The University of Oxford has become the first UK university to provide institution-wide access to ChatGPT Edu, a version of OpenAI’s AI platform designed specifically for education. The rollout follows a year-long pilot and is part of a five-year partnership between Oxford and OpenAI announced in March.

Professor Anne Trefethen, Oxford’s pro-vice-chancellor for digital, called the move an “exciting step in our ongoing process of digital transformation.” She added: “There is huge potential for us to harness this to accelerate high-impact, curiosity-led research and innovation, and to facilitate breakthroughs that could address major global challenges.”

Oxford students and staff will now be able to use ChatGPT Edu as a study and research tool, designed to enrich and personalise learning. Unlike the consumer version, ChatGPT Edu offers increased privacy and security, with data retained by the institution.

The platform was tested by around 750 academics, students, and staff across the university’s colleges before being launched university-wide.

Jayna Devani, OpenAI’s international education lead, said Oxford’s adoption was “setting a new standard for how AI can enrich higher education.” She added: “By making ChatGPT Edu available to everyone, Oxford is equipping its students, academics and staff with the AI skills, tools and training they need to succeed in the AI era.”

Alongside the rollout, Oxford will provide training programmes covering ChatGPT Edu and other generative AI tools, with a focus on ethical usage, critical thinking, and responsible application.