Since HKUST(GZ) successfully completed the localized deployment of the DeepSeek and Qwen models in 2025, the API services have been made available to the campus community free of charge. To date, over 130 on-campus teams have utilized these services, effectively supporting the university's research and teaching activities.

However, due to the growing number of users, increased per capita usage, and ongoing model upgrades, the free service has placed considerable pressure on GPU resources. To ensure the sustainability of services and the efficient utilization of resources, and in accordance with the principles of "user pays" and "fair burden-sharing," it has been decided that the API services for the DeepSeek and Qwen models will be transitioned from a free service to a fee-based service.

Specific arrangements are as follows:

1. Effective Date

Officially implemented from June 1, 2026

2. Scope of Application

Purpose of Use: Research and education

Authorization Scope: Faculty and staff only

Service Principles: Apply before use. Applicants assume responsibility

3. Activation Process

Submit the "AIGC Service Application" on DingTalk. Upon approval, the IT administrator will activate the AIGC API account.

Note: Previously activated AIGC API accounts may continue to be used but will be converted to the fee-based services.

4. Billing Standard

Fees are calculated based on the number of tokens used by the applicant during the month and the unit prices listed below:

Note: The university may dynamically adjust the unit prices based on actual operational circumstances. Any adjustments will be notified separately via email.

5. Billing and Payment Model

"Use first, pay later" model: At the beginning of each month, based on the AIGC service usage from the previous month, the applicant shall settle the "AIGC Service Bill" for the previous month via PBMS. For detailed instructions, please refer to AIGC Billing Manual (https://itdid.hkust-gz.edu.cn/en/detail-996).

AIGC Service Bill Content: The bill uniformly includes usage fees for three models: GPT, DeepSeek, and Qwen. The charging for GPT follows the Notice on GPT Service System Model Upgrade and Training (https://itdid.hkust-gz.edu.cn/cn/detail-710).

6. Contact Information

For inquiries, please contact: gzit@hkust-gz.edu.cn

Thank you for your long-standing support and trust in our AIGC services. We will continue to optimize our services to support the intelligent development of research and teaching at our university.

Information Technology and Data Intelligence Department (ITDID)

April 13, 2026