Hi everyone,

Thanks for raising this issue.

In many cases, this happens due to browser configuration or extensions blocking location verification. Please try the following recommended steps:

✅ Use a fresh Chromium-based browser (such as Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, or Brave).
✅ Make sure no ad blockers or privacy extensions are installed or enabled, as these can prevent the system from detecting campus location correctly.
✅ Allow Location Access when the browser prompts for permission.
✅ Clear browser cache and cookies before logging in again.
✅ Ensure your browser is updated to the latest version.
✅ Try using an Incognito/Private window to avoid extension or cache conflicts.
✅ Try to ensure that your device is connected to the university's official Wi-Fi network, not to a mobile hotspot or personal VPN software.
✅ Disable any system-level VPN, proxy, or DNS filtering applications if present.

After completing the above steps, please log out and sign in again to check if the issue is resolved.

If the problem persists, kindly share your browser name/version and a screenshot of the error message so further investigation can be done.

Thank you.

Hi,

This is a fairly common issue with GitHub Education verification even if you are physically on campus, the system may not always correctly detect your location.

Here are a few things you can try:

1. Double-check VPN / proxy settings
   Even if you’re not actively using a VPN, make sure:

• No VPN apps are running in the background
• No proxy or private DNS is enabled

2. Enable location services
   Make sure:

• Your browser has location permission enabled
• Your system location services are turned on

3. Try a different network
   Even on campus, some networks may not be recognized properly.
   Try:

• Another campus Wi-Fi network
• Mobile hotspot (just to test behavior)

4. Use a different browser / clean session

• Clear cache
• Try incognito mode
• Disable extensions

5. School data mismatch
   Sometimes GitHub’s database for your school (domains or campus location) may be incomplete or incorrect.

If that’s the case:

• Submit a support ticket
• Choose: “My school information is incorrect or incomplete”

6. Submit verification manually
   If automatic location detection keeps failing, you can still verify using documents (student ID, enrollment proof).

If the issue continues, it’s likely a backend or data mismatch problem, and GitHub Support will need to review it manually.

Although I am physically located at my University and not using a VPN, the system continues to show that my location cannot be determined or that I am not on campus. Could you please help investigate this issue?

Hi,

I am facing a similar issue with my GitHub Student Developer Pack application.

My application was not approved due to verification issues, and I believe this may be because my college is not correctly listed or has incomplete information in GitHub’s database.

I am currently studying at Unnamalai Institute of Technology, Kovilpatti, Tamil Nadu, India. It is a NAAC-accredited institution, approved by AICTE and affiliated with Anna University, Chennai.

College Website: https://uitkovilpatti.ac.in/
Location: Kovilpatti, Tamil Nadu, India

I am not using a VPN, and my location access is enabled.

Could you please guide me on how to resolve this issue or update my school information?

Thank you.

The root cause here is usually that your school isn't in GitHub's database with accurate coordinates, or the address on file doesn't match the region your IP resolves to. The automatic location check fails because the system is comparing against bad reference data, not because you're doing anything wrong.

The quickest workaround is to bypass the location check entirely by applying with documents instead. On the GitHub Education application, choose to verify with proof of enrollment rather than relying on automatic school detection. Upload an official enrollment letter or a photo of your student ID that clearly shows your institution's name. That path doesn't depend on the geolocation lookup at all.

If you still run into issues, submit a support ticket at education.github.com and select "My school information is incorrect or incomplete" as the topic. Include your school's full name, city, country, and website. GitHub uses that feedback to update their school database, and once it's corrected, the automatic check works properly for everyone at that institution.

Worth doing both: apply with documents now so you get access, and file the school correction ticket so others don't hit the same thing later.