According to the latest research, the use of generative artificial intelligence (genAI) in English students has reached an astonishing 92%. The study, jointly published by the Institute of Higher Education Policy and Kortext, a digital electronic textbook provider, surveyed 1,000 students at home and abroad. The results show that the use of generative artificial intelligence has surged in the past 12 months, and almost all undergraduates are actively using these tools.
In the 2025 survey, 88% of students said they used AI tools like ChatGPT in their academic assessments, compared with just 53% last year. The proportion of students using any type of AI tool has also soared from 66% in 2024 to 92%, meaning only 8% of students do not use AI. Josh Freeman, the author of the report, said that this change in just one year is unprecedented and universities should pay attention to it, realizing that generative AI has become the norm.
Freeman also noted that universities must "stress test" all assessments to ensure that the assessment is not easily completed by AI. This will require bold retraining of faculty members to help them understand the power and potential of generative AI. He suggested that best practices should be shared among institutions in order to effectively utilize AI tools to promote learning, rather than hinder learning.
Many students say the main reason they use generative AI is to save time (51%) and improve work quality (50%). However, about 18% of students admitted to including AI-generated text directly in their assignments. Nevertheless, some students are concerned about the risks of academic misconduct, and some say that while enjoying the convenience of working with AI, they are also afraid of being discovered.
The survey also showed that students from wealthy backgrounds and STEM majors were more active in using AI tools. In addition, although 80% of students believe that the school’s policies on academic integrity are “clear”, only 36% have received AI skills training provided by the university. Many students feel that the school’s guidance on this issue is unclear.
Dr. Thomas Lancas, a computer scientist at Imperial College, said students who do not use generative AI have become a tiny minority group. He emphasized that in the future workplace, being able to use AI proficiently will become a competitive advantage.
A spokesperson for university institutions said that in order to cultivate future talents, universities must adapt their students to an AI-led world, while also paying attention to the challenges posed by rapidly developing technologies. The findings show that universities and students are focusing on the risks that AI tools can pose in exams and assessments.
Key points:
92% of students use generative AI in their learning, with a significant increase in usage compared to last year.
Students use AI mainly to save time and improve the quality of their assignments, but they are also worried about academic misconduct.
Universities need to “stress test” all assessments and strengthen AI training for faculty and staff to address new challenges.