Microsoft Project licensing supports structured project planning, scheduling, and reporting in Microsoft 365.
This service combines:
- Planner and Project Plan 3 licensing - for project scheduling, dependencies, baselines, resource assignments, reporting, and access to the Project desktop client
- Planner Premium - for creating and managing premium project plans in Microsoft 365
Together, these tools support structured project planning and management in Microsoft 365.
What This Service Provides
With a Planner and Project Plan 3 license, users can:
- Detailed project scheduling and timeline management
- Task dependencies (including sequencing and lead/lag relationships)
- Critical path analysis
- Assign resources and review workload information
- Use built-in views and reports for project status and progress
Key Features
Project planning and scheduling: Create structured project plans, timelines, dependencies, and repeatable project templates.
Execution and tracking: Track progress against baselines, monitor task updates, and identify schedule risks.
Resource assignments: Assign resources to tasks and review effort, cost, and workload information.
Reporting: Use built-in views and reports to review project status, timelines, progress, and dependencies.
Included Capabilities
Project desktop client
Installed locally for licensed users, up to five devices per user
Supports detailed project scheduling, dependencies, baselines, resource assignments, and reporting
Planner Premium
Provides the primary web experience for creating and managing premium plans in Microsoft 365
Supports task dependencies, structured planning, and collaboration in Microsoft Teams
May include AI-assisted planning features where available and separately licensed
Note: Legacy tools such as Project Online and Project for the web, and higher-tier offerings such as Project Plan 5, are not included in this service as of July 1, 2026.
Available to
Cost
Microsoft Project is part of a comprehensive software suite available through a subscription model tailored for the academic sector. The subscription period aligns with the academic year, running from July to June, and is charged on a prorated basis.
How to Request Service
To view current costs or to purchase a license, please visit iBuyNU Marketplace: Procurement and Payment Services - Northwestern University or Click the appropriate button to the right.
Support Resources
Microsoft Project is a self-service application. Users should contact their local IT support to see if support is offered.
Additionally, online resources are provided by Microsoft, some of which are listed below: