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Student discount in your Android app? Google Play's new rule from January 27, 2027

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Source checked 30 Oct 2026 · Published 30 Oct 2026 · Last reviewed 30 Oct 2026 · By Ctrl+Z Therapy (how we test)

The short answer

Google Play announced on October 29, 2026 an update to its Subscriptions policy, effective January 27, 2027: subscriptions with ongoing eligibility-based discounts, such as student plans, must clearly disclose eligibility criteria, the verification process, and post-eligibility pricing and benefit changes. You must use clear and valid eligibility criteria for such subscriptions.

What to do

  1. Show how eligibility is determined and verified.
  2. Show the non-discounted price or alternative subscription plan the user will move to if they lose eligibility.
  3. Show any change in subscription benefits once the user is moved to the alternative plan.
  4. Ask your AI tool: "Check this app's subscription screen. If there's a student or other eligibility-based discount, make it clearly show who qualifies, how we verify it, the price or plan users move to if they lose eligibility, and what changes in their benefits then."

Good to know

  • The existing rules still apply too: disclose the price, billing frequency and automatic renewal terms clearly.

Source

Checked on 30 Oct 2026. Prices, limits and settings change, so check the source before you rely on them.

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