Can a Student Outside the US Have a Relative Purchase Apple Products Using the Student Discount?

As of current, it is possible for a student outside the United States to have a relative in the US purchase Apple products using the student discount. However, the feasibility and practicality of this method may vary as regulations and policies evolve.

Apple's Student Discount in Most Countries

Apple offers a student discount in numerous countries worldwide. This policy is designed to provide students with financial benefits when purchasing Apple products. For instance, take Italy as an example; the Italian Apple website offers student discounts, as seen in the page dedicated to this benefit.

If a student in Italy were to have a relative living in the US, they could potentially use this discount to purchase a Mac or other Apple products in Italy. Alternatively, their relative could purchase the product in the US and then authorize the shipment, dealing with additional factors such as international shipping and power compatibility.

Challenges and Disadvantages

While this method may seem appealing on the surface, there are several challenges and disadvantages. For example, the shipping cost and time involved can make it less favorable compared to simply purchasing the product directly from the home country.

A notable concern is the tax aspect. In the US, sales tax is generally lower than value-added tax (VAT) in many European countries. Additionally, dealing with the US power plug can add another layer of complexity.

Verification of Student Status

For verification purposes, Apple has partnered with a company called UNiDAYS in most regions to ensure the authenticity of student status. This process involves submitting proof of enrollment, which must be dated and verified. Historically, this step was less stringent in the US, but in 2021, Apple introduced a verification process similar to that in other regions.

As of 2022, Apple walked back this policy and returned to the previous method. However, if Apple were to reintroduce strict verification in the US, the relative living in the US would be unable to provide the necessary proof, potentially blocking the student from utilizing the discount.

Apple's Policy and Benefits

Apple does not actively monitor or care about such misuses of the student discount. This policy is part of a broader strategy to integrate new users into the Apple ecosystem and appeal to a broader market segment without reducing prices. Since the number of such cases is generally small, the impact is negligible.

Importantly, the involvement in such transactions, including import taxes, must be discussed with the relevant tax authorities. Most countries do not impose excessive scrutiny on such individual transactions.

Conclusion

To summarize, a student outside the US can have a relative in the US purchase Apple products using the student discount. However, the logistics and potential inconveniences make it less practical in most cases. Apple's policy remains unchanged, and they continue to benefit from spreading the Apple brand without stringent enforcement.