8 Ways to Get Free AWS Credits in 2026

Getting free AWS credits is easier than it may seem when you know where to look. Whether you are a student, a startup founder, or simply exploring cloud computing, there are several ways to reduce your costs. Programs like AWS Activate offer generous credit support, while AWS Educate helps learners get hands on experience. You can also benefit from webinars, community events, and the AWS Free Tier, which lets beginners try services without paying upfront.

In this blog, we will explore proven strategies and practical tips to help you secure free AWS credits, so you can make the most of cloud computing without stretching your budget. You can also explore the Amazon AWS certification path to strengthen your skills and take your learning to the next level.

What are AWS Credits?

AWS credits are essentially a form of currency that AWS provides to customers. They act as a promotional tool, offering financial support to users to encourage them to explore and utilize the vast array of services AWS provides. These credits can be applied towards various AWS services, such as computing resources (like Amazon EC2 instances), storage solutions, databases, analytics tools, and more. This system allows individuals and businesses to test new ideas, launch projects, and scale their infrastructure without incurring upfront costs.

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6 Ways to Get Free AWS Credits

Acquiring AWS credits involves a few different methods, depending on your status and affiliations.

Here are some common ways to buy AWS credits:

Way 1: Earn AWS Credits from AWS Activate (AWS Credits for Startups)

AWS Activate is a program designed to provide startups with the resources they need to succeed in the cloud. This includes access to AWS activate credits, technical support, Cloud Engineer training, and other valuable resources. Startups often face financial constraints, and AWS Activate aims to alleviate some of these challenges by providing credits to eligible startups. 

There are two primary paths to earn AWS free credits through AWS Activate:

1. Earn AWS Credits from AWS Activate Founders

This pathway is designed for early-stage startups that are just beginning their journey. AWS Activate Founders provides startups with credits, technical support, and resources to help them get started on AWS.

Benefits

• AWS Credits: Eligible startups can receive AWS Promotional Credits that can be used to cover the cost of AWS services. These credits help offset some of the expenses associated with cloud infrastructure.
• Technical Support: Startups can access technical support to help them navigate the AWS platform and overcome challenges.
• Training and Resources: Founders can access training resources, including AWS Essentials, to learn how to use AWS services effectively.

Eligibility Criteria

• Must be a new startup with minimal external funding.
• Should not have previously received AWS Promotional Credits through AWS Activate.
• Need to demonstrate a clear use case for AWS services and cloud infrastructure.

2. Earn AWS Credits from AWS Activate Portfolio

This pathway is for startups that have achieved a certain level of growth and traction. AWS Activate Portfolio provides startups with additional resources to scale their business on AWS.

Benefits

• AWS Credits: Eligible startups can receive AWS Promotional Credits to further support their cloud infrastructure needs as they scale.
• Dedicated Technical Support: Startups can access dedicated technical support to address more complex challenges.
• Business Support: Portfolio startups can receive guidance and mentorship on AWS architecture best practices, cost optimization, and more.
• Exclusive Invitations: Opportunities to attend exclusive events and networking sessions with other portfolio startups and AWS experts.

Eligibility Criteria

• Should have already received AWS Promotional Credits through AWS Activate Founders or have met certain growth milestones.
• Need to showcase significant traction and growth potential.
• Demonstrate a strategic and innovative use of AWS services in their business model.

Way 2: Earn AWS Credits from Different Educational and Research Programs by AWS

Amazon Web Services (AWS) provides a range of educational and research programs that offer AWS credits, allowing students, educators, researchers, and startups to access cloud resources for learning, experimentation, and innovation. These programs can significantly reduce the cost of using AWS services, making it easier for individuals and organizations to develop and deploy their projects.

1. Earn AWS Credits from AWS Cloud Credits for Research

The AWS Cloud Credit for Research initiative offers researchers cloud credits to aid their computational requirements across a range of research undertakings. This program enables researchers to access and utilize AWS services and resources to conduct their experiments, simulations, and data analysis efficiently in the cloud environment.

