Apple Watch Gets Education Discounts in Australia, Japan, and More

Apple has added the Apple Watch to its Education Store in several countries, allowing students and teachers to buy the wearable at a discount for the first time. This expansion includes markets like Australia, China, and Japan, as reported by MacRumors and 9to5Mac.

The Education Store is a special section on Apple’s website. Verified students, teachers, and school staff can purchase Apple products at reduced prices. Think of it as a student discount program, but Apple manages it directly instead of a retailer. Until now, the store mainly offered Macs, iPads, and accessories — the Apple Watch hasn’t been part of that selection in these markets.

What’s Actually Changing

This marks the first time Apple has offered the Watch at education pricing in these regions. Now, international markets align more closely with how Apple handles education deals elsewhere. This move expands access to discounted hardware for the academic community, beyond just computers and tablets.

The models available through the Education Store are expected to include options from the current Apple Watch lineup. However, the exact discount amounts will vary by country. Typically, Apple offers education pricing discounts ranging from 5% to 15% off the standard retail price, depending on the product and region.

Why Apple Is Doing This Now

By adding the Watch to the Education Store, Apple aims to boost its wearable sales among younger consumers. Historically, these customers first gravitate toward iPhones and Macs. Now, students who purchase a Mac through the Education Store can also get an Apple Watch at a lower price, making it an easier choice.

The Apple Watch competes with smartwatches like Samsung’s Galaxy Watch and Google’s Pixel Watch. Capturing customers during their student years — a time when brand loyalties often form — has been a successful strategy for Apple, especially with the Mac. Extending this strategy to the Watch makes perfect sense.

Which Countries Are Included

The rollout includes Australia, China, Japan, and other markets not fully specified at launch. Apple’s Education Store availability differs by country, and not every market where Apple sells products has an education pricing program. The newly added countries are some of Apple’s largest markets outside the U.S., making this expansion significant for its reach.

What This Means

If you’re a student or educator in Australia, China, Japan, or the other newly added countries, you can now visit Apple’s Education Store to buy an Apple Watch at a lower price than in a regular Apple Store or from third-party retailers. You’ll need to verify your academic status, typically through a service called UNiDAYS or direct institutional verification, depending on the country.

Parents shopping for back-to-school items might find this relevant too. Many Education Store programs allow parents purchasing for a student to qualify for the discount, although eligibility rules vary by region. It’s a good idea to check Apple’s local Education Store page to see exactly who qualifies and what documentation is needed.

The actual savings might not seem huge percentage-wise, but when you consider a product priced in the hundreds, even a 10% discount can mean significant savings.

Community Reactions

“Finally. I bought my Watch full price last year because I didn’t know education pricing was ever going to extend to it. Would’ve waited if I knew.”

— Reddit user, r/AppleWatch

“The discount isn’t huge but it’s something. Stacking it with a back-to-school promo could actually make it worthwhile.”

— YouTube comment, 9to5Mac coverage

What To Watch

• U.S. expansion: Apple’s Education Store in the U.S. already has a broader product lineup. It’ll be interesting to see if this international Watch addition signals further changes to education pricing structures globally.
• Back-to-school promotions: Apple usually runs a back-to-school campaign in the summer that bundles gift cards or accessories with Education Store purchases. This season, starting around July, could combine with the new Watch eligibility for a better overall deal.
• Additional countries: Apple hasn’t confirmed whether the Watch education discount will expand to other markets. Customers in regions not yet included should check their local Education Store pages for updates in the coming weeks.