HKU students can register for using Microsoft Azure for Students which offers $100 Azure credits for use within the first 12 months. This service allow registered students to use Microsoft software developer tools, Microsoft Learn, Microsoft certification exams, and career resources through LinkedIn.
Pre-requisites and requirements:
a. The Microsoft Azure for Students is open for use by students.
b. Student are required to use their @connect.hku.hk email for registration and identity verification.
c. The Azure for Students offer is limited to one per eligible student, is non-transferable, and cannot be used in conjunction with other offers unless specified by Microsoft.Registration and activation procedures for Microsoft Azure for Students can be done at https://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/free/students/ and the procedures can be found at here.
The following FAQs are extracted from Microsoft Azure website (https://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/free/free-account-students-faq/) which highlights some important points. Please visit their web site for the full information.
Q: Do I have to pay to use Azure for Students?
A: No. Signing up is free and does not require a credit card.
Q: What cloud services are available to use?
A: You can view the list of Azure products here.
Q: What software is available to download?
A: You can view the list of software developer tools available to download here.
Q: What happens after I use my $100 credit or I’m at the end of 12 months?
A: After you exhaust your available credit or reach the end of 12 months, your Azure subscription will be disabled. If you‘ve reached the end of your 12 months and are still a student, you‘ll be able to renew your Azure for Students offer. We’ll notify you shortly before your 12-month anniversary to let you know how to renew. If you’re no longer a student, you may upgrade to a Pay-As-You-Go subscription by contacting Azure Support.
Q: Can I get Azure for Students again next year?
A: Yes. If you’re still a student, you may renew for another $100 Azure credit. We’ll send a notification when you’re eligible for renewal (up to 30 days before your anniversary of signing up). Simply revalidate your student account with us and you’ll be given additional Azure credit. Unused credit is non-transferable.
Q: What are subscriptions, and how do they relate to Azure for Students?
A: Subscriptions provide access to Azure products. Azure for Students gives you $100 credit for 12 months and access to more than 25 free products, including compute, network, storage, and databases. Any charges incurred during this period are deducted from the credit. To continue using Azure at the end of 12 months or after you’ve exhausted your $100 credit, whichever occurs first, you must upgrade to a Pay-As-You-Go subscription by contacting Azure Support. After you provide a valid credit card, you remove the spending limit on the subscription and get access to the free products as part of your upgraded account.
Q: How do I know how much of the $100 credit I have left?
A: You can see your remaining credit on the Microsoft Azure Sponsorships portal.
Q: How do I download the Developer Tools?
A: Your Azure for Students subscription will provide you with access to certain software developer tools available to download for free. You must have a current, active Azure for Students subscription to access the software developer tools. Once you have signed up with Azure for Students, you can download this software through the Education Hub.
Q: What is Microsoft Learn?
A: Microsoft Learn is a free, online learning platform that allows you to learn Azure technologies at your own pace. Learning Paths combine modules that allow you to start with the basics, then move to advanced methods that address real-world challenges.