Benefits

• Access to AWS services: Researchers gain access to a wide range of AWS services including computing power, storage, databases, machine learning, analytics, and more.
• Scalability: AWS cloud resources can be easily scaled up or down based on the research requirements, ensuring optimal performance and cost efficiency.
• Collaboration: The cloud environment facilitates collaboration among researchers, allowing them to share data, findings, and resources easily.
• Reduced cost: AWS Cloud Credits for Research program covers a portion of the cloud expenses, reducing the financial burden on research budgets.

Eligibility

Researchers affiliated with accredited academic institutions or nonprofit research organizations are generally eligible for this program. Eligibility criteria may vary, so it's important to review the program guidelines.

Application Process

• Apply: Researchers typically need to submit an application detailing their research project, goals, and cloud resource requirements.
• Review: AWS reviews applications and selects projects based on their potential impact, innovation, and alignment with AWS services.
• Credit Allocation: Once approved, researchers receive AWS credits that can be used to access various cloud services.

2. Earn AWS Credits from AWS EdStart

AWS EdStart is a program designed to help educational technology (EdTech) startups build, launch, and scale their products or services using AWS resources. This program provides startups with technical support, training, and AWS credits to accelerate their growth in the EdTech industry.

Benefits

• AWS Credits: EdTech startups receive AWS credits to cover cloud infrastructure costs, allowing them to focus more on product development and innovation.
• Technical Support: Startups gain access to AWS technical experts who can provide guidance on architecture, best practices, and troubleshooting.
• Training: AWS offers training resources to help startups enhance their technical skills and understand how to make the most of AWS services.
• Networking: EdTech startups can connect with other startups, AWS partners, and potential customers within the AWS ecosystem.

Eligibility

Early-stage EdTech startups that are building innovative solutions for educational institutions are eligible to apply for AWS EdStart. Eligibility criteria may vary by region.

Application Process

• Apply: Startups can apply for the AWS EdStart program through the official website.
• Evaluation: AWS evaluates the applications based on factors such as innovation, market potential, and alignment with education technology.
• Acceptance: Accepted startups receive AWS credits and access to technical support and resources.

3. Earn AWS Credits from AWS Educate

AWS Educate is a global initiative that provides students, educators, and educational institutions with resources to accelerate cloud-related learning and teaching. The program offers AWS credits, training, and content to help individuals develop cloud skills and gain practical experience.

Benefits

• AWS Credits: Students and educators receive AWS educate credits that can be used to access AWS services for learning, experimenting, and building projects.
• Learning Resources: AWS Educate offers a variety of learning materials, labs, and content to enhance cloud computing skills.
• Career Development: The program helps students prepare for careers in cloud computing by providing real-world experience with industry-standard tools.
• Cloud Career Pathways: AWS Educate credits offers guided pathways to different cloud roles such as cloud architect, data analyst, and machine learning scientist.

Eligibility

Students and educators from accredited educational institutions around the world are eligible to join AWS Educate. The program is open to learners of all skill levels.

Application Process

• Sign Up: Students and educators can sign up for AWS Educate on the program's website.
• Verification: AWS may verify the applicant's status as a student or educator.
• Access: Once verified, participants gain access to AWS credits, learning resources, and other program benefits.

Remember that program details and eligibility criteria may change over time, so it's recommended to refer to the official AWS websites for the most up-to-date information on each of these programs.

Way 3: Earn AWS Credits from Nonprofit Organizations through AWS Programs

Amazon Web Services (AWS) provides various opportunities for nonprofit organizations to access AWS cloud services and resources through different programs. These programs are designed to support nonprofits in their mission-driven initiatives by offering credits that can be used to cover AWS service costs. Two prominent programs through which nonprofits can earn AWS credits are the "Nonprofit Credit Program" and the "AWS Imagine Grant."

1. Earn AWS Credits from Nonprofit Credit Program by AWS

The Nonprofit Credit Program is a part of AWS's commitment to supporting organizations that focus on making a positive impact on society. Through this program, eligible nonprofit organizations can receive AWS promotional credits, allowing them to use cloud services for their operations, research, and projects without incurring substantial costs.

Eligibility Criteria

Nonprofits interested in participating in the Nonprofit Credit Program need to meet specific eligibility criteria, which may include:

• Proof of nonprofit status: Organizations must provide evidence of their nonprofit status, such as a 501(c)(3) determination letter (for U.S.-based organizations) or the equivalent in their respective countries.
• Mission alignment: The organization's mission and activities should align with the goals and values of the AWS Nonprofit Credit Program.
• Geographic eligibility: The program's availability might vary based on geographic location.

