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GitHub pre-verification setup

Set up GitHub before you apply

These three setup checks make the Student Developer Pack application much stronger. A college or .edu email is useful, but personal email can still work when your college documents are genuine and clear.

Name matches document

Billing address saved

2FA enabled and recovery codes saved

College proof ready if using personal email

Before you start: If GitHub asks you to sign in or create an account when you click a link below — sign in with your existing GitHub account, or create a free one first. Then come back here and click the link again.

Slide 1 of 3

Match Your Profile Name

GitHub should see the same name that appears on your college proof.

  1. 1Open GitHub and sign in to the same account you will use for the Student Developer Pack.
  2. 2Go to Settings, then Public profile.
  3. 3Find the Name field and enter your full name exactly as shown on your Student ID, enrollment letter, or official college document.
  4. 4Avoid nicknames, initials-only names, or short forms if your document uses the full name.
  5. 5Click Update profile and refresh the page to confirm the name saved.

Open GitHub profile settings

All steps read? Click here to open the settings page

Done when: Your GitHub profile name should visually match your college document before you apply.

Slide 2 of 3

Add Billing Address

No card is needed. GitHub just needs a real address signal.

  1. 1Open GitHub Settings and go to Billing and licensing.
  2. 2Choose Payment information.
  3. 3Add your billing address. Use your home address or an address near your college.
  4. 4Leave payment card details empty if GitHub does not require them. The Student Pack does not need a credit card.
  5. 5Save the address and return to the Student Developer Pack application.

Open billing information

All steps read? Click here to open the settings page

Done when: The address should be saved in billing information before you start the application.

Slide 3 of 3

Enable Two-Factor Authentication

2FA is mandatory and prevents instant rejection.

  1. 1Open GitHub Settings and go to Password and authentication.
  2. 2Under Two-factor authentication, click Enable two-factor authentication.
  3. 3Choose an authenticator app such as Google Authenticator, Microsoft Authenticator, or Authy. SMS also works if offered.
  4. 4Scan the QR code with your authenticator app, then enter the 6-digit code shown in the app.
  5. 5Download or copy your recovery codes and store them safely. You need them if you lose your phone.
  6. 6Confirm that GitHub shows 2FA as enabled before applying.

Open password and security

All steps read? Click here to open the settings page

Done when: Your GitHub security page should show Two-factor authentication as enabled.

Applying with personal email?

That can still work. The important part is proof: keep a clear college ID, current enrollment letter, class schedule, tuition receipt, or any official document that shows your name, college, and current academic status.

All three checks done? Head back and continue from Step 1.

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