University of Leicester rolls out Microsoft 365 Copilot to all students and staff in UK-first initiative

The University of Leicester has rolled out full Microsoft 365 Copilot access across its entire community of more than 21,000 students and 4,000 staff, becoming one of the first universities in the UK to provide institution-wide AI tool access, as reported by Edtech Innovation Hub.

The university has been designated one of the first Microsoft Frontier universities, embedding Copilot across teaching, learning, research and professional services as part of a deliberate strategy to develop future-ready graduates and staff.

The rollout follows the University of Manchester's announcement in January 2026 that it would provide Microsoft 365 Copilot access and training to all 65,000 students and staff, a rollout due to be completed by summer 2026. Leicester's collaboration extends Microsoft's higher education activity into another large UK university community.

At Leicester, Copilot access sits alongside 100 hours of employer-informed, work-related learning embedded in every undergraduate degree and research-inspired education across all areas of study.

Professor Sir Nishan Canagarajah, President and Vice-Chancellor at the University of Leicester, said the initiative represents a generational opportunity. "This is a transformative moment for our University. It is an opportunity to think boldly, be creative, and grasp a once-in-a-generation opportunity to utilise the potential of AI to shape the world around us," he said. "By embedding these tools now, we are ensuring that Leicester staff are well placed to adapt, lead and thrive in an evolving AI-landscape, and that our students are ready to meet the demands of any future workplace."

Jen Wyatt, Director of Education at Microsoft UK, said the rollout reflects a genuine institutional commitment to preparedness. "AI is reshaping the world of work students are stepping into, and the universities that prepare their communities now will define the next generation of talent," she said. "Leicester's decision to give all students and staff full access to Microsoft 365 Copilot reflects a genuine commitment to future-ready skills."

Darren Hardman, CEO of Microsoft UK and Ireland, said embedding AI into the learning experience is intended to help Leicester graduates leave with the skills and confidence to make the most of the technologies shaping their future.

Explore the full details of the University of Leicester's Microsoft 365 Copilot rollout in the full report.