Authorized by Microsoft and SOC 2-certified
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3D acceleration—DirectX and OpenGL
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Run thousands of Windows apps on your Mac
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| Most Popular | |
| Pro All the Standard features PLUS: |
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| Best for Power users and developers | |
| Core components |
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Maximum virtual RAM and CPUs
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128 GB vRAM, 32 vCPUs |
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Supports latest versions of macOS, Windows, and Linux
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Run Windows apps with intensive graphics and processing needs
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Command line interface
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Built-in developer tools
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Disk cleanup and memory cleaner
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System and performance monitoring
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Multimedia download and conversion
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Productivity and privacy boosters
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Screen capture and recording
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Parallels Desktop for Education: FAQs
For students
Parallels Desktop is professional-grade software that lets you run Windows-only apps like SOLIDWORKS, ArcGIS, Power BI, and Revit directly on your Mac.
When you sign up for Parallels Desktop through an education plan, you get the full Pro Edition experience at 50% off, with no hidden costs or limited features.
Both run Windows on your Mac, but Pro Edition is built for performance. It allows higher resource use and availability, making it ideal for design, data, and engineering programs that require more power and flexibility.
Macs are incredibly capable. They're flexible, fast, and powerful enough for most coursework.
But some classes require software that's only available on Windows. Parallels Desktop bridges that gap, so you can use your Mac, run Windows at the same time, and use every program your courses require.
Once you verify your academic status, you'll automatically receive 50% off at checkout.
Your discount renews each year as long as you remain eligible—no need to reapply every semester.
Yes. Parallels Desktop is optimized for M1, M2, and M3 Macs and runs seamlessly with the latest macOS versions, including macOS 26 Tahoe.
Yes. You'll need a valid Windows license to install Windows in Parallels Desktop. You can use your school's license if available or purchase one from Microsoft.
For educators
Yes. The same education offer applies to teachers, professors, and school staff. Once verified, your discount renews annually—no need to reapply.
Yes. Many universities and schools use Parallels Desktop for shared devices and labs. Educators can request multiple seats or academic licenses through their Parallels Desktop dashboard.
Parallels Desktop Pro Edition supports advanced configurations, so it's great for running multiple virtual machines, managing coursework apps, or demonstrating technical tools in class.
For parents
Macs handle most schoolwork beautifully, but many courses still rely on Windows-only apps.
Parallels Desktop lets your student use those programs right on their Mac, saving the cost and space of a second computer.
Some schools use specialized software that's only available for Windows, like Revit, ArcGIS, or Power BI.
Parallels Desktop gives those programs a Windows environment to run in on your student's Mac, so students can stay in the Apple ecosystem they know and love.
No. Once verified, your student saves 50% every year as long as they remain eligible.
Their account will renew automatically, and they'll receive reminders as needed.
Yes. We provide setup guides and resources to make installation simple and stress-free.
Still have questions? Learn more about verification
How to claim your 50% education discount
Grab your ID and sign up for a student discount (it only takes 5 minutes) to ensure that you and your Mac are optimized for educational wins. The 50% off educational discount is available to current and newly accepted students, as well as faculty and staff at colleges, universities, and other academic institutions.
Enjoy powerful virtualization software at a price that fits into your student budget—don't miss out on this exclusive offer to improve your academic performance with Parallels Desktop.
- Launch Windows apps and run multiple OSs on the same Mac.
- No restarts. No extra devices. Just exceptional performance.
- Use 200,000+ Windows apps side-by-side with macOS apps.