Benefits

• AWS Promotional Credits: Nonprofits accepted into the program receive a grant of AWS promotional credits. These credits can be used to cover expenses related to AWS cloud services, including compute, storage, databases, analytics, machine learning, and more.
• Technology Access: The program offers access to advanced cloud technologies, enabling nonprofits to scale their operations and projects without significant infrastructure costs.
• Learning Resources: AWS provides technical resources, training, and support to help nonprofits effectively utilize the cloud services.

2. Earn AWS Credits from AWS Imagine Grant

The AWS Imagine Grant is another initiative aimed at supporting nonprofits in their mission to drive social impact. This grant is designed to provide nonprofits with the resources they need to innovate, build scalable solutions, and positively transform communities.

Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility criteria for the AWS Imagine Grant may include:

• Nonprofit Status: Organizations should have a valid nonprofit status, typically proven through official documentation.
• Innovation and Impact: Nonprofits should demonstrate innovative projects that have the potential to create significant and sustainable positive impact on society.

Benefits

• AWS Credits: Recipients of the AWS Imagine Grant receive AWS promotional credits, allowing them to leverage AWS cloud services for their projects and initiatives.
• Technical Support: Nonprofits gain access to AWS technical experts who can assist in architecture design, solution implementation, and other technical aspects.
• Publicity and Exposure: AWS showcases the work of grant recipients, providing visibility and recognition for their impactful projects.

Way 4: Earn AWS Credits by creating an AWS Free Tier Account

Amazon Web Services (AWS) offers a Free Tier that allows users to explore and utilize a limited amount of AWS services without incurring charges. As a part of this offering, you can actually earn AWS credits by signing up for a Free Tier account and utilizing certain services.

Here's how you can do it:

• Sign Up for AWS Free Tier Account: To start, visit the AWS website and sign up for an AWS Free Tier account. You'll need to provide your email address, create a password, and enter some basic information.
• Explore Free Tier Services: The AWS Free Tier includes a selection of services that you can use at no cost, up to specific usage limits. Some of these services might include Amazon EC2 (Elastic Compute Cloud), Amazon S3 (Simple Storage Service), AWS Lambda, and more.
• Utilize Services within Limits: While using these services, make sure to stay within the usage limits defined by the Free Tier. This means keeping an eye on the allocated resources, data transfer, and other usage metrics for each service.
• Earn AWS Credits: As you use the Free Tier services, AWS may periodically offer promotional credits for your usage. These credits can be used to pay for additional AWS services beyond the Free Tier limits.
• Keep Updated on Offers: AWS often introduces promotions and offers that provide additional credits for specific activities. It's important to stay updated with AWS announcements, newsletters, and promotions to make the most of these opportunities.

Way 5: Earn AWS Credits by Attending Webinars and Events on AWS

AWS frequently hosts webinars, workshops, and events designed to educate users about its services, technologies, and best practices. Attending these events can not only enhance your knowledge but also provide you with opportunities to earn AWS credits. 

Here's how it works:

• Explore AWS Events: Visit the AWS Events page to discover upcoming webinars, workshops, seminars, and conferences that are relevant to your interests and goals.
• Register and Attend: Register for the events that interest you and attend them. These events often cover a wide range of topics, from beginner-level introductions to advanced technical deep dives.
• Participate and Engage: Engage actively during the events by asking questions, participating in discussions, and taking part in any interactive activities that are offered.
• Earn AWS Credits: Some AWS events offer attendees the chance to earn AWS credits as incentives for participating. These credits can be added to your AWS account and used to cover various AWS services.
• Stay Connected: After the event, consider joining relevant AWS communities, forums, and social media groups to stay updated on future events and opportunities to earn credits.

