Thursday, 22 May 2025

StudiGPT: University of Graz launches first AI chatbot for students

A group of six university executives stands on the podium at the front, and a large presentation screen displays the words ‘AI? Do you want it? Can you do it?’ The audience sits at a comfortable distance from the stage. ©Uni Graz/Angele
©Uni Graz/Angele

Presentation of StudiGPT with Leftshift One CEO Patrick Ratheiser, Michael Freidl from IdeaLab at the University of Graz, Manfred Pfiffner, University Professor for Education and Artificial Intelligence, Vice-Rector for Studies and Teaching, Catherine Walter-Laager, Rector Peter Riedler and Vice-Rector for Digitalisation and Human Resources, Markus Fallenböck. Photo: University of Graz/Angele

The University of Graz is the first university in Austria to launch the AI chatbot "studiGPT" to support students in their studies. Available free of charge to all students from 21 May, it is complemented by the new micro-degree "AI and Society" for comprehensive knowledge in the future field of artificial intelligence.

Whether psychology, law or natural sciences – AI is now part of every degree programme to varying degrees. The University of Graz is now taking a major step into the digital future and, on 21 May, will become the first university in Austria to launch a comprehensive AI chatbot for all students.

The tool, called "studiGPT", is available free of charge to around 30,000 students and provides support for a variety of study tasks, from drafting a study plan and improving texts to formulating emails and coming up with creative ideas. Students can also upload files and save successful commands, known as prompts, for further use. The University of Graz is the first in Austria to provide such an AI service for students.

Micro-degree in AI and Society

At the information event in the Alumni Lecture Hall, the Idea_Lab team also presented the contents of the Micro-Degree "AI and Society", from the theoretical basics to practical implementation in a group that prepares students for working in a company. The transdisciplinary additional training with 16 ECTS credits is open to all Bachelor's and Diploma students and can be credited as an elective.

"Our students learn to think outside the box. This training in AI therefore covers not only technical applications, but also legal and ethical aspects," explains Rector Peter Riedler. "At Graz University, we don't just want to discuss and research AI, we want to actively use and shape it," explains Markus Fallenböck, Vice Rector for Digitalisation. "One of our most important tasks is to prepare students well for the challenges of the future. Working with artificial intelligence will be one of the key skills for this," says Catherine Walter-Laager, Vice Rector for Studies and Teaching

The University of Graz is leveraging the strengths of a broad-based university to become a leading AI university. The interdisciplinary IDea_Lab at the University of Graz shows how future-oriented teaching and innovative research can enrich a degree programme.

In November, the University of Graz, together with Graz University of Technology, Joanneum Research and FH Joanneum, will host the second Technology Impact Summit, where experts will discuss the impact of AI on the world of work and everyday life.

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