# GitHub free for open source

What GitHub gives open source projects, who qualifies, and how to apply. 2 verified offers, last checked 2026-09-07.

- Website: https://github.com
- Categories: hosting, CI/CD, AI and ML

## GitHub Copilot Pro (free for OSS maintainers)

**What you get.** Free GitHub Copilot Pro subscription (the paid individual tier) for maintainers of popular open source repositories.

**Who qualifies.** Applies to the maintainer. Must be a maintainer of a "popular" open source repository as determined by GitHub; no public threshold is published. Eligibility is re-evaluated by GitHub every month.

**How to apply.** No application form: check eligibility under profile menu > Copilot settings; access is granted automatically if you qualify.

Program page: https://docs.github.com/en/copilot/how-tos/manage-your-account/get-free-access-to-copilot-pro

Verified 2026-09-07 - manual: GitHub Docs page live, states Copilot Pro free for maintainers of popular open-source repositories, monthly re-evaluation

## GitHub Actions, Packages and paid-tier features on public repositories

**What you get.** GitHub Actions CI/CD minutes and Packages storage are free for public repositories on all plans (private-repo quotas like 2,000 minutes/500MB on Free do not apply), and paid-tier features such as repository rules, code owners, draft pull requests, and multiple pull request assignees are available free on public repositories.

**Who qualifies.** Applies to the project.

**How to apply.** No application; benefits apply automatically to public repositories.

Program page: https://github.com/pricing

Verified 2026-09-07 - manual: pricing page live, Actions/Packages and several features marked 'Free for public repositories'

Match your repo against all 176 offers: https://foropensource.com/#check

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