My Student Developer Pack application has been repeatedly rejected

[Farnaz-memar]

🏷️ Discussion Type

Question

💬 Feature/Topic Area

Verification Help & Guidance

Hi everyone,

Hi everyone,

I am a current student and I have applied for the GitHub Student Developer Pack multiple times, but my applications have been rejected.

I have valid documentation proving my current student status, and I have carefully checked the information in my application.

I also contacted GitHub Support, but when I selected "Application not approved (student)", I was informed that individual manual reviews and application status updates are no longer provided.

Could someone please advise me on what might be causing my applications to be rejected and what I should correct or provide before applying again?

I would really appreciate any guidance on how I can successfully verify my student status.

Thank you!

[rohanjoshi7]

Hi Farnaz,

I am so sorry you are dealing with this. It is incredibly frustrating now that GitHub has stopped doing manual reviews for student applications. Because everything is handled by an automated bot now, even the smallest details can trigger a rejection.

Since you know your documents are valid, you just need to format your application so the bot can read it properly. Here are the most common things that trip up the automated checker and how to fix them for your next attempt:

• Turn off your VPN: The system checks your IP address and compares it to your university location. If you are using a VPN or iCloud Private Relay, turn it off. Ideally, try to apply while you are physically on campus.

• Match your profile name: Ensure the name on your GitHub profile exactly matches the name printed on your student ID or transcript. If your GitHub name is a nickname, the bot will reject the application.

• Take a live photo: Do not use screenshots or upload digital PDFs. The bot is trained to reject them to prevent fraud. Take a fresh, well lit picture of your physical student ID resting on your keyboard or desk.

• Check the dates: Your document must clearly show a current enrollment date or an expiration date in the future. If the date is small or hard to read, the bot will fail it.

• Add your school email: Make sure your university email address is added and verified in your main GitHub account settings before you apply.

I highly recommend taking a brand new photo of your student ID next to a piece of paper with your GitHub username written on it. Make sure the text is crystal clear, turn off any VPNs, and try submitting it one more time.

Hang in there and good luck!