Choosing which ATLAS.ti license to purchase
Key takeaways
- All ATLAS.ti licenses provide the same software functionality and tools.
- The main differences are who can use the license, how many users are allowed, and how long it is valid.
- Discounted licenses are available for students, educational institutions, NGOs, non-profits, and government organizations.
- Choosing the right license depends on your role (student, individual, team, or organization) and how you plan to use the software.
Who this article is for:
This article is for anyone deciding which ATLAS.ti license to purchase or trying to understand the differences between available license types. It is relevant for individual researchers, students, educators, institutions, and organizations evaluating purchasing options.
How to choose the right ATLAS.ti license
All ATLAS.ti licenses provide the same software functionality. The difference is not what the software can do, but who can use it and under what conditions.
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For individual students enrolled in a degree program (from undergraduate to doctoral students)
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For universities, colleges, and their staff or students
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Non-commercial/government license
For NGOs, non-profits, and public sector organizations
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For individuals, companies, and consultants
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For large institutions (typically 100+ users)
You can view all available options and pricing in the ATLAS.ti online shop. To use any license, you need an ATLAS.ti account, which you can create for free at my.atlasti.com.
Student license vs. educational license
These two license types are often confused, but they are intended for different use cases:
Student license
- For individuals currently enrolled in a degree program
- Can only be used for the student’s own academic work
- Must be purchased by the student (not by an institution or third party)
- Cannot be shared
Educational license
- For accredited educational institutions and their staff/students
- Can be used for teaching and institutional research
- Often set up as a multi-user license for groups (e.g., a class, team, department, etc.)
Discounts for NGOs, non-profits, and government organizations
ATLAS.ti offers discounted licenses for organizations working in the public or non-commercial sector.
Eligible organizations include:
- NGOs and non-profits
- Government agencies
- Public institutions
- Supranational organizations
These typically fall under the non-commercial/government license category.
Need help choosing a license?
If you're unsure which license is right for you:
- Check the license descriptions in this article, our online shop, or the full license terms and conditions
- Consider how the software will be used (personal, academic, or organizational)
- Reach out to ATLAS.ti support for guidance
Common issues or mistakes
- Choosing a student license for institutional use
- Student licenses are strictly personal and can only be used within the scope of a student's academic studies
- Assuming different license types have different features
- All license types provide access to all of ATLAS.ti tools and features
When to contact support
Please contact ATLAS.ti support if:
- You are unsure which license category applies to you or your organization
- You have special requirements (e.g., large teams or campus licenses)