Complete guide to free and legitimate engineering software for students: Revit, AutoCAD, SketchUp, Eberick, TQS, and QGIS. See how to get each educational license and start using them today.
RESOURCE GUIDE
Complete guide to 13 free or educationally licensed software titles for engineering students · 06/05/2026 · 12 MIN READ · CANAL VIP
Introduction
Being an engineering student in Brazil in 2026 is a major challenge — and having access to the right tools can make all the difference in your education. Software like Revit, AutoCAD, and Eberick are industry standards, but their commercial licenses cost thousands of reais per year.
The good news is that most of these manufacturers offer free educational licenses or limited versions for students. This guide brings together 13 software titles you can download today 100% legitimately, without resorting to cracks or piracy, explaining what each one does, who offers it, how to get it, and what the limitations are.
Whether you study civil, electrical, mechanical, industrial, computer, or environmental engineering, here you'll find tools for structural design, CAD, BIM, electronic circuits, numerical analysis, geoprocessing, and 3D modeling — all without spending a single cent.
1. Revit — Autodesk Education
What it is
Revit is the most widely used BIM (Building Information Modeling) software in the world for architecture, structural engineering, and MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing) projects. In Brazil, it is a mandatory presence in engineering firms that work with the BIM methodology, which is increasingly required by public agencies and large construction companies. With Revit, you model the entire building in 3D with parametric data — every wall, beam, pipe, and electrical cable carries information that feeds quantity takeoffs, automatic sections, and cross-discipline coordination.
Who offers it
Autodesk — the American multinational that leads in engineering, design, and entertainment software. Autodesk maintains one of the most robust educational programs in the industry.
How to get it
Go to www.autodesk.com/education and create an account with your institutional email (@aluno.suauniversidade.edu.br). You need to prove your affiliation with an educational institution (transcript, enrollment letter, or student ID). Once approved, you get a license valid for 1 year, renewable for as long as you remain a student, with full access to all of Revit's features — including Revit Architecture, Structure, and MEP in the same package.
Limitations
- Strictly educational use — cannot be used in commercial or professional projects
- Files saved under an educational license open with a watermark in commercial versions
- Renewal required every 12 months
- Requires periodic proof of student status
2. AutoCAD — Autodesk Education
What it is
AutoCAD is the most famous CAD (Computer-Aided Design) software on the planet, used for 2D technical drawing and 3D modeling in civil, architectural, mechanical, electrical engineering, and countless other disciplines. Even with the rise of BIM, AutoCAD remains the standard tool for execution sheets, construction details, electrical diagrams, and infrastructure projects in Brazil. Virtually every engineer graduating in the country needs to know how to operate AutoCAD to land their first job.
Who offers it
Autodesk — through the same Autodesk Education program.
How to get it
Through the www.autodesk.com/education portal, using the same login as Revit. A single Autodesk Education account gives access to the entire suite: AutoCAD, Revit, Civil 3D, Inventor, Fusion 360, Maya, 3ds Max, Navisworks, and much more. Just select "AutoCAD" from the list of available products and download it. In total, more than 40 software titles are made available to students.
Limitations
- Educational watermarks on files and prints ("Educational Product" text in the margins)
- Files saved under a student license can only be opened in commercial versions by other educational licenses — there are interoperability restrictions
- Does not include priority technical support (only forums and documentation)
- Requires annual renewal with new proof of enrollment
3. SketchUp Free / SketchUp Studio (Educational)
What it is
SketchUp is an intuitive and extremely popular 3D modeling software among architects, civil engineers, and designers. Its friendly interface lets you create 3D models quickly, making it ideal for studying massing, presenting projects, and conceptual modeling. SketchUp offers three free or educationally discounted tiers.
Who offers it
Trimble — an American technology company specializing in positioning, modeling, and connectivity solutions for the construction industry.
How to get it
SketchUp Free is the 100% free version and runs right in the browser (web). Just go to app.sketchup.com and create a free Trimble account. For those who need more features, SketchUp Studio offers a free educational license for 12 months (renewable), including SketchUp Pro desktop, LayOut (2D documentation), Style Builder, and access to the Trimble 3D Warehouse library. Request it at www.sketchup.com/education using your institutional email.
