The article examines the growing influence of artificial intelligence (AI) across a variety of industries, with a particular focus on higher education. AI’s capabilities range from creating coherent texts and composing music to managing finances and conducting medical diagnostics, demonstrating its transformative potential. The integration of AI into education is becoming increasingly significant, leading to changes in both teaching methods and student learning. The aim of this study is to compare the use of AI technologies by students from different majors and to investigate the awareness and adoption of AI tools among university faculty members. Incorporating a quantitative approach, data were collected through online surveys from 59 English for Special Purposes (ESP) teachers and 158 students from the Russian Technological University MIREA and the Ural State Law University named after V.F. Yakovlev. The results demonstrated a higher frequency of AI use among students compared to teachers, as well as marked differences in use depending on academic discipline. The results highlight the need for targeted training and support for both students and teachers to maximise the benefits of AI in education. Integrating AI tools into the curricula, redesigning assignments and encouraging the ethical use of AI are important steps to improve the educational experience and prepare students for a technologically advanced future.