La Trobe University outlines large-scale AI rollout in new collaboration with OpenAI
The Melbourne-based university details an expanded partnership with OpenAI, announcing institution-wide access to AI tools, curriculum integration, and new degree pathways.
Jason Kwon, OpenAI’s Chief Strategy Officer, and La Trobe University Vice-Chancellor Professor Theo Farrell at the university’s announcement event on 2 December.
La Trobe University, based in Melbourne, Australia, took to LinkedIn to announce an expanded collaboration with OpenAI that will embed AI tools across teaching, learning, and research.
OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, will work with the university to roll out AI access at scale and integrate its technologies into degree programs and professional training.
According to La Trobe, the partnership includes free access to ChatGPT Edu for all students and staff, beginning with 5,000 licenses in 2026 and increasing to 40,000 by 2027. The university describes the move as part of a wider AI-first strategy designed to support institution-wide adoption rather than isolated use cases.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Theo Farrell says, “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.”
AI embedded into courses and new degree offerings
As part of the rollout, La Trobe will work with OpenAI to embed AI into selected courses, including engineering and business. Early pilots will feature Codex and AgentKit, with a broader curriculum rollout planned for 2027. The university also plans to introduce what it calls Australia’s first AI-embedded MBA program.
Farrell says the collaboration “will accelerate our bold AI-first strategy, delivering transformative learning experiences and driving innovation across every facet of university life.”
While the plans represent a significant shift toward AI-supported instruction, operational questions remain around training, consistency of use, and the practicalities of department-wide integration. The staged pilot approach suggests La Trobe is still determining how the tools will be adopted across different subject areas before the full university rollout.
Alignment with national AI strategy and research expansion
La Trobe states that the collaboration supports priorities in Australia’s National AI Plan, including scaling adoption, improving access, and strengthening workforce readiness. The university says the partnership will also accelerate its research agenda, particularly in scientific discovery, advanced computing, and applied AI innovation.
The university highlights recent investments such as its NVIDIA DGX H200 supercomputer and the Australian Centre for Artificial Intelligence in Medical Innovation, which focuses on developing immunotherapies, cancer vaccines, med-tech, and healthcare applications.
Oliver Jay, OpenAI’s Head of International, says, “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.”
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