Every student in the UK knows the little wins matter. Whether it’s finding a free bus ride, scoring a used textbook, or grabbing a cheap bite after a long lecture, saving money is a real part of student life.
For years, McDonald’s was a go-to for more than just burgers, their student deals became legendary. A free Cheeseburger, a complimentary McFlurry, or a tasty Mayo Chicken? All you needed was your student ID.
But as we enter 2025, things have shifted. This blog explores the Mcdonalds student deal, what’s currently available, what’s changed, and how students can still grab great food at lower prices using apps, loyalty points, and other clever hacks.
Let’s uncover how you can still make the most of your next Maccies visit, student or not.
What Happened to the McDonald’s Student Discount in the UK?
Not long ago, McDonald’s UK offered a simple and generous student deal. With just a valid student ID or a Student Beans code, customers could claim a free Cheeseburger, Mayo Chicken, or McFlurry with the purchase of an Extra Value Meal.
This initiative was widely advertised through partnerships with Student Beans and became a staple for UK students looking for cheap meals.
As of 2025, this McDonalds student discount is no longer active.
Many students have expressed disappointment, but it’s important to understand that the offer has simply been paused, not necessarily retired forever. McDonald’s continues to run frequent promotions, and it’s likely that similar deals could return in future campaigns.
Why Was the Discount Stopped?
McDonald’s has not officially stated the reasons, but based on historical patterns and seasonal offers, changes in promotions often follow marketing strategy shifts or operational constraints.
Additionally, the growing use of app-based loyalty systems has encouraged the brand to consolidate offers digitally rather than offer blanket discounts for specific groups like students.
Is There Still a Way to Get Free Food Through McDonalds Student Deal?
Even though the classic student discount is no longer active, students can still access free or discounted items using the McDonald’s app and periodic promotional codes. These are available to all customers, not just students, but they often include valuable rewards.
Steps to Claim Free or Discounted Items
There are two main ways students can still get rewards or deals:
Ordering In-Restaurant or at the Drive-Thru
- Open the McDonald’s app
- Browse current offers listed under the deals section
- Tap on the offer and generate a unique code
- Show the code when ordering at the kiosk or till
Ordering via McDelivery or My McDonald’s App
- Launch the app and generate the offer code
- Add eligible items to your cart
- Apply the code at checkout to claim your discount
Earn Points for Every Purchase
With each purchase, students can accumulate McDonald’s Rewards Points, which can later be redeemed for:
- Free burgers
- Free fries
- Drinks
- Exclusive items
By using the app, students stay in the loop for rotating deals, including McDonald’s Mondays, which are particularly known for high-value offers.
How to Claim McDonald’s Student Offers in the App?
Understanding how to use the app is key to unlocking the current McDonalds student deal alternatives. The app has become central to the brand’s promotional strategies.
Key Features of the McDonald’s App
- Weekly updated offers
- Reward points system
- Location-based deals
- Mobile ordering and payments
- Limited-time access to exclusive items
Claiming Offers In-Store vs. Delivery
Here’s a comparison of how to claim deals in both cases:
| Ordering Method | Steps to Redeem Discount |
| In-Restaurant/Drive-Thru | 1. Open McDonald’s App 2. Locate Offers 3. Generate Code 4. Show at Kiosk |
| McDelivery/App Order | 1. Generate Code in App 2. Add Items 3. Apply Code Before Checkout |
Why It’s Still Worth It?
Even without a student-specific offer, the general McDonald’s promotions provide excellent value. Plus, being app-based means anyone, including students, can benefit without needing to show an ID.
What Was the McDonald’s £1.99 Student Beans Offer?
From October 2022 until August 2023, McDonald’s partnered with Student Beans to deliver a compelling deal exclusively to verified students. For just £1.99, students could receive a McPlant burger and a medium carbonated drink.
Offer Availability
- Timeframe: 3rd October 2022 to 31st August 2023
- Eligibility: UK students aged 18+ with a valid student card or Student Beans account
- Hours of Use: 00:01 to 04:59 and 11:00 to 23:59 daily
Redemption Methods
- In-store: Scan the QR code from Student Beans at the ordering kiosk
- App: Enter the code in the discount section of the My McDonald’s app
Offer Limitations
- One offer per person, per visit
- Cannot be used with other promotions
- Not valid via Uber Eats or Just Eat
- Limited to participating locations
This offer became a highlight for late-night cravings and lunchtime savings, combining plant-based nutrition with student affordability.
Who Can Use the McDonalds Student Deal?
Although the student discount is currently inactive, eligibility requirements still apply whenever a McDonald’s student promotion is live.
Eligibility Criteria for Past Student Deals
- Must be 18 years or older
- Must be a UK resident
- Must have a valid student ID or a Student Beans account
- Must generate a code from Student Beans (web or app)
- Must order through the McDonald’s app or at in-store kiosks
Important Note
If and when McDonald’s revives this offer, only verified Student Beans users will likely be eligible, reinforcing the importance of maintaining an active account.
