Artificial intelligence in higher education

Artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming an increasing part of the higher education experience for students, and it’s important that the Office for Students, institutions, and the sector keep pace with this rapidly evolving technology.

AI research project

In 2026, we collaborated with Advance HE on a research project to find out how universities and colleges are responding to the opportunities and risks AI is bringing to higher education.

As part of this research, we asked senior leaders of institutions, academic staff, students, and their representatives to tell us about their views and experiences via a series of roundtables, interviews, and an online survey.

Effective practice

Participants told us that they want greater clarity about how our conditions of registration apply in the context of AI. We’ve developed some effective practice guidance to help institutions consider how they could:

• use AI tools to improve students’ experiences of higher education
• develop policies to mitigate risks
• strengthen their AI capabilities to drive innovation in teaching and learning.

Next steps

Read about the next steps we will be taking as result of the research findings.