Autodesk Gives Away $25m in Free 3D Modeling Software to Students in Australia & New Zealand

Students at secondary schools and colleges in Australia and New Zealand will now be able to freely use Autodesk’s suite of software in classrooms. The development comes as part of Autodesk’s software for institutions program, which grants access to Autodesk programs to schools in select areas.

Teachers in schools that choose to use the software won’t be left out. They will be able to learn how to use Autodesk’s programs through the company’s Design the Future program, which not only gives instructors software training, but also provides them with lesson plans that integrate Autodesk software and apps.

The company’s promise is worth an estimated $25 million. While their free software program isn’t specific to Australia and New Zealand—institutions of higher learning around the globe can sign up to get free access to the company’s software and apps— the announcement is significant because many students in these countries already use the software.

One school already using Autodesk software is The King David School, a secondary school in Melbourne.

“We’ve recently expanded the use of Autodesk software in our Physics curriculum by having students design, 3D print and present a space-based observatory as part of their study in multi-wavelength astronomy. These hands-on learning activities, made possible by partnerships with industry, not only prepare them for the demands of STEAM-based courses, but also provide students with important skills valued by prospective employers,” said Milorad Cerovac, science and technology educator at King David School.

The University of Technology Sydney also already incorporates Autodesk software into one of its educational programs. The post-secondary school uses Autodesk software in its Bachelor of Construction Project Management program.

“In addition to working through traditional applications of the software, such as scheduling and clash detection, students are able to render their designs as immersive, photorealistic, 3D environments. This allows for more detailed critique, and enhancing learning. Working with Autodesk has also transformed the way we teach cost management and construction technologies, enabling students to think seamlessly in three, four, and five dimensions,” said Heather MacDonald, associate professor & head of the School of Built Environment, Faculty of Design Architecture and Building, University of Technology Sydney.

Autodesk’s offering of its software and apps for free, takes strain off of budgets and eliminates the hurdle of access, thereby equipping more educators  to prepare students in Australia and New Zealand for careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics.

“Today’s students will shape tomorrow’s industries. With free access to Autodesk software, schools can expose students to the technological advancements that are revolutionising the professional world — from cloud and mobile technologies to 3D printing. This will help to equip and inspire the next generation of creative leaders and innovators in Australia,” said Brenton Wyett, manager of Education programs at Autodesk.

To request access to Autodesk software for your school, visit www.autodesk.com/academic. If you have been the recipient of this software in your classroom, either as a teacher or student, we would love to hear from you in the Autodesk for Education forum thread on 3DPB.com.