Gemini API project restricted - 403 PERMISSION_DENIED

Hello,

I am developing a student project using the Gemini API.

My Google AI Studio project is showing “Restricted” and the Gemini API returns:

403 PERMISSION_DENIED
“Your project has been denied access. Please contact support.”

I have completed:

  • Google account verification
  • Phone verification
  • Birthday information
  • 2-Step Verification

I do not want to use paid billing.

Could you please review my project and let me know why Gemini API access is restricted and whether the project can be enabled for the free tier?

Thank you.