Higher education students worldwide can now access over $500 million in free cloud computing and artificial intelligence resources through a newly launched Amazon Web Services initiative.
The cloud provider has introduced Student Rewards on AWS Builder Center, a global program designed to give verified university students free hands-on tools, cloud credits, and certification pathways to help launch their technical careers.
Under the new program, eligible university students aged 18 and older receive up to $579 in total value upon verifying their student status and actively participating in the online developer community. The baseline package includes a full year of premium access to AWS Skill Builder, unlocking more than 900 courses, interactive labs, exam prep materials, and game-based learning modules.
As students publish technical articles, participate in community discussions, and earn platform badges on the AWS Builder Center, they unlock additional tier-based incentives:
- 12-month premium Skill Builder subscription: Valued at $449, granted immediately upon verification and profile setup.
- AWS Cloud Credits: Up to $30 in promotional credits to build and deploy live cloud projects.
- AWS Certification Voucher: A $100 voucher for an AWS Foundational exam to validate technical skills.
The initiative expands on AWS Builder Center’s general developer network, which offers open access to introductory workshops, project showcase features, and global topic-based discussion spaces without requiring student verification.
Local academic partnerships and peer networks are already driving participation in participating regions, including the Philippines. At the University of Batangas, senior Information Systems student Matthew Vann Erich Delgado founded an AWS Student Builder Group after discovering cloud computing during his freshman year. His university incorporates AWS Academy resources directly into its technology curriculum.
“AWS Student Rewards gives us more opportunities to strengthen our cloud skills through hands-on learning and prepare for future certification exams. Having access to these resources motivates us to keep learning, build more, and take the next step in our cloud journey,” said Delgado.
Students can complete the verification process in five minutes:
- Verify status: Sign in to the AWS Builder Center and complete identity verification via SheerID.
- Complete profile: Upload a profile picture and fill out the bio section to activate the 12-month Skill Builder subscription.
- Engage and earn: Write posts, leave constructive comments, and collect badges to unlock cloud credits and exam vouchers.
The program also connects participants with AWS Student Builder Groups (formerly AWS Cloud Clubs), student-run organizations operating across higher education campuses in more than 60 countries. In the Philippines, active student groups form part of a broader network of over 30,000 community members spanning major metropolitan hubs, including Manila, Bacolod, Baguio, Cebu, and Davao.
Get started: Join AWS Builder Center and verify for Student Rewards.
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