Half of Russian University Students and Staff Now Use AI Tools

A new study shows that generative AI is gaining traction in Russian higher education, with both students and faculty embracing it as a valuable learning and teaching aid.

Artificial intelligence is becoming a staple in Russian universities. According to a joint study by the Higher School of Economics (HSE) and Yandex Education, 49% of students now use AI to prepare for classes and exams. Meanwhile, 54% of university staff also support the use of generative technologies. Faculty members believe AI contributes positively to academic performance.

Universities across the country are exploring ways to integrate AI more deeply into education to make learning more hands-on and relevant to the modern world. Challenges remain, especially in training educators and developing scalable use cases. While ready-to-use models are still scarce, leading institutions are making AI adoption a top priority. HSE, for example, has even developed its own ethical guidelines for AI use.

Educators say AI is especially helpful for short-term projects, reducing repetitive tasks and freeing up time for creativity. Experts also highlight AI’s potential for improving assessments, conducting analytics, managing schedules, and streamlining documentation.