How GitHub Copilot Free is a great thing for the whole world 

I remember when a couple of years ago, GitHub started giving free usage of GitHub Codespaces to all its users. Not only was it a great way to help people contribute to open source with fewer hassles, but it was also a huge step in supporting diversity and equality around the world. Democratizing access to fast, persistent compute across the globe, it allows anyone in the world to access a powerful development machine, learn how to code, automate repetitive tasks and build a small enterprise. All that’s required is a host device with limited power and an internet connection. Either through a mobile device, internet café, or shared computer in a school or library. 

GitHub already offered a free license to GitHub Copilot to Students worldwide through the GitHub Student Developer Pack and discounts for non-profit organizations through the GitHub for Non-Profits program. 

And with GitHub Copilot Free, GitHub is expanding their commitment to everyone in the world. 

Why is this important? 

As a developer working in The Netherlands, I can count myself lucky. I can easily afford to buy a beast of a computer, and I can access GitHub Copilot through my employer’s GitHub Enterprise plan. I recognize my privilege. 

Many people around the globe unfortunately can’t say this. And it’s not only people in the poorest countries. While AI and robotics are fascinating technologies, they’re threatening the jobs of many, while creating opportunities at the same time. Even if the day-to-day work of a developer is changing due to the introduction of AI, it’s also more accessible than ever before, but until recently only as long as you could afford it. 

And if you’re having to pick between food for your children or a monthly subscription to the latest AI tools, that $100 a year is still a LOT of money. 

What is GitHub doing exactly? 

Like GitHub CodeSpaces, GitHub is offering limited access to GitHub Copilot for free for everyone. With it, you will be able to learn how to use GitHub Copilot to support you, no matter where in your career you are. 

By providing GitHub Copilot for free, GitHub is doubling down on its commitments to ensure that AI won’t just be available to the already rich to extend their advantage.  

And like the free version of GitHub CodeSpaces, this free version of GitHub Copilot does come with limits: 2000 code suggestions and 50 chats per month.

What is Xebia doing? 

To help you get started with GitHub Copilot free, Xebia is shared tips & tricks as part of our 12-days Holiday GitHub Copilot series. We’re helping GitHub Enterprise Admins to understand how to use policies to ensure employees are using GitHub Copilot sensibly with a new series of blogs in 2025.  

Want to learn more about GitHub Copilot and get examples of more features that are available? Go to https://github-copilot.xebia.ms/ and look at the feature videos! You can find single features demos, deeper dives from power users, as well as a walkthrough on how to work with Generative AI and learn how to get better results out of GitHub Copilot….or go to the GitHub Copilot Holiday Advent Calendar.…

Click here and take advantage of this downtime and level up your skills as an AI-powered engineer!

Related blogs
GitHub Copilot free is available for every single GitHub developer
Navigating the Enterprise Concerns of GitHub Copilot Free: Solutions for Safe and Compliant Use

Events
GitHub Copilot Hackathon | Feb 5th | in-person event | Hilversum, NL