Type
Generic
All TLDs / .edu
What is .edu?
The short answer
.edu is a generic top-level domain, operated by EDUCAUSE. It's live in the official IANA DNS root zone and open for public registration through accredited registrars — anyone can register a .edu domain if the name is available.Source: IANA root zone database, checked October 18, 2026.
Is .edu a real domain extension?
Yes — .edu is a real top-level domain. It's present in the official IANA DNS root zone, which is the authoritative list of every live TLD on the internet.
Who runs .edu?
.edu is operated by EDUCAUSE, per the IANA root database.
What is .edu used for?
As an open generic extension, .edu can be registered by anyone for any kind of website — there are no topic restrictions unless the registry sets a specific policy.
Can anyone register a .edu domain?
Yes — .edu is open for public registration through accredited registrars. Whether a specific name is available depends on whether someone already owns it.