Can you export a step file? I have had good luck exporting a step shell into other programs with the surfaces staying connected. You have to watch out for variable rads though.
You can export a neutral file like igs or stp from the student edition and import it into the commercial version but you can't go the other way. The files themselves aren't compatable with each other.
You might be able to load the student version fine in Educational verson (Regen and save) and then this file should be compatible with the Professional version. I haven't tried it but I have heard it works.
An Educational version is what a college or university would run.