AI is rapidly changing the educational landscape.
Students are increasingly turning to generative AI, with a surge in use after the launch of ChatGPT.
Below, we’ll break down the latest data around how many students use AI in 2026, where the trend is heading, and what it might mean for the future of education.
Contents
- Students’ Use of AI: Key Stats
- What Percentage of Students Use AI?
- AI Use Among High School Students
- AI Use Among College Students
- How Do Students Utilize AI?
- Why Do Students Utilize AI?
- Why Students Are Reluctant to Use AI
- What Are Students’ Most Popular AI Tools?
- AI in Education: Demographic Differences
- Opinions About AI in Education
- Concerns About AI in Education
- Institutional Approaches to AI in Education
- AI in Education: Regional Differences
Students’ Use of AI: Key Stats
- 92% of students use AI in their studies.
- Over half of students use AI at least once a week.
- Nearly 1 in 5 students leave unedited AI content in their work.
- Around half of all students who use AI do so to save time and improve their work.
- 66% of students use ChatGPT (making it the most popular AI tool among students).
- 58% of students believe they do not possess sufficient AI knowledge or skills.
- The AI-powered education market is set to surpass $20 billion by 2027.
What Percentage of Students Use AI?
According to the latest available data, 92% of students use AI in their studies.
These figures show that AI has moved beyond being an occasional study tool. It is now embedded into the study routines for nearly all students.
This 92% figure is from a 2025 study conducted by the Higher Education Policy Institute. The study also showed a sharp increase from 66% to 92% in the space of a year, underscoring how quickly generative technologies have been integrated into academic life.
The same survey revealed that nearly 9 in 10 students (88%) acknowledged using generative AI tools like ChatGPT for tests in 2025, compared to just over half (53%) in 2024. This rapid escalation shows just how quickly this technology is being adopted by students.
Notably, other surveys have found slightly lower adoption rates. For example, a survey by the Digital Education Council found that only about 85% of students use AI.
Sources: Digital Education Council, Higher Education Policy Institute
AI Use Among High School Students
Quizlet recently surveyed a little over 1,000 students in the US to learn more about their use of generative AI tools.
They found that only 58% of high school students have used AI tools as part of their coursework (studying and/or assignments).
Source: PR Newswire
AI Use Among College Students
Students noted that their universities are much more likely to have AI-specific policies in place compared to high schools.
The Quizlet survey also discovered that 82% of college students regularly use AI.
Source: PR Newswire
How Are Students Using AI?
The most common use of generative AI among students is for generating text (64%). This number has more than doubled in the space of 12 months.
Notably, 18% of students admit to leaving unedited AI-generated text in their work.
Here are the top AI use cases for students:
| Use Case | Example | 2025 Popularity | 2024 Popularity |
| Generating Text | ChatGPT | 64% | 30% |
| Enhancing and editing writing | Grammarly | 39% | 37% |
| Summarizing, note-taking, or quizzing university textbooks | Kortext | 36% | – |
| Translation or language support | Google Translate | 35% | 25% |
| Speech-to-text-transcription | YouTube captions | 24% | 20% |
| Generating images, videos, or audio | DALL-E | 19% | – |
| Data analysis and presentation | Julius AI | 15% | 9% |
| Writing computer code | GitHub Copilot | 15% | 6% |
| Other (related to studies) | Medical software | 11% | – |
| Something else | – | 2% | – |
| None of the above | – | 8% | 34% |
These findings align with similar research conducted by the Digital Education Council:
| Use Case | 2024 Popularity |
| Searching for information | 69% |
| Checking grammar | 42% |
| Summarizing documents | 33% |
| Paraphrasing documents | 28% |
| Creating first drafts | 24% |
Interestingly, their findings reveal that students in higher education use an average of around 2 AI tools.
In terms of how students use those tools:
Cover letter/resume writing is the most popular use case (76% believe it is useful or will improve their learning journey/outcome).
Not far behind are AI writing assistants, personalized content recommendations, and AI research tools, all of which rank second with 66% of students citing them as beneficial.
Here’s a closer look at the top 10 most beneficial AI use cases (according to students who use them):
| Rank | Use Case | Area of Focus | Proportion Who Agree AI Use Case is Beneficial |
| 1 | AI for resume and cover letter building | Placement | 76% |
| =2 | AI writing assistants | Learning support | 66% |
| =2 | Personalized content recommendations | Personalized learning | 66% |
| =2 | AI research tools | Learning support | 66% |
| 5 | Adaptive assessment | Assessment & analytics | 62% |
| 6 | AI tutoring chatbots | Learning support | 59% |
| 7 | AI personalized learning paths | Personalized learning | 58% |
| 8 | Mock interview with an AI avatar | Placement | 57% |
| =9 | AI for assessing skills and recommending careers | Placement | 56% |
| =9 | AI live transcription and/or translation in class | Immersive & engagement | 56% |
Sources: Higher Education Policy Institute, Digital Education Council, Digital Education Council (2)
Why Do Students Utilize AI?
