Microsoft teaches schools that free email was just a phase

Microsoft is ending several free education licensing schemes, including Office 365 A1, which provides eligible schools and universities with web-based Office apps, Teams and email. The changes could leave institutions facing new costs to keep student mailboxes and other services, prompting concerns about affordability and fair treatment across the education sector.

The retirements generally apply at an institution’s first renewal or extension on or after 1 January 2028; existing agreements remain valid until their current terms end. Microsoft 365 Education A0, the proposed free replacement, excludes Exchange Online, SharePoint Online and Teams, and has eligibility conditions tied to paid faculty licences and students’ use of Windows devices. Microsoft is also ending free alumni email and the Student Use Benefit, while offering paid alumni replacements and a new A7 package with AI, security and management features.