GitHub Copilot Student gives verified students free AI coding help in the editor and on GitHub, compared with $10/month for Copilot Pro.
Quick answer
Yes. GitHub Copilot Student is free for verified students. You apply through GitHub Education, and once you are verified you activate Copilot Student from your GitHub education benefits page. Copilot Pro normally costs $10/month and Pro+ costs $39/month, so the student plan saves up to $120 a year compared with Pro. GitHub re-checks your eligibility every month, so keep your student status current.
Affiliate disclosure: Some links on this page may earn us a commission. We still list limits and caveats clearly so you do not waste time on offers that do not fit.
Current status
- Deal status: Active for verified students.
- Student price: $0.
- Copilot Pro: $10/month. Copilot Pro+: $39/month.
- Verification method: GitHub Education student application.
- Eligibility check: GitHub reevaluates eligibility every month.
- Model access: GitHub’s plans page lists auto model selection for the Student plan, not a manual model picker.
- Third-party agents: Not included in the Student plan.
- Last verified: October 19, 2026 against GitHub’s official documentation.
What the Student plan includes
Copilot Student gives verified students free access to Copilot inside the editor and on GitHub. It comes with a monthly allowance of GitHub AI Credits. GitHub’s plans page does not state the exact Student credit amount, so treat any specific number you see on a third-party blog as unconfirmed.
For comparison, GitHub lists Copilot Pro at 1,500 monthly credits (1,000 base plus 500 flex) and Copilot Pro+ at 7,000 (3,900 base plus 3,100 flex). Pro and Pro+ also offer broader model access than the Student plan.
How to get Copilot Student
- Go to your GitHub education benefits page and click “Start an application” if you are not verified yet.
- Submit your school details and proof of enrollment. Verification is handled by GitHub Education.
- After approval, open the “Free GitHub developer resources for students and teachers” section and click “Learn more.”
- Follow the prompts to activate Copilot Student and set your Copilot use policies.
Approval and Copilot activation are separate steps. GitHub says the benefit can take several days to apply after verification. If you only see paid options, do not buy a plan. Wait a few days and try again, then contact GitHub Support if it still does not appear.
Who should use it
Copilot Student fits computer science, data science, and bootcamp students who write code every week. If you already use the broader GitHub Student Developer Pack, Copilot Student is one of the most useful benefits in it.
If you mostly need a general chatbot for essays and research rather than coding help, compare the ChatGPT student offer, the Claude student discount status, and our student AI discount deadlines for 2026. If you prefer an AI-first editor, see the Cursor student discount.
Cost comparison
| Option | Student price | Normal monthly price | First-year cost | Good fit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Copilot Student | $0 | Not applicable | $0 | Students who code in an editor |
| Copilot Pro | No student rate needed | $10 | $120 | Non-students who want more models |
| Copilot Pro+ | No student rate | $39 | $468 | Heavy agent and premium model use |
Common problems
Verification is pending or rejected
Make sure your profile name matches your school documents, add your school email to your GitHub account, and reapply with a clear enrollment document. GitHub Education reviews each application.
Copilot still shows paid plans after approval
This is common in the first few days. Wait, then check your Copilot settings again. Do not pay for a plan while approval is propagating.
The benefit disappeared
GitHub reevaluates eligibility every month. If your enrollment proof expires, reverify through GitHub Education.
FAQ
Is GitHub Copilot free for students?
Yes. Verified students on GitHub Education get Copilot Student for free. It is separate from the paid Copilot Pro plan at $10/month.
How do I get GitHub Copilot Student?
Apply through GitHub Education on your education benefits page, wait for approval, then activate Copilot Student from the student resources section. Activation can take several days after approval.
Can I choose which AI model Copilot Student uses?
GitHub’s plans page lists auto model selection for the Student plan. Pro and Pro+ list broader model access.
Does Copilot Student expire?
GitHub reevaluates your eligibility every month. As long as you stay verified as a student, you keep access.
Is Copilot Student the same as the GitHub Student Developer Pack?
No. The Student Developer Pack is a bundle of student benefits. Copilot Student is one benefit you activate through GitHub Education.
— Larry, Deals EditorThis deal is worth checking if GitHub fits your workflow — but always compare renewal costs before subscribing.
What we like
- Free for verified students
- Works inside popular code editors
- Saves $120 a year versus Copilot Pro
What to watch
- Auto model selection only on the Student plan
- Eligibility is re-checked every month
- Activation can take several days after approval
Key stat: Last verified Oct 19, 2026. No public expiry date available.
Requires an approved GitHub Education student application. Approval and Copilot activation are separate steps and can take several days.
Checked GitHub Docs plans page and the student setup guide on 2026-10-19. Student plan is free, eligibility is re-evaluated monthly, and the plans page lists auto model selection for Student.
Frequently asked questions
Is GitHub Copilot free for students?
Yes. Verified students on GitHub Education get Copilot Student for free. It is separate from the paid Copilot Pro plan at $10/month.
How do I get GitHub Copilot Student?
Apply through GitHub Education on your education benefits page, wait for approval, then activate Copilot Student from the student resources section. Activation can take several days after approval.
Can I choose which AI model Copilot Student uses?
GitHub's plans page lists auto model selection for the Student plan. Pro and Pro+ list broader model access.
Does Copilot Student expire?
GitHub reevaluates your eligibility every month. As long as you stay verified as a student, you keep access.
How to redeem
- Click the "Get this deal" button above to visit GitHub’s official page.
- Check current pricing and eligibility.
- Review terms before completing your purchase.
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