Abstract

This article provides a narrative review of the literature on the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on higher education. Starting from its early applications in the 1950s to contemporary advancements, this review traces AI’s transformative journey through educational paradigms. It examines the pivotal role of intelligent tutoring systems, educational data mining, and adaptive learning technologies that have marked significant milestones in the evolution of AI in education. The review also delves into the broad ap-plications of AI across teaching, learning, administration, and research within higher education institutions, highlighting their positive outcomes and the challenges encountered. Key challenges such as ethical concerns, data privacy, and the need for equitable access to technology are discussed in detail. Moreover, the review proposes strategies to address these issues and emphasizes the importance of ethical considerations in AI integration. Future directions of AI in higher education are explored, suggesting an on-going shift towards more sophisticated, ethically aware, and inclusive AI applications. This article reflects on the historical impact of AI and provides a forward-looking perspective on its potential to further shape educational practices and outcomes. Finally upcoming AI technologies aimed at shaping higher education are identified, accompanied by research-based recommendations for their future integration. © The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2025.