Extension
.academy
.academy in short
The .academy domain is an open generic top-level domain (gTLD) launched in 2014 for schools, courses, coaching businesses and training brands. It is operated by Identity Digital and anyone can register one with no eligibility checks.
.academy at a glance
Type
gTLD — Generic top-level domain
Registry
Identity Digital
Launched
2014
Country / scope
Generic — no country
Restrictions
Open to anyone — no proof of accreditation required
Typical price
$25/yr
Example sites
online courses
Source: IANA root zone database & registry data · methodology
Where to register a .academy domain
Prices are indicative and set by each registrar; renewal rates may differ from first-year promotions. Links may be sponsored. tldlist.us is an independent reference and not a registrar.
What does .academy mean?
The .academy extension reads as plain English: it signals a place of teaching, training or structured learning. It was delegated in 2014 as part of ICANN’s new-gTLD programme, when hundreds of dictionary-word domains opened up, and it quickly became a favourite for course creators, coaching businesses, martial-arts and dance schools, bootcamps and corporate training brands. Unlike .edu — which is restricted to accredited US institutions — .academy is completely open, so any educator or learning brand can use it.
The appeal is descriptive clarity. A domain like code.academy or fitness.academy tells a visitor exactly what the site does before they read a single word, which is valuable for a business whose entire offer is education.
Who uses .academy?
It is built for anyone selling knowledge. Typical owners include online course platforms, language schools, sports and fitness academies, music and art teachers, professional-certification providers and the “academy” sub-brands large companies run for customer or partner training. Because the word carries an implied promise of expertise, it works best when the site genuinely teaches something rather than just selling a product.
.academy registration rules and requirements
There are none. .academy is an unrestricted generic TLD: you do not need to be an accredited school, hold a teaching licence or prove your curriculum. Registration is first-come, first-served and open to individuals and organisations in any country, subject only to the standard ICANN contact-information policy that applies to every gTLD.
How much does a .academy cost?
Expect roughly $25–$35 per year at most registrars. Like many Identity Digital words, .academy is a mid-tier extension — pricier than a bargain .xyz but well within reach for a serious learning business. Watch the renewal rate: discounted first-year promotions are common, and the standard price is what you will pay long term.
| Registrar | Typical .academy price (per year) |
|---|---|
| Porkbun | ~$24/yr |
| Cloudflare Registrar | At wholesale cost |
| Namecheap | ~$30–35/yr |
.academy pros and cons
Pros
- Instantly communicates teaching, courses or training.
- Open to anyone — no accreditation or licence needed.
- Strong, memorable fit for course-creator and coaching brands.
- Plenty of good keyword names still available.
Cons
- More expensive than .com or budget generics.
- Carries no formal authority the way restricted .edu does.
- Less universally recognised than .com for type-in traffic.
- Best only when the site truly teaches — looks odd otherwise.
Example .academy websites
- code.academy-style sites — coding bootcamps and developer-training brands.
- Fitness, martial-arts and dance .academy schools that teach in person and online.
- Corporate “academy” portals used for partner and customer training.
.academy — frequently asked questions
What is the .academy domain?
The .academy domain is an open generic top-level domain (gTLD) launched in 2014 for schools, courses, coaching businesses and training brands. It is operated by Identity Digital and anyone can register one with no eligibility checks.
Who can register a .academy domain?
Anyone can register a .academy domain. There is no requirement to be an accredited school or hold a teaching qualification — it is an open generic TLD available first-come, first-served to individuals and organisations worldwide.
How much does a .academy domain cost?
A .academy domain typically costs around $25–$35 per year. First-year promotions can be cheaper, so always confirm the renewal price before buying.
Is .academy better than .edu?
They serve different purposes. .edu is restricted to accredited US institutions and signals formal academic status; .academy is open to any educator or training brand. If you cannot qualify for .edu — which is almost everyone — .academy is a clear, descriptive alternative.