Versions of Google Workspace for Education Explained (2025 Guide for UAE Schools)
Hey there! Are you curious about Google Workspace for Education but a bit confused about its different versions? Don’t worry — we’ve got you covered!
In this simple guide from gworkspace.ae, your Google Workspace Official Partner and Reseller in UAE, we’ll explain each version step by step so you can confidently choose the right one for your school.
What Is Google Workspace for Education?
Think of Google Workspace for Education as your school’s all-in-one digital toolkit. Instead of juggling different software, you get everything — email, file storage, classroom tools, and video calls — all in one place.
More than 170 million teachers and students around the world use Google Workspace for Education every day. Whether it’s submitting homework through Google Classroom, collaborating in Google Docs, or hosting online lessons on Google Meet, these tools make teaching and learning smarter and more connected.
The Four Versions of Google Workspace for Education
Google offers four main versions, each building on the previous one — just like upgrading from a basic meal to a full course!
Let’s break them down.
1. Google Workspace for Education Fundamentals – The Free Starter Pack
Cost: Free for qualifying schools
Best for: Schools getting started with digital learning
This version gives you everything you need to begin your digital journey — at no cost.
What’s included:
- Gmail with your school’s custom domain (like student@yourschool.edu)
- Google Classroom to manage assignments and communicate with students
- Google Meet for video calls (up to 100 participants)
- Google Drive, Docs, Sheets, and Slides for file creation and storage
- 100TB of shared cloud storage for your entire school
- Basic security and admin tools for safe collaboration
Example:
A primary school in Sharjah started with Fundamentals and now runs writing projects through Docs, manages homework in Classroom, and updates parents — all for free!
2. Google Workspace for Education Standard – The Security Upgrade
Cost: Around USD $3 per student per year
Best for: Schools needing stronger security and management tools
This version builds on Fundamentals but focuses on keeping your school’s data safe and your IT team in control.
What’s new:
- Security Center to detect and respond to potential threats
- Advanced device management to monitor and secure student devices
- Data Loss Prevention (DLP) to prevent accidental data leaks
- Detailed reports and analytics for transparency
Schools in Dubai and across the UAE often choose this version to meet local data-protection standards while staying budget-friendly.
3. Teaching and Learning Upgrade – The Teacher’s Toolkit
Cost: Around USD $4–5 per teacher per month
Best for: Schools that want more engaging online lessons
This isn’t a full version — it’s an add-on that enhances either Fundamentals or Standard. Think of it as a “premium teaching toolkit.”
Extra features:
- Google Meet with up to 250 participants
- Live streaming to 10,000 viewers for large school events
- Breakout rooms for group discussions
- Unlimited originality reports to check plagiarism
- Meeting recording for students who miss class
- Classroom add-ons like Kahoot! and Pear Deck for interactive learning
Example:
A secondary school in Oman uses this upgrade for hybrid learning. Teachers can now host interactive sessions, create polls, and stream graduation ceremonies to families across the region.
4. Google Workspace for Education Plus – The Complete Solution
Cost: Around USD $5–6 per student per year
Best for: Large schools, colleges, or universities going fully digital
This is the top-tier version that includes everything from Standard and the Teaching & Learning Upgrade — plus even more advanced tools.
Premium benefits:
- Google Meet with up to 1,000 participants
- Live streaming to 100,000 viewers
- Advanced analytics and reporting
- Priority support from Google
- Enhanced Cloud Search to find files instantly
- Google Vids for creating educational videos
If your institution wants a complete digital learning ecosystem, this version offers the best experience.
Quick Comparison: Which One Fits Your School?
Table: Google Workspace for Education Versions Comparison (2025)
Feature | Fundamentals | Standard | Teaching & Learning Upgrade | Plus |
Cost | Free | ~$3/student/year | ~$4/teacher/month | ~$5/student/year |
Google Meet Size | 100 | 100 | 250 | 1,000 |
Live Streaming | ❌ | ❌ | 10,000 | 100,000 |
Security Tools | Basic | Advanced | Basic | Advanced |
Originality Reports | 5 per class | 5 per class | Unlimited | Unlimited |
Priority Support | Community | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
The Gemini AI Add-On: Your Smart Teaching Assistant
Google now offers an amazing AI companion called Gemini for Education. It integrates seamlessly with any version of Workspace for Education.
Gemini can:
- Generate lesson plans and quizzes in seconds
- Summarize research papers or student reports
- Create slide presentations automatically
- Provide feedback on writing
- Generate custom images for lessons
There are two versions:
- Gemini Education – Budget-friendly with core AI tools
Gemini Education Premium – Full AI features, perfect for advanced teaching and administration
Why Work with a Google Workspace Official Partner
Setting up Google Workspace for Education is easier when you have expert support.
That’s where gworkspace.ae, your Google Workspace Official Partner and Reseller in UAE, comes in.
Why schools in the UAE, Dubai, Sharjah, and Oman choose us:
- Expert advice to choose the right version
- Seamless migration of your existing data
- Local support in Arabic and English
- Better pricing than buying directly from Google
- Training sessions for teachers and IT teams
- 24/7 technical support in your time zone
Working with a certified partner ensures a smooth setup — so your teachers can focus on teaching, not troubleshooting.
Which Version Should You Start With?
Here’s our friendly advice: start simple and grow smart.
- Small schools (under 500 students): Start with Fundamentals, then add the Teaching & Learning Upgrade for selected teachers.
- Medium schools (500–2000 students): Choose Standard for better security and add the Teaching & Learning Upgrade.
- Large schools and universities: Go with Education Plus for a complete all-in-one experience.
Common Questions
Yes! Education Fundamentals is completely free for verified educational institutions.
Absolutely. You can use Fundamentals for students and add the Teaching & Learning Upgrade for teachers.
Google Workspace for Education meets strict global privacy laws like FERPA, COPPA, and GDPR — ideal for UAE schools focused on student data protection.
Not necessarily. With help from a Google Workspace Official Partner like gworkspace.ae, setup and training are quick and stress-free.
Ready to Transform Your School?
The world of education is changing fast, and Google Workspace for Education gives your school the tools to stay ahead. Whether you’re a teacher in Dubai wanting more interactive lessons or an administrator in Oman looking to boost communication, there’s a perfect version for you.
Start with the free Education Fundamentals, explore the features, and upgrade anytime as your school grows.
And remember — you don’t have to do it alone.
gworkspace.ae, your trusted Google Workspace Official Partner and Reseller in UAE, is here to guide you every step of the way.
