A major new collaboration between La Trobe University and OpenAI will deploy ChatGPT Edu at scale to students and staff across the University, with 5,000 licences rolled out in 2026 and full access to all, with 40,000 licences by 2027. This commitment ensures equitable access to cutting-edge technology, regardless of background or discipline, and cements La Trobe's leadership in digital transformation.
OpenAI will work with La Trobe to help embed AI into the curriculum, including the creation of Australia's first AI MBA program and integration of Codex (OpenAI's AI coding tools) and AgentKit into engineering and business courses. It will also help further advance research innovation and discovery, helping address some of the world's most pressing challenges.
La Trobe University Vice-Chancellor Professor Theo Farrell said that the University's strategic collaboration with OpenAI aligns closely with the Australian Government's newly launched National AI Plan, particularly the imperatives to scale AI adoption, ensure equitable access and workforce upskilling, and address the regional-metro divide in adoption rates.
"Our strategic collaboration with OpenAI positions the University at the forefront of AI-enabled education and research, empowering students, staff, and communities to innovate and thrive in an AI-driven future.
"AI is reshaping our society and economy at a breathtaking pace, and La Trobe is committed to ensuring that all of our students have the skills to adapt and lead in this rapidly changing world," Professor Farrell said.
"Collaborating with OpenAI will accelerate our bold AI-first strategy, delivering transformative learning experiences and driving innovation across every facet of university life.
"I'm especially excited about working with OpenAI to embed AI into a range of courses, including our new AI-embedded MBA program, that will ensure our graduates emerge with deep technical knowledge, strategic insight, and the ability to harness AI for innovation, productivity, and sustainable growth in any sector."
OpenAI's Head of International, Oliver Jay, said: "Education is one of the areas where AI has the greatest potential to drive long-term economic and social impact, and we're thrilled to be working alongside La Trobe University to unlock that opportunity at scale. La Trobe is setting a powerful example of what AI-enabled education can look like in practice and we're excited to collaborate with them to empower students and staff with the tools and technology to learn, build, research and lead in an AI-driven world."
A transformative collaboration for higher education – key points
AI access for all: Through the collaboration with OpenAI, La Trobe will acquire ChatGPT Edu for the entire University, providing free access to advanced AI tools for all staff and students by 2027, with 5,000 licences deployed in 2026.
AI in the curriculum: AI will be embedded into key courses, with pilot programs launched in business and engineering in 2026, including the creation of Australia's first AI MBA program and integration of Codex and AgentKit into the engineering and business curricula. The full rollout to all academic areas will follow in 2027, supported by bespoke AI training for students, academic and professional staff.
Research impact: The collaboration with OpenAI will also help accelerate scientific discovery, creating novel solutions for key societal challenges. La Trobe is already using AI to power scientific innovation and discovery, with its deployment of the NVIDIA DGX H200 supercomputer (the first to be commissioned at a university in Australia) and Cisco-La Trobe Centre on AI and the Internet of Things. In 2024, the University launched its Australian Centre for Artificial Intelligence in Medical Innovation, the world's first university centre specialised in using AI to develop immunotherapies, cancer vaccines, med-tech and healthcare.
Driving best practice: La Trobe will share best practices and insights with the sector, fostering AI fluency, ethical adoption, and innovative problem-solving across disciplines.
About La Trobe University
For more than 50 years, La Trobe University has been transforming people and societies. The University works collaboratively across disciplines and with partners to develop fresh ways of thinking and conducting research – constantly seeking new ways to engage with and better serve its partners and communities, to build relationships and develop solutions for the issues facing society.
In 2024, La Trobe launched its Responsible AI Adoption Strategy, focused on transforming teaching, research and business operations, while following principles of ethics, safety and equity.
Along with holding its top 300 ranking in Times Higher Education's World University Rankings 2025, La Trobe University is in the top 1 per cent of universities worldwide.*
