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How to use Azure credits for GitHub, AKS, and AI Models

This page explains how startups in Microsoft for Startups can use Azure credits across GitHub, Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS), and AI models. It is designed to clarify what is automatically covered, what requires setup, and where limitations apply.

Overview

Azure credits can be used across many Microsoft services, but how they are applied depends on the service.

  • Some services are covered automatically when used on a sponsored Azure subscription
  • Some services require setup by the startup
  • Some services are only partially eligible or have restrictions

This guide walks through each scenario.

Covered models

Models sold directly by Azure are eligible for Microsoft for Startups sponsorship credits. These models are billed as Azure‑native AI services and appear as standard Azure usage on your Azure invoice.

Models not covered

Models sold by partners and community are excluded from sponsorship eligibility due to the billing source. This includes models published by non‑Microsoft providers, open‑source or commercial models hosted by partner services, and models billed through Azure Marketplace or other third‑party consumption agreements.  

Although these models may be deployable from Microsoft Foundry, their usage is billed separately by the model provider. 

Important

The following providers with popular models are not covered by sponsorship credits:

  • Anthropic
  • Cohere (select models)
  • Hugging Face
  • Meta (select models)
  • Mistral AI (select models) 

Using Azure Credits with AI Models

Are AI models covered by Azure credits?

It depends on the type of model.

  • First party Azure AI models

    When you deploy first party Azure AI models through Azure AI Foundry on a sponsored Azure subscription, usage is automatically covered by Azure credits.

    No additional setup is required.

  • Third party AI models

    Third party models are not automatically covered by Azure credits.

    Eligibility varies by model and sponsorship rules. Before deploying a third-party model, confirm whether it is eligible for Azure credit coverage.

    For details, review AI Foundry model sponsorship eligibility on Microsoft Learn.

Using Azure Credits with AKS

Do I need to configure anything to use Azure credits with AKS?

No configuration is required.

If you create AKS (including AKS Automatic) resources on your sponsored Azure subscription, usage is automatically covered by Azure credits while credits are available.

What costs are included?

Compute, storage, and networking costs associated with AKS clusters provisioned on a sponsored subscription are covered as part of normal Azure consumption.

Using Azure Credits with GitHub

Is GitHub usage automatically covered by Azure credits?

No. GitHub usage is not automatically covered by Azure credits.

To use Azure credits for eligible GitHub services, you must connect your Azure subscription as a payment method in GitHub.

What GitHub services are eligible?

Eligible services include usage based GitHub offerings such as:

  • GitHub Copilot
  • GitHub Codespaces
  • GitHub Actions

Eligibility depends on your GitHub billing model and account setup.

How do I connect my Azure subscription to GitHub?

To connect your Azure subscription:

  • Sign in to your GitHub account
  • Go to Billing and Payments in account settings
  • Select Add payment method and choose Azure subscription
  • Authenticate with your Azure credentials
  • Grant permission to validate subscription ownership
  • Select the Azure subscription you want to use
  • Confirm the connection

Once connected, eligible GitHub usage will be billed against your Azure credits.

You can manage or update this connection at any time from GitHub Billing settings.

What if I already use GitHub coupons?

If you are currently using a volume-based GitHub coupon, you may need to move to metered billing to use Azure credits for GitHub services. Some legacy products may still require coupons.

If you are unsure what applies to your account, contact the Microsoft for Startups support team.

Common Questions

What happens when my Azure credits run out?

When credits are fully used, your Azure subscription automatically transitions to pay as you go. This ensures your applications continue running without interruption.

Why do I need to add a credit card?

A credit card is required for identity verification, services not covered by credits, and automatic transition to pay as you go when credits expire.

Where can I get help?

If you need help with setup, billing, or eligibility:

Microsoft for Startups Support

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