Student Generative AI Survey
The recently published2025 Student Generative AI Survey, conducted by the Higher Education Policy Institute in the UK and authored by Josh Freeman, reveals interesting trends in how undergraduate students are using AI tools in their studies. Building on the 2024 survey, this year’s report highlights a significant surge in AI adoption, with 92% of students now using AI in some form - up from 66% a year ago. The findings offer insights for educators, policymakers, and institutions in navigating the rapidly evolving landscape of AI in higher education.
AI Adoption Soars, But Challenges Remain
The survey, which polled 1,041 full-time undergraduate students, shows that generative AI tools like ChatGPT have become deeply embedded in student life. 88% of students have used generative AI for assessments, compared to just 53% in 2024. The most common uses include explaining complex concepts, summarizing articles, and suggesting research ideas. However, 18% of students admit to including AI-generated text directly in their work, raising questions about academic integrity and the ethical use of AI.
While students appreciate the time-saving and productivity benefits of AI, concerns about misuse persist. Many students worry about being accused of academic misconduct or receiving false or biased results from AI tools. These concerns are particularly pronounced among women, who are more cautious about AI use than their male counterparts.
The Digital Divide Widens
One of the most striking findings is the growing digital divide in AI usage. Wealthier students and those from higher socio-economic backgrounds are more likely to use advanced AI tools, while students from lower socio-economic groups are less likely to engage with AI at all. Similarly, men and STEM students are more enthusiastic about AI, while women and those in Arts and Humanities remain more sceptical.
This divide extends to institutional support. While 80% of students agree that their institution has a clear AI policy, only 36% feel they have received adequate support to develop their AI skills.
Attitudes Toward AI: A Mixed Picture
Students are divided on the role of AI in assessments. While 40% believe AI-generated content could earn a good grade in their subject, 34% disagree. Similarly, opinions are split on the idea of AI-assessed exams: 34% say they would put in more effort, 29% would put in less, and 27% say their effort would remain unchanged.
The survey also highlights a growing awareness of AI’s limitations. Students are increasingly familiar with the concept of AI “hallucinations”, with only 12% saying they don’t know what hallucinations are, compared to 35% in 2024.
Institutional Responses: Progress, But Room for Improvement
Institutions have made strides in clarifying their AI policies, with 80% of students agreeing that their institution has a clear stance on AI use in assessments. However, only 29% feel “encouraged” to use AI, while 40% feel discouraged or outright banned from using it. This tension between restriction and support underscores the need for a more nuanced approach to AI in education.
Staff literacy has improved significantly, with 42% of students saying their instructors are well-equipped to support them with AI, up from just 18% in 2024. However, there is still a long way to go in ensuring that all staff are confident and competent in using AI tools effectively.
Policy Recommendations
The report provides several key recommendations for institutions:
- Continually Review Assessments: Institutions should regularly stress-test their assessments using the latest AI tools to ensure they remain robust and fair.
- Invest in Staff Training: All staff involved in setting exams should have a deep understanding of AI tools and their implications for assessment design.
- Adopt Nuanced AI Policies: Institutions should recognize that student use of AI is inevitable and often beneficial. Policies should focus on educating students about responsible AI use rather than simply punishing misuse.
- Collaborate and Share Best Practices: No institution can tackle the challenges of AI alone. Universities should work together to develop shared strategies and resources.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 Student Generative AI Survey paints a picture of a higher education sector in transition. AI is no longer a futuristic concept—it is here, and students are embracing it in droves. However, the survey also highlights significant challenges, from ethical concerns to widening digital divides.
As AI continues to evolve, institutions must strike a delicate balance: fostering innovation and equipping students with essential AI skills, while safeguarding academic integrity and ensuring equitable access. What is not clear is if this survey was repeated for vocational education and training or for Adult Education the results would be similar.
For more details, you can access the full report on the HEPI website.
About the Image
This illustration draws inspiration from Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpiece The Last Supper. It depicts a grand discussion about AI. Instead of the twelve apostles, I replaced them with the twelve Chinese zodiac animals. In Chinese culture, each zodiac symbolizes distinct personality traits. Around the table, they discuss AI, each expressing their views with different attitudes, which you can observe through their facial expressions. The table is draped with a cloth symbolizing the passage of time, and it’s set with computer-related objects. On the wall behind them is a mural made of binary code. In the background, there’s an apple tree symbolizing wisdom, with its intertwining branches representing neural networks. The apples, as the fruits of wisdom, are not on the tree but stem from the discussions of the twelve zodiacs. Behind the tree is a Windows 98 System window, opening to the outside world. Through this piece, I explore the history of AI and computer development. Using the twelve zodiacs, I emphasize the diversity of voices in this conversation. I hope more people will join in shaping the diverse narratives of AI history in the future.