Unable to pass location verification — University of Cincinnati student applying from abroad

[y2264385-byte]

🏷️ Discussion Type

Question

💬 Feature/Topic Area

Verification Help & Guidance

Hi everyone,

I'm a student at the University of Cincinnati and my school email (uc.edu) has already been verified on my GitHub account. However, I'm currently abroad for personal reasons, and when I try to submit the Education Benefits application, I get:

"Unable to access location — Location information is unavailable."

I've tried:

• Allowing location permissions in Chrome/Safari
• macOS system-level location services are enabled
• Different browsers

The application won't let me proceed past the location step. My school email is verified — is there any way to complete verification without the browser location check?

Thank you.

[adeshkashyap]

Why This Is Happening
GitHub Education doesn't use GPS — it relies on your internet connection's IP address to verify location. When you're abroad, your IP geolocates to a completely different country, far from the University of Cincinnati campus, which triggers the location block. Your verified .uc.edu email is a good foundation, but the system still wants location as a secondary signal. Devactivity

Things to Try First

1. Try the GitHub Mobile App

Download and log in to the GitHub mobile app, open the Education Plan page on both your desktop and mobile, and complete the location verification step using your phone. Once verified on mobile, it should show as completed on your desktop too, letting you proceed. GitHub
2. Select "Distance Learning" as Your Reason

When the application asks why you are not on campus, select "All coursework is via distance learning." This tells GitHub to prioritize document-based verification over IP geolocation, effectively bypassing the location check. In the explanation box, briefly note that you're temporarily abroad but are an active enrolled student, and ask for document-based review. Devactivity
3. Ensure VPN is Off

If you're using a VPN, temporarily disable it during the verification process. A VPN can sometimes make the location detection even worse. GitHub

If None of That Works — Contact GitHub Education Support Directly
This is the most reliable path for your situation. Contact GitHub Education Support directly and explain that you are an active student currently away from campus. They may ask for additional verification documents manually, and many students successfully complete verification through manual review when automatic verification does not work. GitHub
When you contact them:

Go to https://support.github.com/ → open a ticket under GitHub Education
Select the option related to "incorrect location" or "remote learning" and request a manual review, attaching your official documents. Devactivity
Attach your student ID and an enrollment verification letter showing current enrollment dates
Mention your verified uc.edu email is already on the account
Explain you're temporarily abroad for personal reasons

You can also email education@github.com directly with the same information.

[yuanyuan-qwq]

HI
Your verified uc.edu email helps, but it may not be enough by itself. GitHub Education still uses location as part of the application check.

I’d try from a phone first, with location services enabled, VPN/proxy off, and the browser allowed to use location. A lot of people have better luck completing that step on mobile.

If you’re currently abroad, the best option is probably to contact GitHub Education Support and ask for manual review. Include your verified school email, student ID, and current enrollment proof, and explain that you’re temporarily outside the US.