This HEPI blog was kindly authored by Simona Bizzozero, Chair, QS Reimagine Education Awards & Conference.
The rapid advancement of generative AI is reshaping higher education, offering immense potential while also presenting complex challenges. To gauge its impact, QS conducted a comprehensive survey, capturing insights from over 1,600 students and academics globally. The findings, published in the QS Generative AI report, reveal both enthusiasm and hesitation around AI’s role, as institutions, students, and faculty alike explore its capabilities while grappling with ethical implications.
The QS report highlights that AI is shaping students’ academic and career decisions significantly. Over a third of students surveyed said that AI influenced their choice of course, university, or career path. Nearly four out of five students use AI tools like ChatGPT to support their studies, and 92% of academics are familiar with generative AI—though the extent of their familiarity varies widely. Yet, alongside this growing use is a cautious approach, as many academics cite concerns over privacy, academic integrity, and the careful integration of AI into curricula.
Among the survey’s findings is the influence of AI on students’ academic interests, with computer science surpassing engineering as the top subject choice. This shift reflects the rising appeal of AI-related fields. While students view AI as a valuable tool for enhancing focus and productivity, the report also reveals concerns about over-reliance on AI and calls for clear ethical guidelines on its use.
The policy imperative for universities
It is essential for universities to be proactive about guiding AI’s use in academia. The QS findings highlight several policy priorities that institutions should consider:
- Ethics and responsibility in AI use
Universities are well-positioned to set ethical standards for AI. More than half of the academics surveyed view ethical considerations as a key barrier to broader AI adoption, emphasising the need for clear guidelines. By fostering open discussions on AI ethics, universities can ensure that AI enhances education without undermining academic integrity or inclusivity. - Curriculum reform and digital competency
Despite widespread awareness of AI, only a fraction of institutions have integrated it meaningfully into their curricula. With employers increasingly seeking graduates skilled in digital literacy and AI, universities should adopt structured approaches like QS’ AI Competency Framework to develop relevant, future-ready curricula. Such frameworks can help institutions equip students with the technical, ethical, and critical-thinking skills essential for an AI-driven job market. - Preparing for the future workforce
As industries increasingly rely on AI, universities face pressure to prepare students for evolving job demands. The new QS Future Skills Index, set to be previewed at the upcoming Reimagine Education Conference, identifies key skills like adaptability and digital literacy as vital for future employment. This shift calls for partnerships between universities and industry, creating pathways that allow students to gain practical, real-world skills.
Matteo Quacquarelli, QS’s Vice-President of Strategy and Analytics, notes:
Work is changing, and we are at a critical inflection point. By 2030, up to 375 million workers could need to transition to new roles as automation and digital disruption reshape entire industries. The index will help institutions, governments, and employers benchmark progress across workforce transformation, academic readiness, and economic adaptability.
- Supporting academic staff in the AI transition
While students increasingly embrace AI, many academics have mixed feelings about its role in education. Fewer than a third feel very comfortable using AI tools, with some expressing concerns over potential misuse. Universities can bridge this gap by investing in AI training for faculty, ensuring AI’s thoughtful integration while upholding academic rigour.
From Insight to Action
The Reimagine Education Awards celebrate excellence across 18 categories, including AI in Education and Best Use of Generative AI in Education. At the upcoming conference in London (9-11 December), shortlisted teams will present seven-minute pitches, offering a snapshot of how institutions globally are using AI to enhance learning experiences and streamline operations. This year, the initiative received over 1,300 submissions, evaluated by a panel of 900 international judges, showcasing the diversity and innovation across global higher education.
Jessica Turner, CEO of QS, commented:
We are thrilled to welcome the growing global community of Reimaginers to London for three days of discussions on the Future of Learning, the Future of Universities, and the Future of Work. Reimagine Education is a forum for university leaders, educators, innovators, and policymakers to address the complex challenges higher education faces today. It’s an opportunity to share practical insights, debate pressing issues, and develop strategies that can drive meaningful change in institutions around the world. Together, we can reimagine a resilient, inclusive, and future-ready education landscape.
Attendance at the conference can be secured by registering through this link, where the code REIMAGINE_HEPI offers a 10% discount.