Saving time (51%) and improving the quality of work (50%) are the main reasons students use AI. Interestingly, males are significantly more likely to use AI for time-saving purposes than females (56% vs 48%).
The biggest difference between genders comes from a desire to improve AI skills; 36% of men agree this is a key reason for using AI, compared to just 22% of women.
Here’s a breakdown of the top reasons for using AI, split by men and women:
| Rank | Reason for Using AI | Proportion | Proportion (Male) | Proportion (Female) |
| 1 | To save time | 51% | 56% | 48% |
| 2 | To improve the quality of work | 50% | 50% | 50% |
| 3 | To get instant support | 40% | 41% | 40% |
| 4 | To get personalized support | 32% | 33% | 31% |
| 5 | To get support outside of traditional study hours | 29% | 26% | 30% |
| 6 | To improve AI skills | 28% | 36% | 22% |
| 7 | To learn more | 20% | 24% | 17% |
| 8 | Because other students use AI | 15% | 17% | 14% |
| 9 | Their institution encourages AI use | 13% | 16% | 11% |
| 10 | Nothing: no interest in AI tools | 7% | 4% | 7% |
Conversely, being accused of cheating (53%) is the main reason students are reluctant to use AI. Female students are markedly more likely to be put off by this risk (59% vs 45%).
Source: Higher Education Policy Institute
Why Some Students Are Reluctant to Use AI
On a similar note, 36% of women surveyed are discouraged from using AI by the fact that their institution bans it. That’s 10% more than their male counterparts.
These are the most common reasons students avoid using AI tools:
| Rank | Reason for Not Using AI | Proportion | Proportion (Male) | Proportion (Female) |
| 1 | Being accused of cheating by their institution | 53% | 45% | 59% |
| 2 | Getting false results/hallucinations | 51% | 48% | 53% |
| 3 | Getting biased results | 37% | 37% | 37% |
| 4 | Their institution discourages or bans the use of AI | 31% | 26% | 36% |
| 5 | Not enough is done to protect data privacy | 23% | 24% | 22% |
| 6 | It is not fair to other students who do not use AI | 21% | 20% | 20% |
| 7 | AI tools are too expensive | 20% | 22% | 18% |
| 8 | To learn more | 18% | 17% | 18% |
| 9 | The use of data to train AI models without the authors’ consent | 16% | 17% | 14% |
| 10 | The environmental impact | 15% | 16% | 13% |
| 11 | Nothing: no interest in AI tools | 4% | 4% | 3% |
Notably, “learning more” appears in both lists – 20% believe they learn more by using AI, while 18% believe they learn more in the absence of AI.
Source: Higher Education Policy Institute
What Are Students’ Most Popular AI Tools?
The most popular AI tool among students is ChatGPT. Around 2 in 3 (66%) of those surveyed by the Digital Education Council use it.
Grammarly and Microsoft Copilot are the next most popular AI tools, each with 25%.
These results are supported by the Vodafone Foundation, although according to them, just under half of all students (48%) use ChatGPT.
As many as 47% are instructed to use ChatGPT by their teachers, significantly more than the next most popular tool – Google Lens (24%).
Here’s a breakdown of teachers’ most recommended AI tools:
| AI Tool | Proportion of Teachers Recommending |
| ChatGPT | 47% |
| Google Lens | 24% |
| Duolingo | 23% |
| Google Gemini | 22% |
| Apple Siri | 20% |
| Snapchat ‘My AI’ | 14% |
| Grammarly | 7% |
| Midjourney | 3% |
| DeepL | 3% |
Nonetheless, there are notable international differences.
Of the surveyed countries, Spanish students favor ChatGPT the most, with 54% using it in education.
However, in Turkey, Google Lens is the most popular AI tool; 37% use it compared to the European average of just 24%.
Sources: Digital Education Council, Vodafone Foundation
AI in Education: Demographic Differences
Intriguingly, one study found a link between academic performance and AI literacy. Perhaps counterintuitively, students classified as having “poor” grades displayed greater AI literacy than their peers.
In the US, the use of generative AI is on the rise. Around 2 in 5 (38%) students rely on AI tools monthly.
A further 24% have only used them once or twice. However, these figures are comparatively low when looking at other countries.
