Available software
No barriers—just 50+ free tools to help you learn and create
Discover software
Power your projects from idea to execution
When starting a project, you’ll first evaluate how your project will fit into the surrounding community. Then, you’ll consider potential challenges, what features you’ll need to build, and what tools you’ll use. Finally, you’ll create an initial version of your design using digital modelling software.
Popular software for the design phase
In the build phase, you’ll bring your vision to life—tackling problems that arise, staying on build schedule, and performing quality checks to make sure everything works as it should.
Popular software for the build phase
In the operate phase, you’ll use digital twin software to monitor your project in real time—spotting problems, making sure things are working efficiently, and using data to plan for upcoming fixes and updates.
Popular software for the operate phase
Define
Specify the root cause of a problem and create a strategy.
Empathize
Identify the needs of the people impacted by a problem.
Iterate
Respond to feedback to improve a solution.
Test
Analyze the effectiveness of a solution.
Prototype
Build a digital or real-world model.
Ideate
Identify potential solutions and opportunities.
Define
Specify the root cause of a problem and create a strategy.
Empathize
Identify the needs of the people impacted by a problem.
Iterate
Respond to feedback to improve a solution.
Test
Analyze the effectiveness of a solution.
Prototype
Build a digital or real-world model.
Ideate
Identify potential solutions and opportunities.
Every team used the platform in such different ways, which truly highlighted the breadth and flexibility of the software and the platform. Whether it was helping accessibility issues on campus, improving sustainability, or working on power grids, the software can be used for such a wide range of applications and it really inspired me to think outside the box.
learning tools
Learn, grow, and get accredited on your journey
Maximize your experience by completing certified software courses built for students. For educators, we also offer a library of educational resources that’ll bring your lessons to the next level.
Learn how to use Bentley software
Browse and enroll in education-specific, accredited courses that’ll help you get comfortable with our software.
Browse courses ❯
Access resources designed for your classroom
Enhance your classroom with free teaching resources—academic guides, student activities, marking schemes, and more.
Get educational resources ❯
Join the Bentley Education Community
Read student-focused product FAQs and sign up for updates on products and Education Hub changes.
Explore community ❯
CAREEr BUILDING
Bridging the gap between education and industry
Discover what civil engineering is all about on our career building page, then browse upcoming hands-on STEM challenges from Bentley and our partners—now open for registration.
Why participate?
By joining a STEM challenge, you’ll have the opportunity to collaborate with fellow future engineers, build your portfolio, and connect with professionals in the engineering space.
What types of challenges are there?
In recent years, students have built physical bridges, designed net-zero energy train stations, and developed apps where they could simulate and monitor their projects to see how they’d work in real life.
How can I get involved?
Decided to take the leap? We’ve laid out all the details—key dates, requirements, and registration links—for every upcoming challenge.
AASHTO STEM Outreach Solutions is proud to partner with Bentley Systems to promote STEM in secondary education through our educational outreach technical service program nationwide. Students and teachers are provided access to Bentley’s professional programs and training opportunities to obtain certifications and build skill sets for real-world applications.
FAQs
Everything you need to know
Am I eligible to download and access Bentley Systems software or training for free?
How will I need to verify that I am an eligible student or educator?
To register for a Bentley Education account, use an education-domain email (e.g., .edu, .ac.uk) from a recognized institution such as your local school system or university. This is the quickest way to verify your eligibility. You can use a personal email, but additional verification steps will be required.
Some challenges or initiatives may have extra criteria for registration or prize eligibility.
How long will I have free software access?
Education software access is provided for up to a year, as long as you remain eligible. After completing the sign-up and eligibility check with Bentley Education, you will need to renew your access annually. You will receive an email 30 days before your access expires prompting you to renew. As long as you meet eligibility requirements and adhere to the usage agreements, you can renew your educational access indefinitely.
How do I download or launch Bentley software?
1. Register with Bentley Education and verify your eligibility as a student or educator at bentley.com/education/sign-up. If already registered, log in.
2. Go to the Software search page of Bentley Education.
3. Search for software available with education access and select Install.
4. Ensure your device meets system requirements and has enough hard drive space to download the software. Chromebooks, phones, or tablets will not support downloads. If your device does not meet the requirements, please contact us to see if we can help.
5. Download the installation package, launch it from your browser, and complete the installation steps. The initial download includes the connection gateway.
6. Open the application and log in to the connection gateway at the start of each session.
7. If you still can’t access the software, try logging into the connection gateway again. Check other open windows if you haven’t successfully logged in. If you’re receiving an error message, your education access may have expired. Log in to your profile and complete the steps to regain access.
Do I have to renew my Bentley Education access?
Education software access is provided for up to a year, as long as you remain eligible. After completing the sign-up and eligibility check with Bentley Education, you will need to renew your access annually. You will receive an email 30 days before your access expires prompting you to renew. As long as you meet eligibility requirements and adhere to the usage agreements, you can renew your educational access indefinitely.
I am a student. Why should I use Bentley Education?
Employers seek new professionals that have hands-on experience with Bentley software. By signing up for Bentley Education, you get free access to that software — as well as other learning resources — that will help you build your portfolio before you enter the job market.
What can I do to optimize my learning and get involved?
Contact Us
We’re here to help
Having trouble logging into your account, unsure about which software you need, or have other questions?
Visit our help page to check out our full list of FAQs or connect with the Bentley Education team for support.
education profile
Manage your account
Need to update your information or check your access status?
You can manage your details, monitor when your access expires, and learn how to renew it in your Bentley Education profile.
