Many universities pay for a "Campus-Wide License" that allows students to download and install MATLAB on their personal machines at no cost.
The most direct way to for your desktop is through the official MathWorks 30-day trial . This trial is not a "lite" version; it gives you unlimited access to MATLAB, Simulink, and over 80 add-on toolboxes. How to get it: download free matlab
Below is a complete guide on how to legally download or access MATLAB for free. Many universities pay for a "Campus-Wide License" that