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Connect GitHub Metered Billing to an Azure Subscription

GitHub Copilot Interaction Data Usage Update

On April 24 we'll start using GitHub Copilot interaction data for AI model training unless you opt out. Review this update and manage your preferences in your GitHub account settings.

This guide explains how to connect GitHub metered billing to an Azure subscription so usage-based services (for example, GitHub Copilot and other metered features) can be billed directly to Azure.

Important: This documentation is informational only. Ohio State does not manage GitHub accounts, organizations, or costs. All charges are billed to the Azure subscription you select. Refer to the Ohio State Azure FAQs for details on billing responsibilities.

 

What This Guide Covers 

  • Prerequisites for connecting GitHub billing to Azure
  • How to link a GitHub organization to an Azure subscription
  • Permissions required to complete setup
  • What to monitor after setup 

 

Requirements (Before You Start) 

Before connecting GitHub billing, confirm the following: 

  • You can sign in to GitHub using OSU single sign-on (select Sign in with Google).
  • Your Google sign-in uses your name.#@osu.edu account (OSU SSO).
    • If you previously used a GitHub account with your name.#@osu.edu address, your repositories, settings, and history should remain available after authentication transitions to OSU SSO.
  • You are an Owner of a GitHub organization. A free organization is sufficient (see GitHub Docs: About Organizations).
  • You have Owner permissions on the Azure subscription you plan to use.
  • You understand that all usage costs will be billed to your Azure subscription.

 

Step 1: Sign in to GitHub with Your OSU Account 

  1. Go to GitHub.com.
  2. Select Sign in with Google.
  3. Authenticate using your name.#@osu.edu credentials.
  4. Confirm you are signed in to the correct GitHub account. 

Note: GitHub access through Google sign-in is required to associate the account with OSU single sign-on.

 

Step 2: Confirm or Create a GitHub Organization 

GitHub billing via Azure can only be configured at the organization level. 

  1. Select your profile picture (top-right).
  2. Select Organizations.
  3. Verify the following:
    • An organization exists.
    • You are listed as an Owner. 

If you do not have an organization, create a new free organization and ensure you are the owner. 

Organization creation steps are not covered here. If needed, refer to GitHub Docs: Creating a new organization from scratch.

Step 3: Open Organization Billing Settings 

  1. Navigate to your organization (or enterprise). For example, use the Organizations or Enterprises pages on GitHub.com.
  2. Select Billing & Licensing to open the billing and licensing overview.
    • Organization accounts: under Access in the settings sidebar.
    • Enterprise accounts: a separate tab at the top of the page.
  3. From the Billing & licensing pages, select Payment information.
  4. Scroll to Metered billing via Azure, then select Add Azure Subscription.
  5. Sign in to your Microsoft account when prompted.
    • Important: Sign in with your OSU Azure admin account that has the Owner role for the subscription you intend to use (for example, name.#a@osu.edu).
  6. Review the permissions prompt. If you agree, select Accept.
  7. Under Select a subscription, choose the Azure subscription ID you want to connect.
    • Confirm the statement about being billed via the selected Azure subscription, then select Connect. 

To select an Azure subscription, you must have the Owner role on that subscription.

Note: GitHub’s interface may change over time, but billing settings are always found under organization-level settings.

All steps are covered in Connecting an Azure subscription (GitHub Docs).

 

Step 4: Verify Billing and Monitor Costs 

After connecting billing: 

Note: By default, premium requests over the allowance are enabled for organizations. Monitor and manage the appropriate paid usage model. See Managing the premium request allowance for your organization or enterprise (GitHub Docs) for more information.

Cost management is the responsibility of the Azure subscription owner.

 

Editing or Disconnecting Your Azure Subscription From an Account 

If you disconnect your Azure subscription from your account, your usage can no longer exceed the amounts included with your plan.

  1. On the Payment information page, locate the subscription ID you want to change.
  2. Edit the subscription: select the edit icon.
  3. Disconnect the subscription: select the trash can icon to remove the connection.
  4. For details, see Connecting an Azure subscription.

 

Important Notes and Reminders 

  • Only GitHub organization owners can configure billing.
  • GitHub usage may include Copilot and non‑Copilot metered services.
  • Ohio State does not manage GitHub accounts, organizations, or costs.
  • Billing configuration changes apply immediately once connected. 

 

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