I am in China. and https://github.com/settings/education/benefits does not work in China. So, i have to use VPN to access services.

[itzosmann]

🏷️ Discussion Type

Question

💬 Feature/Topic Area

Verification Help & Guidance

Hi everyone,

I am in China. and https://github.com/settings/education/benefits does not work in China. So, i have to use VPN to access services.

We were unfortunately not able to verify your academic status. Please address the following issues and apply again.

You must configure your browser and operating system to allow location access. You may not use a VPN. If you believe that our information about your school is incomplete or incorrect, then please select ‘My selected school has incorrect or incomplete information e.g. domains or campus location’ option when submitting a GitHub Education support ticket.

I also verified my school email.

[lusiferxk]

There are few tricks you can try...

Try this first

1. Turn on your VPN and pull up the GitHub Education application page.
2. Fill everything out, upload your ID, and make sure your browser is allowed to see your location.
3. Stop on the final screen right before you hit submit.
4. Turn your VPN completely off.
5. Give your connection 5 to 10 seconds to stabilize on your local Chinese network.
6. Hit the submit button.

If this didn't work I think you should contact GitHub support I think they will help if you can just say honestly what's going on... or try with your university network (university wifi)...

[itzosmann]

this is probably due to chinese great firewall... they have restricted many foreign websites i.e google youtube etc... github also seems to be restricted....

how do i contact their support team? is there any email or something?

[lusiferxk]

https://support.github.com/tickets/personal/0

Try using this page and creating a ticket

[jingzhi42]

I’m also Chinese, but I can access GitHub directly.

[shubhamgharats]

I ran into a similar situation, so I understand how frustrating this is.

Unfortunately, GitHub Education requires your real location during verification, and using a VPN can cause the application to be rejected even if it's only being used to access GitHub from a restricted region.

One thing that might be worth trying is to complete the entire application while connected through the VPN, then disable the VPN just before clicking "Submit" (after making sure your browser still has location permission). If that doesn't work, try submitting from your university's network if possible.

If neither option helps, I'd recommend opening a GitHub Education support ticket and explaining that you're located in China and need a VPN only to access GitHub services. Since you've already verified your academic email, the support team may be able to provide guidance or manually review your case.

I hope GitHub can improve this process for students in regions where VPNs are required just to access their services.

[wedgeworthdamar-alt]

Hello GitHub Community,

I am an undergraduate student at Fuzhou Technology and Business University in mainland China.

I have applied for GitHub Education multiple times, but my student verification has repeatedly failed.

I am facing the same issue described in this discussion:

1. Without a VPN, the GitHub Education verification page is often inaccessible.
2. With a VPN, the verification system flags my connection or location.
3. I can provide official proof of my current student enrollment, but I do not currently have an institutional student email address.

I have also tried accessing GitHub Support, but I could not find a way to submit an Education support ticket.

Could GitHub staff please clarify whether there is an official alternative verification method for students in mainland China, or a way to request a manual review?

I would like to complete the verification honestly and in accordance with GitHub's policies.

Thank you for your help!