The University of Oxford will provide free access to ChatGPT Edu, OpenAI’s higher education-focused version of its flagship GPT-5 model, making it the first UK university to roll out the tool across its entire academic community.
The move follows a year-long pilot with 750 academics, researchers, postgraduate students and professional staff, and is part of Oxford’s wider digital transformation strategy. ChatGPT Edu will be available this academic year to all staff and students across the University and its Colleges.
Professor Anne Trefethen, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Digital, said, “As part of the University’s ongoing collaboration with OpenAI and our expanding provision of AI tools, we are providing inclusive access to ChatGPT Edu. This is an exciting step in our ongoing process of digital transformation. Through robust governance, training, guidance and support, we are encouraging safe and responsible use within a secure environment.”
She added that many staff and students were already using generative AI tools, and the university aimed to harness them to accelerate research and improve operations. “All our students will be able to utilise ChatGPT Edu as an accessible tool for study, to enrich and personalise their learning, opening up new opportunities to explore and create.”
OpenAI welcomed the partnership. Jayna Devani, International Education Lead at OpenAI, said: “Oxford University is setting a new standard for how AI can enrich higher education, giving students more opportunities for personalised learning, improving efficiencies for faculty, and helping advance research breakthroughs.”
Sarah Friar, OpenAI’s Chief Financial Officer and a St Anne’s College alumna, added: “As an Oxford graduate, I’m proud to see the University leading the way in giving faculty and students the skills and tools to use this powerful technology to advance learning and research.”
The university is backing the rollout with training, governance and support measures. Staff and students will have access to in-person and online courses, guidance on ethical and secure use of AI, and ongoing support through an AI Competency Centre and a network of AI Ambassadors. A new Digital Governance Unit and an AI Governance Group have also been created to oversee adoption.
Professor Freya Johnston, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Education, said: “University-wide access to ChatGPT Edu will support the development of rigorous academic skills and digital literacy, so that we prepare our graduates to thrive and lead by example in an AI-enabled world.”
Beyond teaching, Oxford and OpenAI are piloting projects to digitise the Bodleian Libraries’ collections and are planning a jointly funded research programme through the Oxford Martin School to study the societal impact of generative AI.
Alongside ChatGPT Edu, Oxford provides access to other AI tools, including Microsoft Copilot and Google’s Gemini and NotebookLM, ensuring staff and students can use multiple platforms within a secure environment.
