9 In 10 UK Students Use AI In University, Reports Find

Reports published through HEPI and Kortext show that chatbots are being used more than ever by undergraduates. A December 2024 poll of 1,041 students shows that close to 9 in 10 now interact with AI for coursework.

Many said they go straight to apps like ChatGPT for writing tasks, or to summarise class readings in record time. Some see it as a guide that helps break down bulkier material, and others prefer it for grammar checks and to just help with content.

Researchers point out that the jump covers STEM, health, and humanities. Some claim the convenience appeal is stronger than the downsides, especially when there are deadlines. Others worry about mistakes or made up references, and see the technology as a mixed blessing that calls for careful handling.

Josh Freeman, who is an author of the report and Policy Manager at HEPI, said, “It is almost unheard of to see changes in behaviour as large as this in just 12 months. The results show the extremely rapid rate of uptake of generative AI chatbots. They are now deeply embedded in higher education and many students see them as a core part of the learning process. Universities should take heed: generative AI is here to stay.”

Are Students Comfortable With Chatbots?

Plenty of undergraduates say they appreciate the chance to save time on tough essays. One participant described the chatbot as a late night study buddy that never sleeps. Another liked the way it turned complicated textbooks into simpler summaries, helping them understand course material more quickly.

Some individuals say they just want quick feedback on grammar or structure. They stress that the main ideas are still their own. Others raise the point that these programs sometimes invent facts. That uncertainty leads people to keep an eye on any claims the chatbot makes.

Cost is also a topic of conversation. High-end features often require payment, meaning those with more resources can tap into advanced versions. The poll results from HEPI and Kortext bring up a fairness question, because not everyone can afford upgraded apps.

Do Universities Provide Clear Policies?

Many undergraduates report that they have some guidance on AI use. The data indicates 4 out of 5 feel their school has spelled out what is allowed. That’s a large jump from last year, when fewer students said they knew where the lines were.

Staff readiness has also gone up. Surveys say a growing number of lecturers are comfortable talking about chatbots. One person shared that their tutor walked the class through best practices for verifying the content, which helped ease confusion about how the AI can be used responsibly.

Some modules welcome AI-based tasks, while others reject any automated help altogether. Students often feel unsure about where to draw the line, which makes them cautious when deciding how far they should depend on these tools.

To this, Freeman said, “There are urgent lessons here for institutions. Every assessment must be reviewed in case it can be completed easily using AI. That will require bold retraining initiatives for staff in the power and potential of generative AI.”

Exam grading is another big question… Since some undergraduates think they would work harder if a computer were marking them, hoping to meet a fixed system. Others suspect they might do less, fearing that a machine might overlook creativity or special insights. Many feel it could go either way.

Freeman added, “Institutions will not solve any of these problems alone and should seek to share best practice with each other. Ultimately, AI tools should be harnessed to advance learning rather than inhibit it.”