The University of Oxford has taken a historic step by giving all its students and staff access to ChatGPT Edu, the education-focused version of the popular AI platform. This makes Oxford the first UK university to launch the tool on a full scale, following a year – long trial with more than 750 students, staff, and academics across its colleges.
ChatGPT Edu, created by OpenAI, is designed especially for universities. It comes with stronger privacy and security features, ensuring data stays within the institution. The rollout is part of a five – year partnership between Oxford and OpenAI, first announced in March.
Professor Anne Trefethen, Oxford’s pro-vice-chancellor for digital, described the launch as an exciting milestone in the university’s digital transformation journey. She explained that the AI tool has the power to speed up curiosity-driven research, spark innovation, and open doors to new discoveries than can help solve global challenges. She also added that every student will now be able to use ChatGPT Edu as a learning companion, offering more personalized and enriched study experiences.
Jayna Devani, OpenAI’s international education lead, said Oxford is setting “a new standard for how AI can enrich higher education”. She highlighted that by giving this access to all students and staff, Oxford is preparing its community with the skills, tools, and training needed to thrive in the AI era.
Alongside the launch, Oxford is also introducing training sessions on how to use ChatGPT Edu and other generative AI tools responsibly. The focus will be on ethical use, critical thinking, and practical applications, ensuring students get the most out of AI while maintaining academic intedrity.
Oxford’s move shows how artificial intelligence is becoming a central part of higher education, reshaping how students learn, research, and prepare for the future.
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