MATLAB - Frequently Asked Questions
Are students eligible to purchase MATLAB?
How do I purchase MATLAB?
How do I start using MATLAB?
Who is eligible to receive MATLAB?
This software is licensed by the University of Pennsylvania and is restricted to Institutional use only by Penn faculty and staff, as well as faculty and staff of Penn Medicine and affiliated hospitals, for Penn-related academic or administrative use or Penn-related academic research on a Penn-owned computer.
Are students eligible to purchase MATLAB?
SAS and SEAS students can get MATLAB for free through their departments. All other students can contact the Office of Software Licensing to obtain a free copy of MATLAB.
How do I purchase MATLAB?
OSL has developed a new Kivuto Licensing Portal that allows for orders to be placed for this and most other software titles, allowing payment via BEN budget code. Please visit the How to Order page for directions.
After you purchase MATLAB, instructions on how to download and install the software will be provided on the Kivuto Website. Those instructions are reprinted below for your convenience:
OSL will go to the Mathworks site and create a license file using the information you provided in your order. You'll receive an email containing this license file along with two documents describing how to download and activate your account. Contact the Office of Software Licensing with any questions by phone 215-573-3587 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Why is there an error about a "License Manager" or about a "server license"?
This error occurs because you're using a concurrent license file on a single user-installation or a single user license file on a concurrent-user installation. The license file type must match the software type.
Why is there a message that the license file is not for this computer?
The HostID in the license file is not the one that MATLAB is looking for, so the license file has to be reissued with the correct HostID.
To Locate the Host ID/MAC Address:
- For Windows: Press Windows Key +R; Type: cmd, click OK; Type: getmac; The Physical Address is the MAC Address.
- For Macintosh (send in both MAC addresses): Go to the Apple Menu, System Preferences. Click the Network icon. Choose Ethernet on the left and click Advanced. Click the Hardware box and copy the MAC address. Click Cancel. Choose Wi-Fi on the left and click Advanced. Click the Hardware box and copy the MAC address. Click Cancel.
Why am I getting a message about needing an activation key?
Users need to choose "Activate without using the Internet" when prompted for that choice.
I am getting an error 379 at installation. What does this mean?
Users receive this error when attempting to paste the File Installation Key into the box for the Activation Key. Users who are prompted for an Activation Key have taken the wrong path. We do not distribute the Activation Key. Please start over using the license file in the Mathworks email to activate MATLAB.
Can I transfer my license to a new computer at any time?
If you need to transfer your valid license to a new computer, send the new Host ID and Operating System along with an explanation of the reason for the transfer to the Office of Software licenses at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
How can I obtain MATLAB support?
MATLAB support can be obtained by contacting MathWorks at 508-647-7000, (press 3 then 4).