AI Roadmap for Universities: What 2026 Will Bring to Higher Education

Artificial intelligence will become an integral part of higher education in Slovakia in 2026. Universities will introduce new AI study programs, expand practical work with AI tools and strengthen international partnerships. The Ministry of Education continues to implement its Plan for Responsible Use of AI in Education, focusing on human skills, quality study programs and sustainable reforms.

In 2026, several key initiatives will expand the role of artificial intelligence in Slovak universities. The Ministry of Education is shifting the focus of its AI strategy toward higher education, teacher preparation, research capacity building and strategic partnerships with global technology leaders.

These measures aim to ensure that universities prepare students for an economy increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence.

20,000 ChatGPT Edu licenses for teacher training

One of the major steps in 2026 is the pilot cooperation between the Ministry of Education and OpenAI. The ministry will provide 20,000 ChatGPT Edu licenses for faculties that train future teachers.

Free access will be available to:

• students in teacher training programs
• university educators at these faculties

This initiative allows future teachers to work with artificial intelligence during their university studies in a safe and pedagogically meaningful environment. ChatGPT Edu was designed specifically for universities and does not use user data to train AI models.

New international AI study program

In 2026, the Technical University of Košice (TUKE) and the Slovak University of Technology in Bratislava (STU) will jointly launch a new international study program focused on artificial intelligence.

The program responds to the growing shortage of specialists in AI, data science and digital technologies across Europe. At the same time, it connects technical expertise with ethical, societal and educational aspects of artificial intelligence.

The goal is not only to prepare experts for industry, but also professionals who can responsibly integrate AI into education, public policy and public administration.

The program will also benefit from a memorandum of cooperation between the Ministry of Education and NVIDIA, which creates a framework for:

• building AI infrastructure and laboratories at universities
• developing education and certified courses in artificial intelligence
• connecting academic research with industry and practical applications

The project will give students real experience with AI applications in teaching and learning, allowing universities to test concrete methods rather than purely theoretical approaches.

Support for universities implementing AI

Starting in 2026, the Ministry of Education will launch a project in cooperation with OECD experts to support universities in implementing artificial intelligence tools.

The project will examine how AI can improve teaching and learning quality. It will also analyze university administration to identify areas where artificial intelligence can increase efficiency.

As part of the initiative, the ministry will organize a national seminar where universities can exchange good practices and present their approaches to AI adoption. The preliminary date for the seminar is Friday, March 6, 2026.

AI competence centers at Slovak universities

From 1 September 2026, two AI competence centers will begin operating at STU and TUKE. These centers will become key hubs for artificial intelligence development in higher education, research and cooperation with industry.

Their main activities will include:

• providing methodological and coordination support for the education system
• modernizing study programs, including teacher training programs
• supporting AI research and innovation
• creating open educational resources
• offering training programs and courses, especially for universities
• connecting universities with public institutions, local governments and the private sector

The Ministry of Education will support the creation of these centers with €12 million from European funding.

Funding for innovative study programs

In the first quarter of 2026, the ministry will launch a STEP technology call to support the creation and development of innovative study programs in strategic sectors, including artificial intelligence, digital technologies and the data economy.

The call will focus on:

• creating new study programs where gaps currently exist
• strengthening the connection between teaching, research and industry

The scheme aims to increase the competitiveness of Slovak universities in the European education area and accelerate the modernization of higher education.

Part of a broader education reform

All planned measures form part of Slovakia’s Plan for Responsible Use of Artificial Intelligence in Education. The Ministry of Education promotes an approach where artificial intelligence is not treated as an isolated technological experiment.

Instead, AI serves as a carefully designed tool for systemic reform of the education system, helping universities prepare students, teachers and institutions for the realities of the AI era.