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What is the Claude Builder Club?
The Claude Builder Club is the undergrad track of Anthropic's campus program: students lead a club for AI builders and receive a USD 3,600 cash stipend. Pair it with $20,000 in Anthropic API credits from AI Perks.
The program is aimed at students who want to bring AI fluency to their campus. Anthropic's own wording is that leaders "collaborate with Anthropic to set up and lead a club for AI builders on your campus." It is official: Claude Campus Ambassadors is run by Anthropic, with programmatic support from an external agency.
The perk card above shows who qualifies and how to claim. AI Perks also tracks more student offers, so you can stack credits around the club instead of relying on one program.
Top AI Credits for Startups
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Claude $240 per seat
Eligible for early-stage startups
ChatGPT $80
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Google Gemini $240
Eligible for early-stage startups
GitHub Up to $120
Eligible for early-stage startups
Notion $120
Eligible for early-stage startups
Figma $1,080
Eligible for early-stage startups
What do club leaders and members get?
The club is built around events and shared resources. Leaders organize technical and non-technical workshops featuring Anthropic guest speakers, and run hackathons and demo nights for student builders. They also share regular updates, tips and resources, such as API credits, with members.
Members get a line into Anthropic as well. Anthropic describes a chance to engage its teams on Claude features or product ideas, and says your input can influence Claude's development. The program also connects you with students around the world who see the potential for AI to expand human flourishing.
| Benefit | What Anthropic states |
|---|---|
| Cash stipend | USD 3,600 for selected ambassadors, subject to program terms |
| Workshops | Technical and non-technical, with Anthropic guest speakers |
| Events | Hackathons and demo nights |
| Resources | Updates, tips and resources like API credits |
| Product input | Engage Anthropic teams on Claude features and ideas |
| Cost | Free to apply and free to participate |
How do the three campus tracks compare?
Anthropic announced three tracks, so the Builder Club is one of several routes. Students anywhere in the world can apply to any of the programs. The grad and PhD tracks may select from a smaller pool of schools during the initial pilot.
| Track | Who it is for | What leaders do |
|---|---|---|
| Claude Builder Club | Undergrads | Lead a club for AI builders: workshops, hackathons, demo nights |
| Claude Campus Conversations | STEM or humanities master's students | Host discussion groups and events on AI and society; visit the Anthropic office and meet the global ambassador community |
| Claude Science workshops | PhD students and postdocs | Organize Claude for Science workshops and join speaker events with Anthropic's math and science teams |
If you are an undergrad, the Builder Club is your track. Master's and PhD students should look at the other two rows instead.
Top AI Credits for Startups
Apply directly through these verified programs.
Claude $240 per seat
Eligible for early-stage startups
ChatGPT $80
Eligible for early-stage startups
Google Gemini $240
Eligible for early-stage startups
GitHub Up to $120
Eligible for early-stage startups
Notion $120
Eligible for early-stage startups
Figma $1,080
Eligible for early-stage startups
Is the Claude Builder Club open right now?
No. The program page says it is closed for Fall 2026. The application window ran from September 1 to September 12, and applications were reviewed on a rolling basis, so that window has passed as of 2 November 2026.
The program itself is a full school year, running from September 2026 to June 2027. Details on who qualifies and how to claim related perks sit on the Anthropic API perk card, and AI Perks keeps tracking student offers so you can act when something opens.
What free credits can you claim alongside it?
Whether or not you are accepted into a club, you can build with credits now. These three catalogue perks suit student builders, researchers and hackathon teams.
| Company | Free credits | How to get |
|---|---|---|
| Anthropic API | $20,000 | Get this perk |
| Claude (researchers) | $240 per seat | Get this perk |
| OpenRouter | Up to $3,000 | Get this perk |
Total: $20,000 + $240 (one Claude seat) + $3,000 = $23,240, before counting the $3,600 stipend if you are selected for a club.
Each card opens in place and shows who qualifies and how to claim. For more on student access to Claude, see Claude Student Discount 2026: Free Pro Access & Credits Guide and Claude Code for Students: Free Access and Credits 2026.
Top AI Credits for Startups
Apply directly through these verified programs.
Claude $240 per seat
Eligible for early-stage startups
ChatGPT $80
Eligible for early-stage startups
Google Gemini $240
Eligible for early-stage startups
GitHub Up to $120
Eligible for early-stage startups
Notion $120
Eligible for early-stage startups
Figma $1,080
Eligible for early-stage startups
How to get started: step by step
Step 1: Get credits via AI Perks. Open the AI Perks catalogue and filter for student and education perks. The cards show amounts, who qualifies and how to claim.
Step 2: Open the Anthropic API card. Start with the $20,000 Anthropic API perk, since it matches the tools a Builder Club works with.
Step 3: Add a second source. Check the Claude researcher card at $240 per seat if you do research, and the OpenRouter card for up to $3,000 across models.
Step 4: Build something for a demo night. Even without a club, a hackathon-style project is a good way to use credits and show the kind of work these programs reward.
Step 5: Compare other student options. Read Free AI Credits for Students 2026: Every Program Compared to see what else fits your situation.
FAQ
Is the Claude Builder Club free to join?
Yes. Anthropic says it is free to apply and free to participate. Selected campus ambassadors also receive a USD 3,600 cash stipend, subject to program terms. For the credits you can claim alongside it, see the Anthropic API perk card.
Can I apply to the Claude Builder Club now?
Not at the moment. The program page says it is closed for Fall 2026, and the September 1 to September 12 window has passed. The program runs from September 2026 to June 2027. Browse the AI Perks catalogue for student offers that are open today.
Is the Claude campus ambassador program official?
Yes. Anthropic states that Claude Campus Ambassadors is run by Anthropic, with programmatic support from an external agency. The Builder Club is the undergrad track, alongside a grad track and a PhD and postdoc track.
Can students outside the US take part?
Anthropic says students anywhere in the world can apply to any of its programs. The grad and PhD tracks may draw from a smaller pool of schools during the pilot. Who qualifies for related credits is shown on each perk card.
What are the API credits that clubs share?
Anthropic says leaders share regular updates, tips and resources, like API credits, with members. The amount and terms are not spelled out on the program page. You can claim separate credits directly through the Anthropic API card.
Top AI Credits for Startups
Apply directly through these verified programs.
Claude $240 per seat
Eligible for early-stage startups
ChatGPT $80
Eligible for early-stage startups
Google Gemini $240
Eligible for early-stage startups
GitHub Up to $120
Eligible for early-stage startups
Notion $120
Eligible for early-stage startups
Figma $1,080
Eligible for early-stage startups
Get free AI credits for your campus projects
The Builder Club is closed for Fall 2026, but credits are not. Open the cards, check who qualifies, and start building.
Get free AI credits at getaiperks.com →
Looking for more student perks and free API credits? Browse the full list at getaiperks.com.
