AI Adoption Is Nearly Universal Among Students, But Confidence Is Not

The Digital Education Council’s AI in Higher Education Latin America Survey 2026 reveals that while AI has become a routine part of student learning practices, many remain cautious about its implications in higher education spaces. 

The survey results show that AI use among students is nearly universal at 92%, representing a 6% increase compared to the 2024 Global AI Student Survey, where adoption stood at 86%.

However, 65% of students feel concerned that AI may make learning too shallow and discourage critical thinking and creativity.

Together, these findings suggest that widespread adoption does not necessarily translate into full confidence. Students are actively using AI in their studies but questions remain about how it may shape learning and academic development.

Students Use AI in Their Studies and Expect to Continue at Work

67% of students report using AI daily or weekly, indicating frequent AI use embedded in everyday learning. 

Amongst students who report frequent use of AI, ChatGPT emerges as the most widely used AI tool, with 88% using it in their studies. In addition, students report using a range of other AI applications, including Google Gemini, Cici AI, NotebookLM, Grok, and Claude.

Moreover, 73% of students foresee themselves using AI in their future jobs, suggesting that AI use during their studies is closely connected to how they expect to work in the future.

Two-Thirds of Students Report Positive Sentiment Toward AI

When asked about their overall sentiment toward AI in education, 68% of students report a largely positive view, indicating broad openness to AI-enabled learning.

However, over a quarter of students remain uncertain about AI’s role, pointing to gaps in understanding. This suggests that clearer guidance and AI literacy support are needed to help students fully grasp AI’s role and implications in their learning experience.

As AI becomes more integrated into teaching and learning, student concerns also shift from broad perceptions of AIto more nuanced issues about how it is used in academic settings.

Student Concerns About AI: Data Privacy and Fairness in AI-Based Assessment

Significantly, 56% of students express concern about data privacy when using AI tools. 

This indicates that alongside enthusiasm for AI’s potential, students are also aware of the risks associated with using external AI platforms in their studies.

Another top concern relates to the role of AI in assessment, particularly around the use of AI by teachers to assist with grading student work.

Students also question the fairness of AI-based assessment, with 56% of students expressing worry about the fairness of AI in evaluating their work.

While nearly half of students support the use of AI to provide feedback — with 50% supporting teacher use of AI to provide feedback on assignments and activities — they remain cautious about AI being used to grade or evaluate their performance.

This contrast suggests that instructors need to find a careful balance, leveraging AI to deliver timely, personalised feedback while maintaining human oversight and transparent criteria to ensure fairness and trust in assessment outcomes.

Overall, the findings show that AI is already a routine part of how students learn, but their comfort with its role in education is still evolving. 

While students recognise the benefits of AI tools, they also expect clearer guidance and governance to ensure that the use of AI value adds to their  learning experience. 

The Digital Education Council AI in Higher Education Latin America Survey 2026 is available in English and Spanish for public download here. 

For additional insights, DEC Members can access the Full Briefing and Report via the Member Area.