AI in Latin American Universities: 92% of Students Use It Regularly

Artificial intelligence is rapidly becoming integrated into higher education across Latin America, moving beyond a novel concept to a widely used tool for students. A recent survey, the Encuesta sobre la IA en la Educación Superior en América Latina 2026, indicates that 92% of students utilize AI regularly, with 67% employing it at least weekly.

Student Adoption of AI

The survey, conducted by the Consejo de Educación Digital (DEC), an independent international organization focused on the intersection of education, technology, and skills development, gathered responses from over 30,000 students across twenty-nine institutions. Participating universities include the Tecnológico de Monterrey, the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), the Universidad Peruana de Ciencias Aplicadas (UPC), and the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile.

Did You Know? The survey included responses from more than 30,000 students across 29 higher education institutions in Latin America.

Results were presented during the panel Usos y expectativas de la IA: presentación de la encuesta sobre IA en la educación superior en LATAM at the IFE Conference 2026. The panel featured insights from Héctor Ceballos, Alessandro Di Lullo, Danny Bielik, Melchor Sánchez, and Jorge Bossio.

According to Di Lullo and Bielik, student adoption of AI in the region surpasses the global average of 86% recorded in 2024. Despite this rapid uptake, panelists emphasized that realizing AI’s full potential to enhance education remains a significant undertaking. As Di Lullo stated, “Estamos al inicio de esta revolución” – “We are at the beginning of this revolution.”

Popular AI Tools and Concerns

The most frequently used AI tools among students are ChatGPT, followed by Google Gemini and Meta AI. However, the primary application is information retrieval, highlighting a potential disconnect between usage and understanding, as these models are not search engines.

A significant portion of students, 65%, express concern that AI could lead to superficial learning and hinder the development of critical thinking and creativity. Over half of the students surveyed also voiced worries regarding the privacy of their data when using these technologies.

Expert Insight: The widespread adoption of AI by students, coupled with concerns about superficial learning and data privacy, suggests a need for institutions to proactively address these issues through policy development and educational initiatives.

Faculty Use and Institutional Response

Faculty adoption of AI is also substantial, with 79% reporting usage, compared to 61% globally. However, faculty tend to use AI more cautiously, with 88% utilizing it minimally or moderately, primarily for creating teaching materials and streamlining administrative tasks. Interestingly, no correlation was found between professor age and resistance to using AI.

Concerns among faculty are different. Seventy percent expressed worry about biases and the accuracy of AI-generated information, while 78% questioned students’ ability to critically evaluate AI outputs.

Structural Gaps and Policy Needs

The findings reveal a structural gap between student enthusiasm for AI and institutional preparedness. While students readily embrace these technologies, universities are lagging in establishing appropriate frameworks. Only 30% of Latin American universities have published policies regarding AI use, according to Bossio.

Some institutions, like the UPC, are actively addressing this through regular training sessions for faculty, while UNAM has initiated a project involving experts from various disciplines to understand AI’s implications for education.

Barriers to Full Integration

Cultural barriers are identified as the primary obstacles to optimal AI integration. A fear of imperfection and potential failures is prevalent. Di Lullo advocates for a culture of experimentation that accepts setbacks while protecting students. Another barrier is the focus on technical skills in faculty training, rather than pedagogical considerations. Professors, he argues, need to understand AI’s educational implications and how to guide students in its ethical and strategic use.

Frequently Asked Questions

What percentage of students in Latin America regularly use AI?

According to the Encuesta sobre la IA en la Educación Superior en América Latina 2026, 92% of students use AI regularly, and 67% use it at least weekly.

What are the primary concerns students have about using AI?

Students are primarily concerned that AI may lead to superficial learning (65%) and are worried about the privacy of their data (more than half of those surveyed).

How does faculty use of AI compare to student use?

79% of faculty report using AI, compared to 61% globally, but they tend to use it more cautiously than students, primarily for creating materials and administrative tasks.

What steps will universities need to take to ensure AI benefits education and doesn’t harm students and faculty?