Autodesk’s Maya 3D software has long been a staple tool for producing the highest level of visual effects and animation for Oscar-winning movies, television shows, and video games.

Students looking to secure a commercial job after graduation these days generally need to show some familiarity with this software…ideally the more the merrier, as most businesses these days use Maya as their main software package, and many have it deeply integrated. in its own proprietary pipelines and tools, which means that the situation is unlikely to change in the foreseeable future.

Students who take advantage of the current opportunity to purchase a copy of Maya Student Edition do well as they can improve their skills on the full unlimited version of the software, and do so at a deep discount (the student edition usually it sells for around $350).

However, several students are wondering if they also qualify for a discount later on if they want to upgrade to a full commercial edition of Maya software. Jumping from graduation to commercial work can be challenging, so any way to ease the expense of setting up as a freelancer is more than welcome… but can it really be done?

Upgrade Maya Student Edition to commercial license?

Yes, you’ll be pleased to know that there is a program available where current owners of a Maya student license can upgrade to the full commercial license at a massive discount of around 60%…in other words, a full commercial license The Maya license would normally cost around $3,900, but student license holders can upgrade their current license to a full commercial one for just $1,300.

This is huge and can be a real lifesaver for people who want to go it alone and start their own freelance business but are wary of the huge costs involved.

In fact, if you’re smart about it and don’t mind a little negotiation, the license could even be purchased with a down payment from your first customer before you start working on your project.

Such a big discount on the commercial student upgrade is a great incentive for students, especially in these economic times, and also makes buying the Maya student edition a sensible option in the first place, as you have access to these kinds of discounted upgrades. .