Way 6: Earn AWS Credits by Publishing an Alexa Skill

If you're interested in voice technology and want to experiment with creating Alexa skills, AWS provides a way for you to earn credits by publishing skills on the Alexa platform:

• Create an Alexa Developer Account: Sign up for an Alexa Developer account on the Amazon Developer portal.
• Design and Develop a Skill: Create an Alexa skill using the Alexa Skills Kit (ASK) and follow the guidelines provided by Amazon. Skills can range from simple voice interactions to more complex applications.
• Test Your Skill: Test your skill thoroughly to ensure it functions as intended and provides a good user experience.
• Publish Your Skill: Once your skill is ready, submit it for certification and approval. Amazon will review your skill to ensure it meets the necessary criteria.
• Earn AWS Credits: Amazon occasionally offers promotional credits to developers who publish skills and meet certain criteria. These credits can be used to cover AWS services.
• Continuously Improve: Receive user feedback and iterate on your skill to make it better. Amazon rewards developers who maintain high-quality skills with potential credit incentives.

Way 7: AWS Credits for Students

Amazon Web Services (AWS) recognizes the importance of education and provides students with opportunities to gain hands-on experience with cloud computing through AWS Educate. This program offers students access to AWS services, training, and resources, including AWS credits to support their learning journey. 

Here's an overview of AWS student credit :

• AWS Educate Program: AWS Educate is a program designed to introduce students to cloud computing concepts and technologies. It offers a variety of resources, such as online courses, labs, and access to AWS services.
• AWS student credit: As part of the AWS Educate program, students can receive AWS credits to explore and experiment with AWS services. These credits are designed to provide students with real-world experience using cloud resources.
• Eligibility Criteria: The AWS Educate program is available to students at accredited institutions around the world. Eligibility requirements may vary based on your region and educational institution.
• Getting Started: To access AWS credits through AWS Educate, students need to create an AWS Educate account. This account grants access to the AWS Console and provides a platform to redeem and manage the AWS credits.
• Using AWS Credits: Once students have AWS credits in their AWS Educate account, they can use them to launch virtual servers, store data, experiment with machine learning models, and much more. This hands-on experience helps students build practical skills in cloud computing.
• Learning Opportunities: AWS Educate offers a range of learning pathways and resources that align with different skill levels and career interests. Students can explore topics such as cloud architecture, security, data analytics, and DevOps.
• Certification Preparation: Students can leverage the AWS credits to prepare for AWS certifications, which are recognized by the industry and can enhance their career prospects.

Way 8: Startup India AWS Credits

"Startup India" is a flagship initiative by the Government of India aimed at fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in the country. As part of this initiative, startups registered under the Startup India program can benefit from AWS startup credits to accelerate their growth and innovation. 

Here's an overview of AWS startup credits

• Support for Startups: AWS collaborates with the Startup India initiative to provide cloud computing resources to eligible startups. These resources can help startups scale their operations and develop innovative solutions.
• Eligibility Criteria: To be eligible for Startup India AWS credits, startups need to be registered under the Startup India program, which involves meeting certain criteria set by the Indian government.
• AWS Activate Program: The AWS Activate program for startups offers various benefits, including AWS credits, technical support, training, and access to AWS's global community of experts and partners.
• Redeeming AWS Credits: Once eligible startups are approved for the AWS Activate program, they receive AWS credits that can be used to build and run applications on the AWS cloud infrastructure.
• Scaling Innovation: By utilizing AWS credits, startups can innovate more efficiently, develop prototypes, host applications, and manage their IT infrastructure without significant upfront costs.
• Access to Services: The AWS credits provided through the Startup India program can be used to access a wide range of AWS services, including computing, storage, databases, machine learning, and more.
• Community Engagement: Startups in the AWS Activate program can also benefit from networking opportunities, mentorship, and access to AWS events that facilitate learning and collaboration.

Wrapping Up

Free AWS credits offer a dynamic entry point into the world of cloud computing and innovation. With pathways like the AWS Free Tier, engaging in webinars and events, creating Alexa skills, and benefiting from programs like AWS Educate for students and Startup India, these credits empower exploration and learning. Alongside this, embarking on the Amazon AWS certification path can significantly enhance expertise, spanning foundational to specialized skills. 

The fusion of free AWS credits along with KnowledgeHut Cloud Architect certifications not only opens doors to hands-on experience but also equips individuals with a robust understanding of cloud services and architecture. As technology rapidly evolves, these resources collectively illuminate a transformative journey into the boundless realms of the cloud.

Contact our upGrad KnowledgeHut experts for personalized guidance on choosing the right course, career path, and certification to achieve your goals.

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