Can't connect Gitlab to VScode with api-token

I want to connect my gitlab account for my university to VScode with an API-token

I am using gitlab workflow and I am trying to setup a gitlab account, since my old one stopped responding I removed the old account and went on to add my account with a freshly generated API-token.
I get the error that the gitlab version is too old 15.xx and that it should be 16.xx to work.
As it is my university that maintain the gitlab I have no means to update it. but I know I have gotten it to work before despite this issue. I just don’t remember how.

Versions

Please add an x whether options apply, and add the version information.

  • [X ] Self-managed
  • GitLab.com SaaS
  • Dedicated

Versions

  • GitLab ( GitLab Community Edition 15.11.11):