The AI in Higher Education Global Survey 2026 report, published by the Digital Education Council (DEC), confirms the rapid integration of artificial intelligence into higher education, which is outpacing the adaptation of academic policies. A survey of 45.4 thousand respondents from 35 countries demonstrated that AI is already utilized by 88% of students and 77% of educators. Concurrently, institutional unreadiness is observed: 57% of learners report a lack of clear guidelines regarding AI application, while only 29% consider the level of faculty training in this area to be sufficient.

Despite the active implementation of these technologies, more than two-thirds of students (66%) and educators (73%) express concern over the risks of diminished critical thinking and superficial learning. The study identified early signs of technological dependency: one in five students experiences difficulty completing assignments independently or notes memory impairment. Academic integrity serves as an additional source of tension, as 60% of respondents fear that their peers might gain unfair advantages through the use of AI.

The mismatch between traditional assessment methods and modern realities deepens skepticism regarding the relevance of degrees. Only 28% of students believe that current assignments develop the skills necessary for their future careers involving AI, and 37% doubt that their academic programs align with labor market demands. The situation is further complicated by regional asymmetry: while educators in Europe, Asia, and Latin America are inclined toward further digitalization, the United States and Canada have seen a decline in faculty readiness to integrate AI into the educational process, dropping from 76% to 67%.