Higher Education Index

Higher education institutions listed in the World Higher Education Database: ≈22,000¹

Students enrolled in higher education worldwide: ≈269 million²

Students who report using AI in their studies: >92%³

Students who say their university has helped them develop AI skills: >36%⁴

Students who have used generative AI in assessed work:>88%⁵

Students who say the way they are assessed has changed significantly because of AI: >59%⁶

Students put off using AI because they fear being accused of cheating: >53%⁷

Higher education institutions that have developed or are developing AI guidance: >67%⁸

UK higher education institutions that have provided AI training for staff: >37%⁹

Sources
¹ International Association of Universities, World Higher Education Database (WHED).
² UNESCO, Higher Education Global Trends Report (2026).
³⁻⁷ Higher Education Policy Institute (HEPI) & Kortext, Student Generative AI Survey 2025.
⁸ UNESCO, Two-thirds of higher education institutions have or are developing guidance on AI use (2025).
⁹ Jisc, Staff Perceptions of AI 2025.