CarbonX1

Well done on finishing your degree, great achievement.

If you are officially registered as a student, and have a student ID, it's worth a look at the grants, you may still be eligible.

Not in the US, but seeing as you are undertaking a thesis, I assume you are a college or university student?

If you are a student, Microsoft offer undergraduate and postgraduate Azure grants: http://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/community/education/

If you are applying with a lecturer, they can request grants or passes for entire class: http://www.microsoftazurepass.com/azureu

Not sure how long it will take in each case, but I don't think they require a credit card (though there are restrictions on what you can do, so check it is suitable for your thesis first).

Good luck with your thesis!