Limitations
- SketchUp Free (web): reduced functionality, no extensions, internet-dependent
- SketchUp Pro/Studio educational license: 1 year, renewable with proof of status
- Commercial use prohibited under the educational license
4. Eberick — Free Demo Version
What it is
Eberick is the leading Brazilian structural analysis software for reinforced concrete, developed by AltoQI. It is widely adopted by structural engineering firms in Brazil for designing columns, beams, slabs, foundations, and staircases in accordance with the ABNT NBR 6118, NBR 6120, and NBR 8681 standards. Eberick is known for generating complete calculation reports, rebar detailing, and execution sheets that meet the requirements of regulatory bodies in Brazil.
Who offers it
AltoQI — a Brazilian company based in Florianópolis (SC), specializing in software for structural engineering and foundations.
How to get it
AltoQI provides a free demo version of Eberick. You can download it from the official site www.altoqi.com.br/eberick. The demo version offers access to practically all the features of the full software, including grid and frame analysis, design of ribbed slabs, and the generation of technical reports.
Limitations
- The demo version imposes a limit on the number of floors in a project
- Some reports may have printing or export restrictions
- Does not include automatic updates
- Limited or nonexistent technical support in the free version
- Cannot be used for commercial projects without a paid license
5. TQS — Free for Up to 5 Floors
What it is
TQS is another Brazilian giant of structural analysis, a direct competitor to Eberick. Developed by TQS Informática, the software is a benchmark for reinforced and prestressed concrete projects, with an emphasis on multi-story buildings. It offers integrated modeling of columns, beams, slabs, foundations, and retaining structures, with automatic generation of formwork drawings, reinforcement detailing, and material quantity takeoffs.
Who offers it
TQS Informática — a Brazilian company with decades of experience in the structural engineering software market.
How to get it
TQS offers a free version limited to buildings of up to 5 floors. This version is ideal for students who are learning structural analysis and want to practice with small-scale projects. Just go to www.tqs.com.br and look for the download section for the educational or free version. You need to create an account on the site.
Limitations
- Limited to projects with a maximum of 5 floors
- Reduced functionality compared to the full commercial version
- Reports may contain an educational watermark
- No priority technical support
- Prohibited for commercial use
6. QGIS — Open Source Alternative to ArcGIS
What it is
QGIS is an open source Geographic Information System (GIS) capable of creating, editing, viewing, analyzing, and publishing geospatial data. It is the most robust free alternative to ArcGIS (by ESRI), which costs thousands of dollars per license. QGIS is used in civil engineering for topographic mapping, watershed analysis, road planning, water and sewer network management, environmental impact studies, and much more.
Who offers it
QGIS Community — a project maintained by volunteer developers around the world, with support from QGIS.org (OSGeo). It is 100% open source under the GPL v2 license.
How to get it
Download it for free at www.qgis.org for Windows, macOS, or Linux. Installation is simple, and there are LTS (Long Term Support, more stable) and cutting-edge (with the newest features) versions. QGIS also offers free courses, extensive documentation in Portuguese, and a very active Brazilian community in forums and Telegram groups.
Limitations
- A steeper learning curve than ArcGIS for complex tasks
- Some advanced plugins have limited documentation in Portuguese
- Performance on very large datasets may be inferior to ArcGIS Enterprise
- There is no official technical support — it relies on the community
7. FreeCAD — Open Source Parametric 3D Modeling
What it is
FreeCAD is an open source parametric 3D modeler aimed at mechanical engineering and product design. It lets you create 3D objects based on parameters that can be modified at any time — each operation (extrusion, revolution, cut) is recorded in the model's history. It is a free alternative to software like SOLIDWORKS, CATIA, and Fusion 360, and is very useful for students of mechanical, mechatronics, and industrial engineering.
Who offers it
FreeCAD Community — an open source project maintained by volunteer developers, licensed under LGPLv2+.
How to get it
Go to www.freecad.org and download the latest stable version. Available for Windows, macOS, and Linux. There are also weekly builds with the latest features in development. FreeCAD supports STEP, IGES, OBJ, STL, DXF, SVG, and many other formats, as well as export for 3D printing.
