Microsoft has just launched a new offering to give students in 25 countries the opportunity to purchase a Microsoft Surface RT 32Gb model for just $199. A Touch Cover can be added for $50 and a Type Cover for $90.

Ryan Lowdermilk the host of the Windows Developer Show and a Technology Evangelist for Microsoft shared this offer on his website and via Twitter.

Here are some of the details from the brochure about the offer from the FAQ:

Q. What is the Surface RT in Education Limited Time Offer?

A. It is special pricing on Surface RT for a limited time from June 17, 2013 – August 31, 2013, direct from Microsoft to K12 and higher education institutions during the traditional Northern Hemisphere back-to-school time frame.

Q. Why is Microsoft making such an aggressive Surface RT offer to education now?

A. Microsoft has a long tradition of offering special pricing to education customers. Microsoft’s mission in education is to help schools, students and educators realize their full potential. We do this by investing in education institutions through software, hardware and services at affordable prices. We think Surface RT is a terrific tool for teaching and learning, and we want students and educators to have the best technology on the market today.

Q. How does Surface RT compare to iPad and Android?

A. There are many differences between Surface RT and iPad and Android. One of the most important differences to schools is Surface RT comes with a touch-optimized version of Microsoft Office Home & Student 2013 RT – Word, PowerPoint, Excel and OneNote (an upcoming free Windows update will also provide an RT version of Outlook). Microsoft Office is among the most popular productivity software in schools and businesses. Its inclusion in Surface RT means that your students and teachers will be ready to get to work on Surface right away.

Surface RT also lets users multitask between applications, share the device between many users, provides USB and HD video out ports, optional keyboard covers, integration of Internet Explorer 10 to run Flash based websites, lots of storage and a file system, a high quality display, and excellent battery life.

Take a look at the Surface RT in Education Brochure to learn about how Surface RT is a great solution for your school or university.

Q. What is the difference between Windows 8 and Windows RT?

A. Windows 8 comes in three versions (Home, Pro and Enterprise) and runs on Intel x86 chipset. Windows RT comes in one version and runs on the ARM chipset. Windows RT devices are lightweight, have thin form factors, and better battery life. Windows 8 x86 devices can run legacy software and software requiring intense processing power as well as the new modern Windows 8 apps. Windows RT ARM devices can run applications like Microsoft Office 2013 RT and the new modern Windows 8 apps exclusively from the Windows Store. Windows 8 x86 devices running Windows 8 Pro and Windows 8 Enterprise have enterprise level security and manageability features.

Q. I’ve heard there are more apps on iOS and Android? What can I expect from Surface RT?

A. With over 20,000 educationally-relevant apps worldwide in the Windows Store from many of the biggest names in education – Khan Academy, Kno and leading publishers – there is an app for almost every subject. Microsoft has optimized the web browsing experience for HTML 5 and Flash, to ensure that the web works best with Windows.

Q. What countries will the Surface in Education Limited Time Offer be available in?

A. This offer is good in countries:

Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, China (via Digital China), Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Russia, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, and the United States.

Q. Is there a minimum order requirement?

A. No. Schools may buy any quantity of Surface RT for their institution. Pricing is only available until August 31st. We recommend that schools to get their orders in early to take advantage of the offer while supplies last.