67% of prospective students use AI to research study options, but trust remains low

Two-thirds of students are using AI tools to research study options, but only 36% say they find the information ”very” or “extremely” trustworthy, according to new data from Keystone Education Group.  

In a survey of over 1,700 prospective students conducted by Keystone in August 2025, 67% said they use AI tools at least once a month to research study opportunities, with 33% using them daily.  

In contrast, around one third of respondents say they rarely or never use AI tools for study research, so while AI is clearly becoming a regular part of some students' research habits, it is viewed with skepticism by others. 

This is evident when it comes to trust - with only 36% of students saying they find AI tools "very" or "extremely" trustworthy, and 8% say they don't trust information from AI at all.  

This highlights that while AI may help students explore their study options early in the research phase, there is an ongoing challenge of building confidence in AI-generated content. 

These insights align with broader trends showing that AI tools are being integrated into student research but not yet replacing the channels institutions have long relied on. 

“Our research confirms that AI is used, but with caution. It's natural that prospective students will turn to AI tools when seeking information about important and complex study decisions, but it's equally unsurprising that they place greater trust in more traditionally authored information and guidance”, said Dr Mark Bennett, VP of Research & Insight at Keystone Education Group.  

“This is all the more important - and reassuring - as we see student needs and decision-making shifting in response to global policy around international study. Prospective students understand how important it is to access the right information from the right sources”, he added.