Students’ AI access varies, but around 7 in 10 (68%) teenage students across seven European countries are able to use AI tools at least “most of the time”, while only 3% never have access. Unsurprisingly, this is positively correlated with parental income.
The same report found that 59% of surveyed students claim to have limited access to AI technologies in school.
German students have the highest access rate of the countries researched – 44% report having constant access to AI tech. By comparison, Greece has a figure of just 29%, distinctly lower than the European average (36%).
As such, it’s understandable that AI familiarity varies across countries – almost 20% of UK students identify as “very familiar” with AI, while around 5% of Portuguese students feel the same.
However, the perceived importance of AI cannot be understated. Approximately three-quarters (74%) of all students view AI as vital to their professional careers. Turkish students are particularly convinced of AI’s value, with 85% highlighting the role it will play in their future and 81% associating it with academic achievement.
Sources: PR Newswire, Frontiers, Anthology, Vodafone Foundation, Higher Education Policy Institute
Opinions About AI in Education
AI in education, as it does in many industries, splits opinion.
Around half of all students (52%) are excited to see how AI will enhance academic performance. Similarly, 37% are interested in finding out how it could address broader societal, scientific, and economic challenges.
Again, opinion is split on whether AI would achieve a good grade in a given subject – 40% of students believe it would do well in their subject, yet 34% think otherwise.
It’s a similar story when asked about effort levels in exams assessed by AI:
- 34% would increase effort levels
- 27% would not change effort levels
- 29% would decrease effort levels
However, there is a consensus when it comes to the value of AI competency.
Approximately 3 in 4 (74%) students recognize AI as a vital skill that could shape their professional lives. And around 2 in 3 (66%) agree that access to AI is needed for academic success. More than half (61%) claim that they are able to use AI to elevate academic performance.
Despite this, the majority (54%) do not feel their schools have adequately prepared them to use AI, especially those from lower-income families. And a similar proportion (56%) think their teachers are not well-equipped to work with AI tools. Just under half (49%) agree that their parents aren’t ready to work with AI either.
Sources: Higher Education Policy Institute, Vodafone Foundation
Concerns About AI in Education
There are several key issues raised by students using AI for educational purposes.
AI Literacy
A common concern among students is their aptitude for using AI
In fact, around 3 in 5 students (58%) feel they lack sufficient AI knowledge or skills.
Other issues that students share related to AI literacy include:
- Believing they are not adequately prepared for an AI-enabled workforce – 48%
- Feeling overwhelmed by AI – 38%
- Believing they are falling behind their peers – 27%
Worryingly, just over 2 in 3 (68%) students think it is up to chance whether their teacher is competent with AI.
Inequality
Almost half of all students (46%) have concerns over AI-based grading leading to discrimination.
And fears over inconsistency extend to their own use of AI – 49% are worried about inequalities in success among classmates. At the same time, 34% feel uneasy about the possibility of having fewer opportunities than their peers as a result of AI tools.
Overreliance
Another growing apprehension surrounding the frequent use of AI is becoming overreliant on the technology – 44% of students agree.
A side effect of using AI is the reduced level of personal interactions. Around a quarter (27%) of students think a loss of personal feedback is a serious drawback.
Cheating
When using AI, there are concerns over both being accused of cheating (34%) and the ability to cheat going undetected (20%).
Perceptions around AI and cheating are far from clear-cut, though – 40% of students believe AI should be allowed during exams, an idea that challenges the status quo.
Privacy
The safety of personal details is an increasingly common consideration in the digital age. As a result, 21% fear the potential collection of personal data when using AI.
Sources: Digital Education Council, Vodafone Foundation
Institutional Approaches to AI in Education
Given AI’s rapid adoption in recent years, it’s understandable that just 5% of students are fully aware of their university/college’s AI guidelines.
In European institutions, it’s common for AI regulations to be set by the school (38%) or by teachers (27%). Still, 12% of students claim there are no AI regulations in place at their institution, while 16% are banned from using AI tools entirely.
For those who are aware of their institution’s AI policies, 4 in 5 agree that they are clear. This is up from 2024’s results, as is the proportion of students who believe their institution would detect AI in assessed work (76%).
Nonetheless, 80% of students agree that their university’s integration of AI tools is not currently up to their standards.
Here are some student expectations concerning AI in education:
| Students’ AI Expectation | Proportion Who Agree |
| Universities should provide training for both faculty and students on the effective use of AI tools | 73% |
| Universities should offer more courses on AI literacy | 72% |
| Universities should involve students in the decision-making process regarding which AI tools are implemented | 71% |
| Universities should increase the use of AI in teaching and learning | 59% |
At present, there is a gap between expectations and reality when it comes to institutions providing AI tools for their students.
