Faculty application pending for several days – any update on review times?

[STA-KAT]

🏷️ Discussion Type

Question

💬 Feature/Topic Area

Benefit Activation/Waiting

Hi everyone,

Hi everyone,

I submitted a GitHub Education application as a teacher (Application Type: Faculty) on November 2, 2026. It still shows "Your application has been received and is currently pending review."

I'd like to use GitHub with my 9th-grade class soon, so I'm wondering how long faculty reviews currently take. Is there anything I can do to speed this up, or any additional documents I should provide?

Thanks for any help!

[azlanabdulla]

Hi @STA-KAT,

Thanks for the details. You're only a few days in, so this is probably still normal.

1. How long it takes: GitHub's FAQ says review times vary and can reach about six weeks at the busiest times of year. Faculty applications can take a while too, especially if they need manual review. I don't have a current official figure, so please treat this as a rough guide.

2. Can you speed it up? Not really. GitHub says support can't speed up the review, so opening a ticket won't shorten it. Avoid submitting a second application while this one is pending, because it won't help and may push you back in the queue.

3. Documents that usually help:

• A school-issued ID or a letter on school letterhead showing you currently work there.
• Your name and school name clearly visible, plus a current date or school year.
• A clear, uncropped photo or scan.
• A name that matches your GitHub profile name.
• If your school gave you an email address, use it as your verified email on GitHub.

4. Check your status here: https://github.com/settings/education/benefits. If it's rejected, the page should say why, and you can fix that and reapply.

5. In the meantime, a free GitHub account is enough to start a class repository or set up a small project, so you don't have to wait for approval to try it out.

Good luck with your 9th-grade class!

[bhuiadrija-cyber]

Double‑check your supporting documents

Most delays or rejections come down to unclear proof of affiliation. GitHub looks for a current, legible document that clearly links your full name to your school and your role. The most reliable options are:

An employment verification letter on school letterhead that includes your full legal name, your title, the school’s name, and a current date.

A faculty ID (make sure it’s sharp, unexpired, and shows your name and the institution).

A staff directory page or similar official document that shows your current role and a date.

Also confirm that you applied using your school‑issued email address—that’s one of the fastest signals GitHub uses to verify faculty status.

[doctorjei]

I don't think this is true; it's very hit or miss. I've had an account for over a decade, always faculty (it's my main job), and my account just "expired"... and I've been rejected instantaneously several times (filed support ticket, waiting...)

It's sort of crazy. I'm definitely second-guessing using GitHub as a dependency for my classes. Using a university email doesn't necessarily help; I've used one for that same period, no luck.

But I guess you're lucky if you aren't straight up "rejected"?... :D The best part is, it tells me to fix issues... then provides nothing... fun! :)

[dineshsinghco15-dotcom]

What should you do?

1. Wait for GitHub to review the application.
2. Check the registered email, including Spam and Junk folders.
3. Check the application status at [GitHub Education](https://education.github.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com).
4. Keep their teaching proof ready, such as:
   • Faculty ID card.
   • Official school email.
   • Employment or appointment letter.
   • School website showing their teaching position.
5. If the application remains pending, contact [GitHub Support](https://support.github.com/contact?utm_source=chatgpt.com).
6. Mention the application date and ask whether any additional documents are required.

The person applied on November 2, 2026, and the screenshot says the application is still pending
Solution – Follow these steps

1. Wait for the review. Five days is not necessarily unusual.
2. Open [GitHub Education](https://education.github.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com).
3. Check the application status.
4. Check the registered email and Spam folder.
5. Ensure the submitted faculty ID or employment letter clearly shows their name, institution and current employment.
6. If it remains pending beyond the normal review period, contact GitHub Education Support.

GitHub's teacher verification guidance: [Teacher application requirements](https://docs.github.com/en/education/about-github-education/github-education-for-teachers/apply-to-github-education-as-a-teacher?utm_source=chatgpt.com) and [Common reasons for rejection](https://docs.github.com/en/education/about-github-education/github-education-for-teachers/why-wasnt-my-application-to-github-education-for-teachers-approved?utm_source=chatgpt.com).

Important: GitHub says reviews can take longer during busy periods. There is no guaranteed way to speed up a pending application.