Limitations
- Less polished interface than commercial alternatives
- Significant learning curve for beginners
- The sheet metal and complex surfaces environments are still maturing
- Performance may be inferior on very large assemblies
8. KiCad — Electronic Circuit Design
What it is
KiCad is an open source suite for electronic circuit design (EDA — Electronic Design Automation). It includes schematic capture, PCB (Printed Circuit Board) layout, a 3D board viewer, a trace calculator, and extensive component libraries. It is the most complete free alternative to Altium Designer, Eagle, and OrCAD, and is essential for students of electrical, electronics, mechatronics, and computer engineering.
Who offers it
KiCad Project — maintained by KiCad Services Corporation in partnership with the open source community (GPL v3 license). Major organizations such as CERN and Arduino actively contribute to KiCad's development.
How to get it
Download it for free at www.kicad.org. Available for Windows, macOS, and Linux. The installation includes all the component libraries (symbols, footprints, and 3D models). KiCad is used professionally by many hardware companies and is perfectly accepted in academic projects and undergraduate research.
Limitations
- Integrated SPICE simulation is less robust than alternatives like LTspice
- Library management can be confusing for beginners
- Limited documentation in Portuguese
- No official technical support (only forums and community documentation)
9. Blender — 3D Modeling and Animation
What it is
Blender is the most complete open source 3D creation suite in the world: modeling, sculpting, texturing, rigging, animation, simulation (fluids, smoke, cloth), rendering, compositing, and video editing — all in a single free software. Although it is best known in the entertainment industry, Blender is extremely useful for engineers who need to create realistic visualizations of projects, technical animations, process simulations, and quick visual prototyping.
Who offers it
Blender Foundation — a nonprofit organization that maintains Blender under the GPL v3 license. Development is funded by donations, volunteer contributions, and the Blender Studio.
How to get it
Go to www.blender.org and download the latest stable version. Available for Windows, macOS, and Linux. The installation is lightweight (about 200 MB) and requires no activation or registration. Blender has one of the largest learning communities in the world, with thousands of free tutorials in Portuguese on YouTube.
Limitations
- Not parametric like traditional CAD (although add-ons such as CAD Sketcher exist)
- Steep learning curve for precise technical modeling
- The engineering workflow requires adaptation (there are no specialized environments like in SOLIDWORKS)
- Does not natively support CAD formats like STEP or IGES without extensions
10. Python + NumPy + Matplotlib + SciPy
What it is
Python is a high-level programming language that has become the most versatile tool for engineers. With libraries such as NumPy (numerical computing with optimized arrays), Matplotlib (data visualization and MATLAB-style plotting), and SciPy (scientific algorithms: integration, optimization, signal processing, linear algebra), Python advantageously replaces paid tools like MATLAB in many applications. It is used for analyzing experimental data, numerical simulations, image processing, machine learning, and automating engineering projects.
Who offers it
Python Community — a language maintained by the Python Software Foundation. NumPy, Matplotlib, and SciPy are open source projects maintained by their respective developer communities.
How to get it
Download Python 3.x at www.python.org. For engineering, the most practical approach is to install the Anaconda distribution (www.anaconda.com), which already comes with NumPy, Matplotlib, SciPy, Jupyter Notebook, and hundreds of pre-installed libraries. You can also use the pip package manager: pip install numpy matplotlib scipy. Everything is 100% free.
Limitations
- Initial learning curve for those who have never programmed
- Performance inferior to MATLAB on some native operations (although NumPy compensates with vectorization)
- Integrated GUI tools are more limited than MATLAB's App Designer
- Advanced scientific documentation is predominantly in English
11. GNU Octave / Scilab — Alternatives to MATLAB
What it is
GNU Octave is an open source numerical computing software compatible with MATLAB syntax. It solves linear systems, computes eigenvalues, integrates functions, processes signals, and creates 2D and 3D plots. Scilab, on the other hand, is an alternative platform, also free, with an integrated environment (SciNotes, Xcos for block-diagram simulation) and its own libraries. Both are widely used in courses such as Numerical Methods, Dynamic Systems, Control, and Signal Processing.
Who offers it
GNU Octave — maintained by the GNU community (GPL license). Scilab — maintained by Dassault Systèmes (developer of CATIA and SOLIDWORKS) via Scilab Enterprises, available under the GPL v2 license.
How to get it
Octave: download it at octave.org or via a package manager (apt install octave on Linux). Scilab: download it at www.scilab.org. Both run on Windows, macOS, and Linux. For students who need to use MATLAB at university but don't want to pay for the license, Octave runs most MATLAB scripts without modifications.