Participation Restrictions
Students must present a unique code each time, meaning no multiple redemptions per visit. Codes cannot be reused or shared. Offers cannot be used toward meal upgrades, wraps, or combo deals.
Which McDonald’s Restaurants Exclude the Student Deal?
When the £1.99 McPlant promotion was active, some UK locations were excluded. This information is useful to avoid disappointments at the till.
Table of Excluded Restaurants
| Non-Participating Locations | Non-Participating Locations |
| Croydon Valley Park | Manchester – Arndale Food Chain |
| Victoria Station | Shaftesbury Avenue – 2 |
| Wimbledon Centre Code | Waterloo Station |
| ASDA Bournemouth | Bracknell – The Keep |
| Eastbourne II | Paddington Station |
| Chelmsford 2 Riverside | Norwich Chapelfields |
| West One Shopping Centre | Westfield Stratford City |
These locations are either high-traffic or have operational limitations that prevent participation in targeted promotions.
What Are the Past McDonald’s Offers Students Loved?
McDonald’s has a long history of running creative promotions. Whether or not you’re a student, the brand’s deals page has been home to numerous past offers that delivered great value.
Memorable Past Offers
- Free McDonald’s McMuffin with any drink
- Free delivery during lockdown periods
- £5 off £15 spend with app-exclusive codes
- Unlimited £1.99 Big Mac & Fries hack
- Free McCafe drink through loyalty points
- DIY £1.49 Big Mac combining smaller items
- 99p McChicken Sandwich
- Free Shake or Coke Zero
These deals were usually tied to app usage, special events like bank holidays, or targeted time slots such as breakfast or late-night menus.
How to Use Student Beans for McDonalds Student Deal?
Student Beans remains one of the leading student verification platforms in the UK, used by major brands including McDonald’s during past deals.
Using Student Beans
- Download the Student Beans app or visit their website
- Sign up using your university email or student card
- Search for McDonald’s promotions
- Click on the deal to generate a unique QR or text code
- Redeem in the McDonald’s app or at an in-store kiosk
Student Beans verifies your student status with your academic institution and issues personal codes that can’t be reused.
Responsibility Disclaimer
McDonald’s holds no liability for Student Beans services, including code generation issues. All queries should be directed to Student Beans support.
Can Students Still Earn Rewards at McDonald’s?
While student-specific deals have been paused, students, and all customers, can earn rewards through the McDonald’s Rewards program.
McDonald’s Rewards System
- Earn 100 points for every £1 spent
- Redeem points for menu items
- Earn enough and unlock free burgers, drinks or desserts
Examples of Points Redemption
| Points Earned | Reward Option |
| 1500 | Cheeseburger, Fries |
| 2500 | McChicken Sandwich, Latte |
| 4000 | Big Mac, McFlurry |
This ongoing system ensures value without requiring a promotional campaign.
Tips to Save at McDonald’s Even Without a Student Discount
The absence of a dedicated McDonalds student deal doesn’t mean savings are out of reach.
Use the My McDonald’s App
- Sign up for welcome offers
- Access McDonald’s Mondays
- Get alerts for limited-time deals
Stack Offers Strategically
- Order on bank holiday weekends
- Use free delivery offers where available
- Combine reward points with promo codes
Look Out for Seasonal Campaigns
- Summer meal bundles
- Christmas coffee offers
- Late-night snack deals
All these can provide better value than the former student deal, if timed well.
Conclusion
The Mcdonalds student deal may have changed over the years, but the opportunities to save haven’t disappeared.
Through the McDonald’s app, Student Beans, and loyalty points, UK students can still access meaningful deals, limited-time promotions, and rewards that make a big difference during tight months.
So, even if that free Cheeseburger isn’t available today, the savings haven’t stopped. Staying app-savvy, checking deal pages regularly, and making the most of loyalty programs can still ensure that your next McDonald’s meal won’t empty your wallet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can students get free food at McDonald’s?
No, the official student discount is currently inactive. However, students can still access general app promotions and rewards.
Is there a minimum spend for free food using the app?
There is no minimum spend for app rewards, but the offer terms must be followed precisely to claim them.
Are all McFlurry or Cheeseburgers included in past offers?
No, only standard McFlurries and Cheeseburgers were eligible, promotional items were excluded.
Can students still use Student Beans at McDonald’s?
Only if there is an active deal. As of now, no Student Beans promotions are running, but this may change in future.
Are McDonald’s student deals available on delivery apps?
No, past deals like the £1.99 McPlant were not available via Uber Eats or Just Eat.
How often does McDonald’s update its deals?
Offers are updated weekly in the app, especially every Monday, with new discounts and rewards.
