The Digital Education Council AI in Higher Education Global Survey 2026 draws on responses from 45,398 people across 35 countries. 88 percent of students use AI in learning and 77 percent of faculty use it in teaching. However 57 percent of students say assessments lack adequate AI guidance and only 29 percent believe instructors are equipped to guide them. 31 percent of faculty feel involved in shaping AI policy. 61 percent of students say AI helps them focus on thinking through ideas but concerns exist about dependence and shallow learning. In the US and Canada faculty intent to use AI has fallen and concerns about risks are higher. Only 28 percent of students feel assessments reflect AI-era workplace needs. The report highlights that adoption has outpaced institutional response.
The Digital Education Council AI in Higher Education Global Survey 2026 draws on responses from 45,398 people across 35 countries. 88 percent of students use AI in learning and 77 percent of faculty use it in teaching. However 57 percent of students say assessments lack adequate AI guidance and only 29 percent believe instructors are equipped to guide them. 31 percent of faculty feel involved in shaping AI policy. 61 percent of students say AI helps them focus on thinking through ideas but concerns exist about dependence and shallow learning. In the US and Canada faculty intent to use AI has fallen and concerns about risks are higher. Only 28 percent of students feel assessments reflect AI-era workplace needs. The report highlights that adoption has outpaced institutional response.