Apple Student Discounts & Promotions for Macbooks Plus Other Ways To Get It for Less (2022)

There are three certainties in life: death, taxes and Apple MacBooks costing more than a product with similar specifications from another manufacturer.

But despite this, people are still buying MacBooks in droves, as Apple has created a product that is desirable enough that people are willing to pay extra for it.

Even though Macbooks are expensive, you can still save a bit on the price of a new Apple MacBook in Singapore if you look a bit harder.

So if you are looking to get a MacBook for your studies, remote learning, working from home or anything in between: here are four ways you can save money buying Macbooks in Singapore!

Although this guide is focused on MacBooks, it applies to other Apple products as well.

Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored post. We just like to share what we know freely so that you can benefit from it too! Information accurate as of 12 August 2020.

TL;DR: Apple Student Promotions & Other Apple Promotions for Macbooks (2021)

1. Apple Store For Education Discount

First up we have the Apple Education Store discount for the latest MacBooks.

Apple is currently running a Back to University promotion where you can get free second-generation Apple AirPods (worth $239) with a purchase of eligible Macs and iPads like the:

• iMac
• iMac Pro
• MacBook Pro
• MacBook Air
• iPad Pro
• iPad Air.

Also, you have the option to upgrade to the AirPods Pro for an extra $140; as well as a 20 per cent discount on AppleCare+ as well.

Do note that the MacBook Air (13-inch 2019), refurbished products and open-box returns sold “as is” are not eligible for this offer.

Here is how much you can save with this discount:

As you can see from the table above, you can save the most ($200) when you buy the latest base spec MacBook Air with the Apple Education Store discount. The discount for these models ranges from about 13% for the base spec model and 5% for the highest spec model.

For MacBook Pro 13-inch, the discount is more uniform with a $150 discount across the board. The discount for these models ranges from about 8% to 5%.

Lastly for the MacBook Pro 16-inch, you save $290 across the base spec and highest spec models. The discount for these models ranges from about 8% for the base spec model and 7% for the highest spec model.

Across all the MacBook models, you can get about 5% to 13% off with the Apple Education Store discount.

Who Can Buy?

According to the Apple Store Singapore, the Apple Education Store discount is available to students, teachers and staff from the following educational institutions.

Kindergartens, Primary schools, Secondary schools

According to Apple, the following people are eligible for the discount:

• Any employee of a public or private kindergarten, Primary or Secondary school is eligible.

• In addition, school board members who are currently serving as elected or appointed members are eligible.

• PTA or PTO executives currently serving as elected or appointed officers, and staff of Ministry of Education are eligible.

Universities, Polytechnics, Junior Colleges and Institutes of Technical Education

Similarly, at the tertiary level, the following people are eligible for the Apple Education Store discount:

• Teachers and staff of Universities, Polytechnics, Junior Colleges or Institutes of Technical Education in Singapore.

• Students attending or accepted into Universities, Polytechnics, Junior Colleges or Institutes of Technical Education in Singapore are eligible to purchase.

• Parents purchasing on behalf of their child, who is a student currently attending or accepted into a University, Polytechnic, Junior College or Institute of Technical Education in Singapore, are eligible to purchase.

Do note that for eligible Mac purchases, only one (1) promotion product per qualified purchaser may be obtained during this promotion.

Apple Back to University Promotion End Date

The Back to University promotion is valid from now until 29 September 2020 in Singapore.

2. Apple Corporate Employee Purchase Program (EPP)

Another way you can save money on Apple MacBooks and other Apple products across the board is with the Apple Corporate Employee Purchase Program (EPP).

Apple Corporate Employee Purchase Program (EPP) Discount

Who Can Buy?

However, this discount is only available to:

• Current employees
• Retired employees
• Apple contractors

If you don’t work for Apple, you can ask a family member or friend who does to ‘sponsor’ you. Sponsoring means to place an order for a family member or friend.

Do note that the eligible member may only purchase or ‘sponsor’ up to three system bundles and up to ten iPods each calendar year (1 January – 31 December).

3. Get Older Refurbished Apple Macbooks

Another option to consider are refurbished MacBooks that can cost up to 18 per cent less than their similarly specced but brand new counterparts.

Refurbished products are products that some other customer has bought and then, for whatever reason, decided to return.

But, just because an item was returned doesn’t necessarily mean it was damaged.

People return products for a myriad of reasons. They might return it because of minor blemishes that affect the product’s exterior, or because the packaging might be damaged or best of all when they change their minds about a product after buying it.

For these instances, buying refurbished can get you a product that has been barely used or almost new for a steal.

Not to mention Apple’s rigorous refurbishment process that ensures the Apple Certified Refurbished product works as well as new Apple products. To ease your mind, there is even a one-year limited warranty which can be extended with AppleCare support.

A quick check of the Apple Store revealed that a refurbished 13.3-inch MacBook Pro (2019) which retails for $1,549.00, costs a good $350 or 18% less than the $1,899 13-inch MacBook Pro (2020). 

But, do remember to do your due diligence and read up on the differences. For example, the newer MacBook Pro has the upgraded Magic Keyboard.

Who Can Buy?

Everybody. Apple does not have restrictions on this scheme.

4. Buy Used Apple Macbooks

Last but not least, we have the option to buy used Apple MacBooks which can get you the most savings.

However, do proceed with caution as you might not know the stress the laptop’s hardware has been through.

For example, some MacBooks might be constantly thermally throttled when users block the bottom air intakes by watching video streaming services on their beds. Blocking the airflow like this could increase temperatures and constant high temperatures will reduce the laptop’s lifespan.

If you are looking to get used products you should consider those that still have a warranty as you might never know what the laptop is used for.

Although buying used will get you the best price most of the time, Apple products tend to hold their value that most secondhand tech.

So be sure to shop around and compare prices for new, refurbished and used MacBooks — if you can buy the same older model new from Apple for an extra $100 or so, that might be a better choice.

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