Quote - Its good for them cause the future professionals will already be used to using max. Once you go pro then you have to pay. Still very nice of them. http://www.autodesk.com/education/free-software/all

good for three years after activation.

   

You're required to be a teacher or a student enrolled in a qualifying institution, in order to qualify for the free license. 

http://knowledge.autodesk.com/search-result/caas/sfdcarticles/sfdcarticles/Who-is-eligible-to-join-the-Autodesk-Education-Community.html

 

~Shane