As of 2025, 53% of students agree that AI tools should be provided, up from 30% in the previous year. While the proportion of institutions providing these tools has increased from 9% to 24%, there remains a disconnect.
Expectations versus reality for AI tools in education from HEPI.
On a more positive note, there has been a notable increase in confidence from students regarding the competency of their institution with AI.
In the space of 12 months, the proportion of students who agree their institution is well-equipped to support their work with generative AI increased from 17% to 42%.
At the same time, a shift in AI transparency has taken place, with the proportion of students who weren’t sure dropping from 29% to just 4%.
Ability to provide AI support according to students, as per HEPI.
Sources: Digital Education Council, Higher Education Policy Institute, Vodafone Foundation
AI in Education: Regional Differences
Education systems worldwide are rapidly adapting to the emergence of AI.
The AI-powered education market is projected to surpass $20 billion by 2027. And governments are rushing to revamp their education systems and address ethical challenges.
Several countries are actively integrating AI into education:
US
The US is developing early AI guidelines, but progress is relatively slow when compared to other countries.
The Department of Education released a strong policy paper in October 2024, and the American Federation of Teachers issued an AI resolution in May 2023. However, the European Union released its first AI education guidelines in 2021 and has since updated its regulations.
South Korea
In March 2025, South Korea launched AI-powered digital textbooks in primary and secondary schools. The program incorporates real-time feedback and adaptive learning tools. This initiative is supported by an investment totalling around $830 million.
AI systems in South Korea adjust homework and assignments based on each student’s level, learning behaviors, and tendencies. The goal is for every child to have personalized AI tutors, allowing teachers to prioritize social-emotional development.
China
As of September 2025, China has made AI a required subject in all primary and secondary schools. From the age of six, students will learn about machine learning and algorithmic thinking.
The Chinese government has heavily invested in AI education through tax breaks and incentives. Tools like Squirrel AI use large datasets and camera surveillance to deliver adaptive tutoring. These platforms aim to boost standardized test scores, giving an edge to students whose families can afford them.
Concerns like ethics, privacy, and equal access are not deemed major priorities.
India
India’s Youth for Unnati and Vikas with AI (YUVAi) program targets 8 to 12-year-old students. It blends technical AI education with social-emotional learning and uses virtual labs to improve access in underserved areas.
Edtech company Embibe uses AI to simplify complex mathematical and scientific concepts. Students can scan textbook passages with a smartphone and benefit from the app’s 3D visuals, aimed at enhancing understanding.
AI is also used to predict student performance and enable early interventions.
Finland
The University of Helsinki’s Elements of AI course has reached over 1 million learners globally. Teaching basic AI concepts and ethical design, the course offers a non-technical, accessible model for AI education.
Finland has made a commitment to free AI education and about 1 in 2 schools use the ViLLE platform to provide instant feedback and analytics on assignments.
The AI in Learning project promotes equity and quality in learning. It has published research on ethical AI use and is developing a system to assess student wellness and share insights with students and teachers.
Singapore
Singapore’s “Smart Nation” strategy aims to make the country a global AI leader by 2030. It connects researchers, government, and industry to improve education, especially for students with special educational needs. An AI companion will offer personalized feedback and motivation, automated grading, and machine learning analysis to track how students respond to lessons and activities.
Singapore is also investing in AI teacher training and national curriculum updates. A new initiative will build AI literacy among students and teachers. In 2026, AI education training will be available to all teachers.
Other Countries Integrating AI into Education
- Hong Kong – As of 2023, secondary school students are mandated to receive 10 to 14 hours of AI education. Topics include generative AI tools, algorithmic fairness, and the societal impact of emerging technologies.
- United Arab Emirates – The Ministry of Education is developing an AI-powered tutoring platform aligned to its national curriculum. The platform is designed to offer personalized support to students. By 2027, the UAE aims to train over 1 million people using AI.
- Australia – In place since 2024, the National Framework for Generative AI in Schools focuses on transparency and responsible AI use. Some states have begun piloting AI tools for students aged 10 to 16.
- Estonia – According to the KrattAI initiative, by 2030, all students aged 7 to 19 are expected to attain digital fluency. There is a particular emphasis on the applications of AI, specifically identifying and reducing potential bias within algorithms.
Sources: DevelopmentAid, US Department of Education, AFT, The74, Ecosphere News
Conclusion
AI is no longer a fringe tool in education. It’s fast becoming a central part of how students learn, work, and prepare for the future.
With the number of students using AI in some form increasing year over year, the data paints a clear picture: AI has firmly embedded itself in academic life.
As the education sector races to keep pace, the challenge ahead is not whether AI will stay, but how responsibly it can be integrated into learning environments worldwide.