Helping Support the Next Generation Learn Skills in Data and AI – Azure for Students Starter

In our last blog we spoke about the Microsoft Junior Imagine Cup 2021 and how it can help students aged 13 – 18 build skills in AI.

This also helps to improve their ability to communicate, collaborate and think critically while focusing on how it can help solve social, cultural and environmental issues.

While we would highly recommend registering to anyone who has students interested in Artificial Intelligence (AI) or just looking to set a different sort of challenge for their students, Microsoft have other services that can also help provide students the ability to learn how to develop and build solutions using Azure.

One of these is the Azure for Students Starter, which enables students to start developing solutions in the cloud at no cost. This allows you to access the free tier of the following services.

Azure App Services

A fully managed cloud offering that enables you to build and deploy native and web apps in minutes. Use the technology you love—ASP.NET, Java, PHP, Node.js or Python. Add a variety of essential app services including authentication, social integration, offline data sync and more, regardless of whether your app runs on Windows 10, iOS, or Android. Set up continuous integration and deployment workflows with VSO, GitHub, TeamCity, Hudson, or BitBucket—enabling you to automatically build, test and deploy your web app on each successful code check-in or integration test.

Azure Functions

Write simple, serverless functions in the programming language of your choice to run code on demand without worrying about infrastructure.

Notification Hubs

Keep your app in-touch with users by enabling you to send mobile push notifications tailored by audience, language, and location using any back end and major mobile platforms.

MySQL database from MySQL in-app

This gives you the experience of native MySQL support for your Web Apps. Deploy CMS solutions such as WordPress, Joomla, and more, or custom applications driven by MySQL database.

Application Insights

Provides you with the deep diagnostics and performance telemetry to ensure your web apps and services are running at their maximum potential. Search and analyse your data to continuously improve your application, prioritise future investments and improve the overall customer experience.

Azure DevOps

Provides a set of cloud-powered collaboration tools that work with your existing IDE or editor, so your team can work effectively on software projects of all shapes and sizes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are all Services Free?

While the Azure for Students Starter is available to verified students at no cost, commitment or time limit, the services provided are limited to Azure Services that include a free tier of service use. The detailed terms of use for the Azure for Student Starter is available at the following link: offer terms.

Who is eligible for the Azure for Students Starter?

Azure for Students Starter is available only to students who meet the following requirements. You must affirm that you are age 13 or older if you reside in the United States and age 16 or older if you reside in a country other than the United States. You must verify your academic status through your organisation’s email address (or Shibboleth if supported by your organisation). This offer is not available for use in a massive open online course (MOOC) or in other professional trainings from for-profit organisations.

This offer is limited to one Azure for Students Starter subscription per eligible customer, is non-transferable and can’t be combined with any other offer, unless otherwise permitted by Microsoft. Microsoft may terminate this offer at their sole discretion. Other restrictions may apply.

Do I pay anything to use Azure for Students Starter?

No. Signing up is free and doesn’t require a credit card.

Will I have to pay something at any point in time?

A credit card is not required for the Azure for Students Starter offer. You will initially only be able to access a limited set of Azure services that are available with the offer. However, at any point of time, you may upgrade your subscription to a pay-as-you-go subscription to get access to all Azure services.

Is there a limited supply of Azure for Students Starter users?

Azure for Students has a limited supply of activations and will be available only while supplies last.

What if I am unable to access or qualify for Azure for Students Starter?

Microsoft can also provide an Azure Free Account which is worth exploring.

While it’s important to help give students the opportunity to help explore and develop new technologies and skills we believe it’s equally important to help provide that opportunities to schools, colleges and university’s to help you understand how AI can also help your organisation. As such if you are interested in learning more about AI, Cognitive Services and Machine Learning we offer an AI 101 Workshop which is designed to help you understand the potential of these technologies, how they come together but also apply in real world situations and what some of the benefits or potential considerations are.

If you would like to learn more about either the Azure for Students Starter or AI 101 Workshop please reach out to your Phoenix Account Manager or alternatively email [email protected].