Microsoft 365 Education portfolio evolution
November 5, 2026
Microsoft 365 Education portfolio evolution
Over the last decade, Microsoft 365 Education has grown from a productivity suite into a comprehensive platform for secure, connected teaching, learning, research, and administration. The next chapter is shaped by what education leaders are asking for most: greater choice, more flexibility, and a clear path to what comes next.
More choice, more flexibility, more value.
The updated Microsoft 365 Education portfolio brings:
- Faculty and student editions—with or without Teams—starting with a no-cost student option.
- Microsoft 365 Education A7 offering our most advanced AI, security, governance, and device management capabilities.
- Expanded faculty value with security and device capabilities added at no additional cost to help institutions protect faculty and institutional data. These capabilities simplify IT administration and support secure teaching, collaboration, and productivity across campus.
- Storage that scales with capacity that grows for faculty and student populations, helping institutions plan for storage needs.
- Microsoft Classroom provides a dedicated teaching and learning experience for institutions, while Teams for Education remains available.
Who Is Affected?
K-12 and higher education institutions licensing Microsoft 365 Education. Impact varies by current licensing, contract timing, faculty and student needs, storage requirements, and use of existing benefits.
Key dates
- All portfolio updates take effect at an institution's first contract renewal, extension, or new agreement on or after January 1, 2028.
- May 1, 2027: Pricing updates begin for online services purchased through volume licensing.
- January 1, 2028: Retirement of Office 365 A1 (OA1), the Student Use Benefit, and free Exchange Online for Alumni, plus updates to storage.
- Current licenses and benefits remain in effect until renewal or extension.
Prepare for what’s next.
Confirm your renewal or extension date; review current licenses, benefits, Teams configuration, and storage usage; assess AI, security, and teaching priorities; evaluate faculty and student needs; and work with your Microsoft account team or partner on a transition plan.
Micosoft Learn
Visit Microsoft Learn to explore the portfolio update in more depth. Use the guidance to understand what the changes mean for your institution and make informed decisions as you plan your next renewal.
Learn more >
Contact your account team or Microsoft Partner. For those without a Microsoft representative, find a partner.