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About the Microsoft Schools Agreement#
The Microsoft Schools Agreement allows schools to access Ministry-funded licences for Microsoft products. The agreement renewed on 1 January 2025 and runs until 31 December 2027.
To learn about your rights and obligations under the agreement, visit:
Microsoft licencing resources and documents – Microsoft
Included softwares#
Under the agreement, state and state-integrated schools can access the latest versions of the following Microsoft products at no cost:
- Windows OS
- Microsoft Office 365
- M365 apps
- Enterprise Mobility + Security
- Minecraft Education Edition
- Microsoft Windows server software (for 2025 only).
It also includes M365 A5 and Defender for Endpoint for school-owned devices that use A3 licences.
From 1 January 2026, Microsoft Windows Server software will no longer be included in the agreement. Schools will need to cover the licencing costs if they wish to continue using this software.
Earlier versions of Microsoft software#
There are older versions of software available under the agreement, but some are no longer supported by Microsoft. Using unsupported software puts your computers and data at risk.
Devices covered#
- The agreement covers all school-owned and leased computers.
- If your school activates Office 365, teachers and students can also use M365 apps on their personal devices with their school email address and password.
- Microsoft Defender for Endpoint licencing only applies to school-owned or leased desktops, laptops, and tablets.
Types of M365 licences available#
Below are the 3 different M365 licence types available to schools and who should use each. To help reduce costs, we encourage schools to use the free A1 online licences for staff where possible.
Office 365 A1#
This free online version of Office includes web-based versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote, plus Microsoft Teams for communication and collaboration.
Who should use it
School support staff, for example, caretakers, cleaners, and teacher aides, and any staff that don’t need access to the full Office desktop apps.
Microsoft 365 A3#
Access to Office 365 desktop apps (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, and Outlook) along with Microsoft Teams. It also offers robust management and security tools.
Who should use it
Core school teaching staff, plus office admin staff who need access to the full Office desktop apps.
Microsoft 365 A5#
All the Office desktop apps and Microsoft Teams, with advanced security management and compliance features.
Who should use it
Schools requiring advanced security and compliance capabilities.
Compare Microsoft Education M365 licences#
For more details, check out the Microsoft Education M365 comparison tables.
Choose Microsoft or Google software#
To manage costs effectively and avoid unnecessary costs to the education sector:
- only order the Microsoft or Google licences you need – you can order more licences quickly and easily if your requirements change
- we encourage you to use either Microsoft or Google software, not both.
We are exploring ways to collect data on licence use. This may include an application and/or authorisation from kura and schools to collect anonymised, non-personal data.
How to get Microsoft software#
If you're a state or state-integrated school, you can simply continue to use your current Microsoft software.
Newer applications#
If you’d like to install newer applications, such as A5 and Defender for Endpoint, contact Cyclone via email.
Email: [email protected]
Access software online#
If you aren’t already registered for the Microsoft Schools Agreement and would like to access software online, such as M365 apps, contact Cyclone.
Email: [email protected]
Access for teachers and students#
Teachers and students can access the full suite of M365 online through a browser or by using the M365 Apps desktop with their school email address and password.
- For Windows 11 and MacOS, download the software directly to your device.
- For smartphones and tablets, install the Office apps from the relevant app store.
Access products not covered by the agreement#
To get Microsoft products not covered by the agreement, email [email protected].
Student Use Benefits (SUB)#
To learn about Student Use Benefits, check out the pages:
Microsoft Learning Accelerators#
Learning Accelerators are built into Microsoft products to help students build skills such as reading and speaking and give teachers real-time insights to track progress.
Learning accelerators: Tools for students – Microsoft Education
Accessibility tools for inclusive learning – Microsoft Education
Support#
For support with installation and software problems, contact the ICT Helpdesk.
Freecall (NZ only): 0800 Call ICT (0800 22 55 42)
Email: [email protected]
For more advanced support or to log a ticket about the Microsoft 365 tools, visit:
Microsoft Office 365 Education Support
Microsoft courses and training#
For short, education-specific videos, check out:
Microsoft Education – YouTube channel
For short courses and training modules focused on digital skills:
Microsoft Defender for Endpoint support#
For technical questions, contact the Microsoft Education support team:
Microsoft Education Support help desk
For licencing questions, email Cyclone: [email protected].
