Generative AI widely used by students worldwide – survey

MANILA, Philippines — Four in five tertiary and graduate students worldwide have used generative artificial intelligence (AI) in their studies, according to a group monitoring higher education.

Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) conducted a Generative AI Pulse Survey, which found that 80 percent of tertiary and graduate students utilized generative AI with 51 percent of respondents saying they used OpenAI GPT – apparently, the “most popular” among students – in their studies.

The survey also found that 37 percent of students were “moderately familiar” with generative AI while 49 percent used AI for personal projects; 41 percent used it for language learning; and 38 percent used generative AI to help create their curriculum vitae.

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QS likewise discovered that 36 percent of tertiary and graduate students worldwide used AI in essay writing and for research and projects even if its utilization in the academic setting is still being debated.

After the emergence of AI, most students said they wanted to study computer science and information systems, the survey further indicated. Before AI, the top course choice was engineering, it added.

Additionally, 60 percent of the surveyed higher education students perceived the role of AI in society to be positive. Only 16 percent saw it in the negative while 23 percent said they were neutral on the issue.

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The majority of the students, or 74 percent, likewise said they were interested when reading about generative AI, which was the top positive emotion, while 24 percent felt fear when they read about AI.

QS said 1,663 respondents composed of students and academics participated in its Generative AI Pulse Survey, which results were released in June.

QS is a London-based company that analyzes trends and data in higher education worldwide.