Artificial intelligence is becoming a core part of higher education in Saudi Arabia, with students and educators reporting strong gains in learning outcomes, efficiency, and academic performance, according to new research from Coursera conducted with international market research firm Censuswide.

The nationwide survey, part of a broader five-country study covering Saudi Arabia, Mexico, India, the US, and the UK, highlights widespread AI adoption across the Kingdom’s universities. A clear majority of respondents (91%) view AI’s impact on higher education positively, while 86% of students say their grades have improved since using AI tools.

AI is being applied across both teaching and learning, with 41% of respondents describing its impact as “very positive.” They pointed to benefits such as more personalized learning and stronger assessment standards. Among educators, 36% said AI reduces time spent on administrative work and planning, allowing for more one-to-one interaction with students. Others cited productivity gains, greater efficiency, reduced grading errors, and faster feedback.

Students, meanwhile, are integrating AI throughout the academic journey. Nearly half use it for exam revision and generating practice tests, while similar numbers rely on it for writing assignments, conducting research, and planning their studies. Beyond academics, 38% also use AI for time management, underscoring its growing role as a productivity tool.

Despite this momentum, the research signals growing concern around governance and long-term impact. More than three-quarters of respondents believe higher education frameworks need to evolve further to accommodate AI, particularly around data privacy, academic integrity, and preserving the value of university degrees. While most agree AI supports exam preparation, many also worry about plagiarism, bias in grading, and the erosion of human skills.

“AI is already part of how students learn and how educators teach across Saudi Arabia’s higher education system, and the data shows significant gains in learning outcomes and efficiency,” said Kais Zribi, Coursera’s General Manager for the Middle East and Africa. “What this research makes clear is that adoption is moving faster than the frameworks needed to support it…”