Limitations
- Octave: MATLAB compatibility is not 100% — some toolboxes (Simulink, GUI) have no equivalent
- Scilab: syntax different from MATLAB, requiring adaptation
- Performance inferior to MATLAB on large-scale problems
- Scilab has a smaller community than Octave, with fewer tutorials in Portuguese
12. Google Earth Pro — Free Geotechnology
What it is
Google Earth Pro is the free desktop version of Google Earth, with advanced measurement tools, GIS data import/export, historical imagery, and high-resolution printing. For civil and environmental engineers, it is a valuable tool for visualizing terrain, measuring areas and perimeters, preliminary analysis of site layouts, visual impact studies, and gathering basic planialtimetric information.
Who offers it
Google — since 2015, Google Earth Pro has been free, no longer requiring the paid license code that was previously necessary.
How to get it
Go to www.google.com/earth/about/versions and download Google Earth Pro for Windows, macOS, or Linux. The Pro version includes measurement tools (distances, areas, polygons, circles), GPS Import, Movie Maker for animating routes, historical imagery, and high-definition printing. No credit card is required — just a Google email to log in.
Limitations
- Limited accuracy for official topographic surveys
- Does not replace full GIS software like QGIS for complex spatial analyses
- Imagery may have different dates (some remote regions of Brazil have old imagery)
- Depends on an internet connection to load satellite imagery
13. Bluebeam Revu — Free PDF Viewer
What it is
Bluebeam Revu is professional PDF markup, annotation, and management software used in the construction industry. While the full version (Revu Standard, CAD, and eXtreme) is paid, the Bluebeam Revu Free Viewer is a free version that lets you view, navigate, and make basic annotations on project PDFs. It is widely used by engineers and architects for sheet approvals, checking measurements, and reviewing technical documentation.
Who offers it
Bluebeam, Inc. — an American company specializing in software solutions for the construction industry, acquired by the Nemetschek Group in 2021.
How to get it
Download it for free at www.bluebeam.com/free-viewer. Available only for Windows. The Free Viewer lets you open PDFs of any size, measure distances and areas, make annotations with sticky notes, highlights, and text boxes, and navigate through bookmarks and layers.
Limitations
- Available only for Windows (no macOS or Linux version)
- Does not allow creating PDFs or editing existing content
- Limited to simple annotations (no advanced markups, stamps, or forms)
- No real-time collaboration tools
- No integration with documentation systems like Procore or SharePoint
Summary Table
Summary of free software for engineering students:
- Revit (Autodesk Education) — Complete BIM for architecture, structure, and MEP. Free for 1 year with an institutional email. Educational use.
- AutoCAD (Autodesk Education) — Industry-standard 2D/3D CAD. Free for 1 year with an institutional email. Educational watermarks.
- SketchUp Free/Studio (Trimble) — Intuitive 3D modeling. Free web version; Studio free for 1 year (educational).
- Eberick (AltoQI) — Structural analysis for reinforced concrete. Free demo version with a floor limit.
- TQS (TQS Informática) — Brazilian structural analysis. Free for up to 5 floors. Ideal for learning.
- QGIS (OSGeo Community) — Open source GIS. A free and complete alternative to ArcGIS.
- FreeCAD (Community) — Open source parametric 3D CAD. An alternative to SOLIDWORKS.
- KiCad (Community) — PCB and electronic schematic design. An alternative to Altium/Eagle.
- Blender (Blender Foundation) — Complete 3D suite. Rendering, animation, and simulation.
- Python + NumPy/Matplotlib/SciPy (Python Software Foundation) — Free scientific computing.
- GNU Octave / Scilab (GNU / Scilab Enterprises) — Free alternatives to MATLAB.
- Google Earth Pro (Google) — Free geotechnology with measurements and satellite imagery.
- Bluebeam Revu Free Viewer (Bluebeam) — Professional PDF viewer for the construction industry.
FAQ — Frequently Asked Questions
Is this software really free?
Yes, all the software listed in this guide can be obtained for free and legally. The educational licenses from Autodesk, Trimble, and AltoQI are offered by the manufacturers themselves as part of programs to train new professionals. The open source software (QGIS, FreeCAD, KiCad, Blender, Python, Octave) is 100% free for any use, including commercial. Google Earth Pro and the Bluebeam Free Viewer are also free, with no need for student status.
