Some ChatGPT Edu features use credits and some do not. Student accounts do not include monthly credits, and employee accounts can reach their monthly usage limit. This article covers what you can still do in either case.
Credits pay for advanced features, such as higher thinking levels and voice. Most everyday work does not use credits.
What You Can Use Without Credits
| Feature |
What you get |
| Instant chat |
Unlimited fast responses for everyday questions |
| Study mode |
Guided, step-by-step help that checks your understanding |
| Web search |
Current information with links to sources |
| File uploads |
Upload notes, slides, PDFs, images, and spreadsheets for ChatGPT to read and analyze |
| Canvas |
Draft and revise writing or code side by side with ChatGPT |
| Projects |
Keep related chats, files, and instructions together |
| Memory |
ChatGPT can remember your preferences and goals across chats |
| Image generation |
3 images per 24 hours |
| Deep research |
5 research reports per 24 hours |
| Work and Codex |
Multi-step projects and coding with the default Luna model, within a 5-hour usage window |
Features That Need Credits
These features use credits. They are not available on student accounts, or on employee accounts that have reached their monthly usage limit:
- Thinking levels above Instant (Medium, High, and Extra High) and Pro
- Agent mode
- Voice
- Plugins and connected apps
| Note: If one of these features does not work for you, your account is working as expected. The feature needs credits, and none are available to you right now. |
Study With Study Mode
Study mode helps you learn a topic instead of only giving you the answer. It asks questions, explains ideas in steps, and checks your understanding as you go.
To turn on study mode:
- Web: Type
@study in the message box, and then select Study. You can also go to chatgpt.com/studymode.
- iOS: Select +, and then select Study.
- Android: Select +, search for Study, and then select it.
Ways to use it:
- Upload notes, slides, or a reading and ask ChatGPT to quiz you one question at a time.
- Paste a practice problem and ask ChatGPT to guide you without giving the answer.
- Ask for a simple explanation of a concept, and then ask it to go deeper.
| Note: Study mode works in regular chats only. It is not available in Projects or Temporary Chats. |
Organize Your Work With Projects
A project keeps related chats, files, and instructions in one place. ChatGPT uses the project's files and instructions in every chat inside it.
- Create one project for each class or ongoing piece of work.
- Add reference files, such as a syllabus, notes, or readings.
- Add instructions that tell ChatGPT how to help you. For example: "I am learning introductory statistics. Explain concepts in plain language and refer to my uploaded notes when you can."
Use Your Daily Images and Deep Research Wisely
ChatGPT Edu includes 3 image generations and 5 deep research reports in each 24-hour period. These do not use credits. The 24 hours start with your first use. For example, if you create an image at 10:00 AM, you can create two more until 10:00 AM the next day.
| Tip: Plan first, then generate. Work out your deep research question or image description in a regular Instant chat. A clear, specific request gets a better result and saves your daily allowance. |
Deep research searches many sources and returns a report with citations. Open the cited sources to confirm important facts before you use them.
Use ChatGPT Work and Codex With Luna
Work handles longer, multi-step deliverables, such as documents, spreadsheets, presentations, and reports. Codex is for software development, such as writing and debugging code. In the CES workspace, Luna is the default model in both, and Luna lets you get a lot done without credits.
- Work and Codex use a usage window, not credits. Your use counts against a 5-hour window and a weekly allowance. The 5-hour window starts with your first task.
- Stay on Luna. Larger models, such as Sol, use up your window much faster.
- Use Standard speed. Fast mode uses your window 2.5 times faster.
- Check your remaining usage. Select your workspace name in the lower-left corner, select Settings, and then select Usage. The Usage page shows when your window resets.
Get Better Answers From Instant
- Give context. Tell ChatGPT your goal, your audience, and what you already know.
- Share your sources. Upload or paste the source material instead of asking ChatGPT to answer from memory.
- Ask for a format. Request an outline, a table, or numbered steps.
- Follow up. Ask ChatGPT to clarify, simplify, or try again.
- Check the facts. ChatGPT can make mistakes. Verify important information against your sources.
Use AI Responsibly
- Students: Follow your instructor's AI policy for each class, especially for graded work.
- Everyone: Follow the ChatGPT Edu Data Guidelines when you decide what information to enter.