AI tools HKU students can use within the rules.

The table lists services the university provides or students can apply for. Allowances and plans change, so check the official page before applying.

ITS's HKU ChatGPT page says the platform offers ChatGPT and GPT Image, DeepSeek through Microsoft Foundry, and models including Gemini, Nano Banana, GLM and Qwen through Google's platform. Students receive 500k AI Credits a month, reset on the 1st. The web app and the API share the same allowance, and more can be purchased.

The same page links to the student API Developer Portal, where you sign in with your HKU account to apply. Each model also has per-minute and daily limits; follow the details shown in the portal.

HKU Libraries' digital literacy guide says current staff and students can use Copilot Chat by signing in to Microsoft 365 with their HKU email, with Enterprise Data Protection. This protection applies only when you sign in with the university account, not with a personal Microsoft account.

The Copilot page on the ITS website describes Microsoft 365 Copilot, which needs a separate licence. It is a different service from Copilot Chat.

GitHub now calls its student plan Copilot Student. It is free, with unlimited code completions, an allowance for chat and agent use, and models available through automatic selection only. HKU's ITS page still uses the name Copilot Pro; GitHub's official page defines what the plan includes.

1. 01

   Prepare your GitHub account

   Turn on two-factor authentication and add a billing address. ITS says no payment method is required.

2. 02

   Apply on campus

   ITS strongly recommends applying on campus with location enabled, and photographing your student card with the camera rather than uploading a scan.

3. 03

   Wait for review

   Review takes about five days. Once approved, turn Copilot on in your GitHub Copilot settings.

4. 04

   Turn off two data settings

   As ITS requires, turn off Suggestions matching public code and Allow GitHub to use my data for AI model training in your Copilot feature settings.

Azure for Students provides US$100 of credit for 12 months without a credit card, renewable each year while you remain eligible. You must confirm you are 18 or over and a full-time student, verify with your school email, and hold one offer per person.

Microsoft's documentation does not clearly state how much model quota, such as Azure OpenAI, a student subscription receives. Before relying on it for a course project, check your quota in the Azure portal.

HKU's ITS reminds students that using generative AI must follow each course teacher's rules; failing to do so may count as plagiarism and lead to disciplinary action. Rules can differ between courses, so follow the course outline and your teacher's instructions.

When citing AI-generated text or images, follow HKU Libraries' guide to citing generative AI. The university's full generative AI policy is on the intranet and requires an HKU sign-in.

The Gemini web app and mobile apps are available in Hong Kong and work well alongside the university's tools. The supported-region lists published by OpenAI and Anthropic do not include Hong Kong; check each platform's current supported regions and terms before using a personal account.

• Gemini in Hong Kong: accounts, plans and the API
• Checking AI tool connectivity and account eligibility