Do I need to prove I am a student?
For the educational programs from Autodesk (Revit, AutoCAD, Civil 3D, Inventor, etc.), Trimble (SketchUp Studio), and AltoQI (Eberick demo), yes — you need to prove your affiliation with an educational institution. Autodesk accepts an institutional .edu email or documents such as a transcript, enrollment letter, or student ID. Open source software and Google Earth Pro/Bluebeam, on the other hand, do not require any proof.
Can I use the educational license for my job?
No. The educational licenses from Autodesk, Trimble, and AltoQI have terms of use that expressly prohibit use in commercial or professional projects. Using them outside the educational scope constitutes a violation of the terms and can result in the license being blocked and, in extreme cases, legal action for software misuse. For professional use, purchase the commercial license or use the open source alternatives.
What's the difference between an educational version and a trial version?
The educational version is granted for an extended period (usually 12 months, renewable) and includes all the software's features, but with a watermark or interoperability restrictions. The trial version, on the other hand, is a short-term temporary license available to anyone, with no need for student status, but with all features unlocked and no watermark. This guide focuses on the educational versions because they offer long-term access.
Do I need a powerful computer to run this software?
It depends on the software. Revit and AutoCAD require at least 8 GB of RAM, a multi-core processor, and a dedicated graphics card for complex projects. Blender with Cycles rendering may require a graphics card with CUDA. Python, Octave, QGIS, and KiCad run well on more modest computers (4–8 GB of RAM). SketchUp Free (web) runs in any modern browser, with no installation needed. We recommend checking the minimum requirements for each software on the official site before downloading.
Is open source software reliable for academic use?
Absolutely. QGIS, FreeCAD, KiCad, Blender, Python, and Octave are used in universities around the world, including MIT, Stanford, USP, and Unicamp. Many scientific papers and doctoral theses use this software as their primary research tools. The quality of the code is reviewed by thousands of contributors globally. For the engineering student, learning with open source is just as valid as learning with commercial software — and in many cases the knowledge is more transferable because you understand the fundamentals, not just the interface.
Which software should I learn first?
It depends on your field:
— Civil Engineering: AutoCAD (mandatory) → Revit (a plus) → Eberick or TQS (structural)
— Electrical/Electronics Engineering: Python + KiCad → MATLAB/Octave
— Mechanical Engineering: FreeCAD or Fusion 360 (Autodesk Education) → Blender (visualization)
— Environmental Engineering: QGIS → Google Earth Pro → Python
— Industrial/Computer Engineering: Python → Octave/Scilab → Blender (simulation)
The most important thing is to start with the software you'll use in your current semester's courses and gradually expand your repertoire.
How do I renew the Autodesk educational license?
The Autodesk educational license expires after 12 months. To renew it, go to www.autodesk.com/education, log in with your account, and follow the renewal instructions. You'll need to prove your student status again. Autodesk usually sends reminder emails 30 days before expiration. It's important to renew before it expires so you don't lose access to your projects.
Can files created in the educational version be opened in the commercial version?
In Autodesk's case, files saved under an educational license contain a flag that, when opened in commercial versions, automatically inserts a watermark ("Educational Product") in all prints and exports. This applies to both AutoCAD and Revit. Open source software does not have this restriction — files created in QGIS, FreeCAD, or KiCad can be opened in any version without limitations.
Conclusion
Studying engineering in Brazil in 2026 doesn't have to mean spending a fortune on software licenses. As we've seen in this guide, there is a complete ecosystem of free and legitimate tools — from the Autodesk giants with their educational licenses, through the Brazilian Eberick and TQS with their free versions for learning, to the vibrant world of free software with QGIS, FreeCAD, KiCad, Blender, and Python.
The key is to understand which tool meets your needs at the moment, download it through official channels, respect the terms of use, and, above all, practice. No software replaces the experience of designing, simulating, making mistakes, and correcting them — and with these free tools, you can do that as many times as you want, with no time limit and no limit on attempts.
Save this guide, share it with your college classmates, and start exploring each of these software titles today. Your engineering career will thank you.
⬇ Check out the full software catalog on CanalVIPAlso read: SketchUp 2026: What's New, Download, and Complete Guide · Revit 2026: BIM Guide · More articles on the blog
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