Compare software

Ansys Student vs Elmer FEM: catalog facts
Ansys Student	Elmer FEM
Best for: Engineering students learning finite element and fluid simulation	Best for: Engineers and researchers running finite element simulations without a commercial licence
Free Student licenses are provided free of charge.	Free Free and open source.
Windows	Windows, Linux
Free access to professional engineering simulation software Covers structural, fluid and electronics analysis All 3 strengths for Ansys Student Free access to professional engineering simulation software Covers structural, fluid and electronics analysis Backed by free courses, tutorials and a learning forum	Free and open-source finite element simulation Handles coupled multiphysics problems
Intended for students and learning, not commercial projects Student editions are more limited than the commercial products	Steeper learning curve than commercial FEA tools Release details could not be confirmed from the website at research time
Downloadable app	Downloadable app
Not open source	Open source
License: Proprietary	License not stated
Not stated if an account is needed	Not stated if an account is needed
Not stated if it works offline	Not stated if it works offline
Official website Full listing and sources Sources for Ansys Student ansys.synopsys.com/academic/students Catalog checked October 2, 2026	Official website Full listing and sources Sources for Elmer FEM elmerfem.org Catalog checked September 24, 2026

“Not stated” means we have not confirmed it. Features can vary by device and plan.