Nearly all students now use artificial intelligence in assessments, although some admit it makes them ‘lazy’ and ‘think less’, according to a survey.
The poll of 1,000 undergraduates found 95 per cent admitted to using AI tools such as ChatGPT when completing work.
In addition, 12 per cent said they even use AI to generate text for submission – up from 8 per cent in 2025 and 3 per cent in 2024.
And while almost 49 per cent said AI has improved their student experience, 16 per cent felt it had made it worse.
Many said it was impacting on their skills and learning, with one respondent complaining: ‘It is making us all lazy.’
Another said: ‘I’m not using my brain at all’, while a third said: ‘It encourages you to think less’.Â
The report, from the Higher Education Policy Institute (Hepi) think tank, cautioned against ‘students outsourcing their learning to AI’.
It said: ‘In just three years, generative AI has moved from novelty to near universality among undergraduates.
Nearly all students now use artificial intelligence in assessments, although some admit it makes them ‘lazy’ and ‘think less’, according to a survey (file picture)
‘The question is no longer whether students use AI, but how well they use it – and how effectively institutions are supporting them to develop the skills to do so responsibly.’
It added: ‘For some, AI frees up time for deeper learning and critical thinking. For others, it risks becoming a crutch.
‘Higher education providers have a crucial role in ensuring AI enhances learning rather than diminishing it.’
The survey, carried out by Savanta for Hepi, found 65 per cent of students said AI has changed university assessment significantly.
However, 42 per cent still said they would be putting off using it out of fear of being accused of cheating.
Around 15 per cent said they were using it to get advice, companionship or address loneliness.
There was a fairly even split in the proportion of students agreeing their university encourages AI use, with 37 per cent agreeing and 36 per cent disagreeing.
Students from Russell Group institutions were most likely to agree.
Hepi recommended universities should provide induction support on using AI for all students, offer training for staff and publish clear guidance on its use.
A survey last month by Coursera of university professors and lecturers found only one in four said they felt confident they could spot AI-generated work.
Charlotte Armstrong, co-author and policy manager at Hepi, said: ‘Students overwhelmingly see AI as essential for their futures, but many do not feel adequately supported to develop the necessary skills.
‘If universities want graduates to feel prepared for the future, then AI literacy and capability must be embedded across the curriculum. These skills cannot be treated as optional.’
A spokesman for Universities UK, which represents vice chancellors, said: ‘Institutions, like their students, are harnessing AI to improve student experience and deliver high quality teaching.Â
‘To support this, they are developing guidance for students on how to use AI responsibly, making sure they use it to enhance, not replace, their learning, and safeguarding the world-class education that UK universities are known for.Â
‘Through the conversations we’re having with employers as part of our Future Jobs initiative, universities are making sure that anyone leaving university is equipped with the skills businesses need to thrive in an AI world.’
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Nearly all students say they now use AI with many admitting it makes them ‘lazy’ and ‘think less’