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Updated April 2026 - includes March 12, 2026 Copilot Student launch

GitHub Copilot Free for Students 2026:
New Copilot Student Plan Guide

Verified students get free GitHub Copilot Pro-level access via the new Copilot Student plan (updated March 2026). No credit card needed. Includes unlimited completions, premium models, and a full monthly premium request allowance.

🎓

Copilot Student Plan

Launched March 12, 2026. Replaces the previous ad-hoc student access via Education Pack.

  • ✓Unlimited code completions
  • ✓Pro-level premium request allowance per month
  • ✓Premium model access (GPT-4o, Claude Sonnet)
  • ✓Agent mode, code review, CLI support
  • ✓Free while verified student status is active

How to Apply: Step by Step

1

Sign up for GitHub Student Developer Pack

Go to education.github.com/pack. Click 'Join GitHub Education'. You need a free GitHub account to start.

2

Verify your student status

Preferred: use your school-issued email address (.edu or country equivalent). Alternative: upload official enrollment documentation (transcript, tuition receipt, official letter from your institution).

3

Wait for approval

Approval takes 1-7 days. GitHub manually reviews applications. You will receive an email when approved. If it takes longer than 7 days, check your email for additional verification requests from GitHub Education.

4

Activate Copilot Student

Once approved: go to Settings > Copilot in your GitHub account. Copilot Student should now be available at no charge. Enable it and install the extension for your IDE.

Eligibility and Common Issues

Who is eligible

  • ✓13 years or older
  • ✓Currently enrolled in a degree or diploma-granting program
  • ✓Accredited institution (college, university, polytechnic)
  • ✓School-issued email or official enrollment documentation
  • ✓Teachers and educational staff at accredited institutions

Not eligible / common issues

  • ✗Coding bootcamps (non-degree programs are not eligible)
  • ✗Self-study or online course certificates only
  • ✗School email domain not recognised by GitHub - submit enrollment doc instead
  • ✗Application pending over 7 days - check email for additional verification needed
  • ✗Student verification expired - renew at education.github.com annually

Frequently Asked Questions

Is GitHub Copilot free for students?▼
Yes. Verified students get free access via the new Copilot Student plan (updated March 2026). This gives Pro-level access: unlimited code completions, Copilot Chat, access to premium models, agent mode, and a monthly premium request allowance equivalent to the Pro plan. No credit card required. Apply at education.github.com/pack.
How do I get GitHub Copilot free as a student?▼
Apply for the GitHub Student Developer Pack at education.github.com/pack. Verify your student status using a school-issued email address or by uploading official enrollment documentation. Approval typically takes 1-7 days. Once approved, go to Settings > Copilot to activate Copilot Student access.
What changed with the Copilot Student plan in March 2026?▼
GitHub introduced the Copilot Student plan as a distinct, officially-named tier on March 12, 2026. Previously, students got access via the GitHub Education Pack as a benefit with less clarity on what was included. The new plan explicitly offers Pro-equivalent access: unlimited completions, premium model access, and a defined monthly premium request allowance.
What happens to my Copilot access when I graduate?▼
Copilot Student access ends when your student verification expires. GitHub Education verifications typically need to be renewed annually. When your verification expires, you will be prompted to either reverify (if still enrolled) or subscribe to a paid plan. Your chat history and settings are preserved - only the free access ends.
Can teachers get GitHub Copilot for free?▼
Yes. Verified teachers and educational staff get free Copilot Pro access via GitHub Education at education.github.com/teachers. The same Pro-level benefits apply. Verification requires proof of current employment at an accredited educational institution.
Free Tier GuidePro Plan (after graduation)Which Plan GuideAll Plans Overview