The research from the Global Undergraduate Awards highlighted the concerns held by undergraduate students as they prepare to enter the workforce.
According to new research published by the Global Undergraduate Awards (GUA), during the announcement of the undergraduate winners for 2026, more than half of students who took part in the report regard AI as a significant concern.
Data was collected from 400 globally diverse undergraduate students across more than 200 universities in nearly 100 countries, from 8-15 June.
55pc of participating undergraduate students cited AI as a concern this year, a figure which rose from 48pc in 2025, moving it from fifth to second place in global rankings of concerns. The report noted that it was the only issue in the top five to rise, even as the overall field of concerns held broadly steady.
The fears around artificial intelligence were second only to social and economic inequality and came ahead of the climate crisis, mental health and environmental issues. Much of the fear was related to concerns around job loss or destruction.
Commenting on the results report, Jim Barry, the chair of the GUA, said: “The findings clearly show that AI is rising up the agenda as a key area of concern for undergraduates globally.
“This is something that policymakers need to take note of. The central focus is the job market post-graduation and what sort of impact AI is going to have on career prospects for many.
“There is a palpable concern about the prospect of jobs destruction. The fact that AI has accelerated in our research findings from fifth to second place in just one year is a tangible demonstration of how quickly it has become a significant issue for students as they look to the future.”
While the changing rankings highlight the growing prominence of AI alongside the longstanding social and environmental challenges facing the next generation, Barry is of the opinion that it is concerning to see other issues fall somewhat to the wayside.
He explained: “While climate change remains firmly in the top three concerns, it is worrying to see it fall in the rankings as its impacts become increasingly visible and significant. It highlights the challenge of keeping climate change to the forefront as other issues compete for attention and the societal and economic changes required are increasingly weaponised politically.”
Worldwide worry
The GUA report suggests that for students, artificial intelligence is no longer a distant or theoretical concept, rather, it is ingrained in how people study, research and think about their future careers.
The research said: “There are huge opportunities that come with it, but also a lot of uncertainty about what its rapid development will mean for this generation.”
The GUA’s research comes at a time when there is increasing worldwide concern about the impact the advancement of artificial intelligence is having – particularly in relation to how it might damage career opportunities for both new and established professionals.
SiliconRepublic.com recently spoke to Pluralsight’s Beckey Woodard Cole about the growing issue of AI in the workplace and how it is disassembling the traditional career ladder.
Earlier in the month, global talent platform Andela released a report which found that in a working landscape being transformed daily by AI, 53pc of AI job postings are asking for skills that don’t match the listed job title, highlighting a disconnect between organisations, recruiters and jobseekers.
Additional research from Microsoft Ireland, via the 2026 Work Trend Index, also found that many Irish employees are considering new career opportunities as AI reshapes the environment.
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