If you’re considering whether to invest in the Maya Student Edition then you’re no doubt wondering what in the heck is the difference between the Maya student version vs the professional version.

I mean, is the student version a cut down version?

Does it render with a horrible watermark like the old Maya PLE used to?

Is it the Complete version or the Unlimited version with all the bells and whistles?

How Are They Similar?

Well, the Maya Student Version is a fully functional version of Maya Unlimited…meaning that you can do all the funky advanced stuff, like:

Maya Hair,
Maya Fur,
Maya Fluid Effects,
Maya nCloth,
Maya nParticles,
Maya Live

This is really great for student projects as you’re able to properly showcase your talents and get proficient at these modules, which will go a long way in helping you to secure a VFX or animation job after graduation.

There’s also no watermark on the Maya Student Version.

How Are They Different?

The major difference between the Maya Student Version and the Professional Edition is that you obviously are NOT allowed to use the student version to make money or participate in any commercial endevour.

Since the student edition comes at a significant discount (see here), this makes sense.

The licensing is the other big difference…

The Maya Student Version has two licensing options:

- A 13 month option – $150
- A Perpetual option (no expiry) – $350

Where as the Professional Edition just has the one – (around $5,000)

Now, if you can afford the perpetual option it obviously makes financial sense to take that instead of the 13 month one…but I know that some folks only need it for a few months or during their final year at College or University so in those cases the 13 month option can be best.

It all depends on your personal preference.

Obviously, if you decide to buy the Maya Student Version then you’ll need to provide all the necessary documentation and evidence to prove that you are currently a student or academic who is eligible for the Maya Student discount.

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Filed under: student-discounts

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