How to Get an Free Azure Subscription for Learning

Labels Azure

Whether you're a student, beginner, or professional looking to upskill with Microsoft Azure, here are 3 ways to get started with zero cost:

🆓 1. Free Azure Account (For Everyone)

Microsoft offers a free Azure account with great benefits for 30 days.

• 💰 ₹16,500 (~$200) credit for 30 days
• 🗓️ 12 months free access to 25+ services (e.g., VMs, Storage)
• 🔁 Always-free services with limited monthly usage

🛡️ How to Make Sure You’re Not Charged

1. Use a credit/debit card for identity verification (₹2 is refunded automatically)
2. Don’t click "Upgrade" after your credits expire
3. Azure will pause services when your free credit ends—no auto-charging

🔔 Set Spending Alerts (Recommended)

1. Login to Azure Portal
2. Go to Cost Management + Billing > Cost Management > Budgets
3. Click + Add, set budget amount (e.g., ₹16000), and add your email
4. You’ll get alerts when spending crosses the limit

👉 Sign up for Free Azure Account

🎓 2. Azure for Students (No Credit Card Needed)

If you're a verified student, this is the best deal!

• 💳 No credit card required
• 🎁 $100 Azure credit
• 📦 Free access to services like Azure App Service, Functions, and AI tools

✅ You must sign up using your school/college email ID (e.g., .edu or .ac.in).

👉 Sign up for Azure for Students

🧪 3. Microsoft Learn with Azure Sandbox (No Subscription Needed)

Microsoft Learn offers interactive, hands-on training for Azure, completely free and safe for learners.

• 🆓 No credit card or subscription needed
• ⏱️ Sandbox valid for 1–2 hours per session
• 🧼 Resources are auto-deleted after the session
• 🧠 Real experience with services like VMs, Storage, Web Apps, and more

⚙️ How to Use the Sandbox

1. Visit a supported module from Microsoft Learn (e.g., Azure Fundamentals)
2. Sign in with your free Microsoft account
3. Click “Activate Sandbox” to start using Azure
4. Use Cloud Shell or embedded portal to complete tasks

📌 Sandbox Rules

• 🔐 Microsoft account required
• 🌍 Portal access limited to training scope only
• ♻️ Sandbox can be reactivated multiple times

👉 Explore Microsoft Learn for Azure

🚀 Ready to Start?

Pick the option that suits you best and begin your Azure learning journey today. Whether you're a student or a curious professional, Microsoft offers a safe and free way to grow your cloud skills!