ZDNET key takeaways

• You can get a discounted Prime membership through Amazon's Young Adult program. 
• Qualifications include proof of age or college student status.
• Sign up in time for the upcoming Prime Day sales event. 

We all know things are expensive right now -- even the essentials. And if you're a young student, you probably feel the economic climate's stress even more. While Amazon Prime is certainly not a necessity, it can be quite useful thanks to fast, free shipping, discounts on groceries, and, of course, access to Amazon Prime Day deals. 

Also: Amazon confirmed Prime Day 2026 is coming earlier. Here's everything to know now

Since Prime Day is happening next month (instead of its usual July timeframe), now is the time to sign up for Prime for Young Adults if you want to save -- especially before back-to-school season starts. 

Here's everything you need to know about Prime for Young Adults and whether you qualify for a membership or not. 

What is Prime for Young Adults? 

Prime for Young Adults replaced Prime for Students last year as the main way for those in higher education to score deals and discounts on Amazon. While a regular Amazon Prime membership costs $15 per month or $139 per year, the Prime for Young Adults program cuts that to $7.49 per month or $69 per year. Perhaps most enticingly, your membership starts with a free 6-month trial -- after that, you'll be charged the monthly price. You can cancel any time.

How do I qualify for Prime for Young Adults? 

To qualify for a Prime for Young Adults membership, you must meet the following criteria: 

• Be 18-24 years old 
• Be currently enrolled in a higher education institution 

If you join Prime for Young Adults through student status verification, after four years, or the end of your studies, your membership will convert to a normal Prime Membership. Similarly, if you join Prime for Young Adults through age verification, your membership will convert to a standard Prime Membership when you reach 25 years old.

How do I sign up for Prime for Young Adults? 

1. Go to the Prime for Young Adults sign-up page. 
2. Choose the verification method that best suits you (either age verification or student status verification).
   • For age verification, you need to submit proof of your age, such as your passport, driving license, or other identity card.
   • For student status verification, you have a few different options:
     • a) complete and submit the sign-up form;
     • b) use your .edu email address;
     • c) submit proof of enrollment, such as your student ID or an official acceptance letter for the upcoming term.

Also: Does Amazon price match other retailers? What to know

Are there any specific perks or discounts? 

Aside from the standard Amazon Prime perks, Prime for Young Adults also offers special discounts, including student-exclusive offers, unlimited streaming of movies and TV shows through Prime Video, access to free games on Prime Gaming, a free Grubhub+ membership, and a free one-month Twitch channel subscription. 

When is Amazon Prime Day? 

In past years, Amazon Prime Day has taken place once in July and once in October. However, Amazon announced it would move the sales event up to June this year, but did not disclose the exact dates. Since Amazon typically announces its sales dates about a month out from its start, we anticipate that Prime Day 2026 will fall around the end of June.