ChatGPT Edu

Description

ChatGPT Edu is a powerful AI assistant built for universities, supporting faculty, researchers, and staff with tasks like writing, data analysis, coding, content generation, and more. Powered by OpenAI’s most advanced models, including GPT-4 and DALL·E, it offers intuitive, flexible tools that enhance productivity and accelerate academic and operational work. With enterprise-grade security, strong privacy controls, and flexible licensing, ChatGPT Edu integrates seamlessly into campus workflows—bringing the benefits of cutting-edge AI to higher education.


Product Information

  • License Period: June 1, 2025 - May 31, 2026
  • Cost: License cost is $345 CAD per person per year.
  • Restrictions: For U of T departments, faculty and staff only.
  • License Type: Subscription
  • Supported Operating Systems: Online web application with desktop installers for Windows, Mac, and Linux.

Ordering

Note: As part of Phase 1, intended use is being screened. Priority approval is currently given to those with an existing ChatGPT Plus license. Phase 2, which will be open to others, is expected to begin in early June.

To get started with ChatGPT Edu, follow these steps:

  1. Submit the License Request Form 
    Complete the Protected ChatGPT Edu License Request Form to agree to the terms of use and provide your intended use. This is required before placing any orders. 
     
  2. Wait for Approval
    We’ll review your submission and notify you once it’s approved. If approved, you’ll receive instructions for ordering, pricing, and setup. 
     
  3. Purchase the product through uSOURCE (FIS accounts) or software.utoronto.ca (credit card). For full details on ordering, see our “How to Purchase Software” page.

ChatGPT Edu Tool Guide

Looking for guidance on how to use ChatGPT Edu effectively in your teaching? The Centre for Teaching Support & Innovation (CTSI) has created a comprehensive ChatGPT Edu Tool Guide that includes:

  • Step-by-step instructions for first-time login
  • Answers to frequently asked questions
  • Guidance on creating custom GPTs
  • An overview of key ChatGPT Edu features
  • Best practices for integrating AI tools in educational settings.

This is a valuable resource for educators looking to use AI thoughtfully and responsibly in their teaching and academic work.


Vendor and Support:

Frequently asked questions

What’s Included in U of T’s ChatGPT Edu? What are its main features/benefits?

The key difference between using the U of T-licensed version of ChatGPT Edu and a standard ChatGPT Plus account is data security. The U of T license ensures that data uploaded—including PDFs and other files—is not used to train the AI model in any way. This makes it a far more secure option. In contrast, ChatGPT Plus, while paid, may still track and use some usage data for training purposes.

  • GPT-4o & GPT-4o1, Data Analysis, Search, & Advanced Voice Mode: OpenAI’s most advanced AI models can gather insights quickly, get real-time information from the web and even interact with you through voice.
  • Custom GPTs: These tools allow you to write, code and brainstorm. You can also create tailored AI agents for specific research, productivity, and teaching & learning needs.
  • IMPORTANT:
    • The privacy settings of the OpenAI Edu prevents the option of sharing your GPTs outside of our University “workspace”. Meaning your custom made GPT’s cannot be shared with students or other users who do not have accounts in the U of T ChatGPT Edu.
    • Third-party GPTs are currently restricted due to privacy concerns on content being sent outside the protected workspace.
  • DALL-E 3: Generate attractive and informative imagery from prompts for your research projects, professional presentations, class assignments and more.

This agreement gives the University access to some back-end administrative functions and analytics that would not otherwise be available with an ChatGPT Plus account.

I have a ChatGPT Plus account, can I migrate my account into the university’s protected workspace?

Yes, please fill out the request form at the Licensed Software Office (LSO) website to request a protected account, and a staff member will be in touch to discuss your particular situation. If you do migrate, your existing license with OpenAI will be cancelled once you’ve paid for a U of T license.

Currently, U of T community members can buy a full Microsoft Office 365 Copilot through the Licensed Software Office. Copilot is built upon GPT-4 like ChatGPT. What’s the difference between these products?

There are some functional overlaps. However, the main difference is the ability for users to leverage OpenAI’s GPT Builder for creating custom agents. ChatGPT Edu users also have access to additional models not available for Copilot users. On the other hand, Copilot 365 is fully integrated into the Office 365 experience, unlike ChatGPT.

If I move my ChatGPT Plus account into the university’s ChatGPT Edu workspace, can I bring my chat history and GPTs?  

Yes, in most cases, users with their own ChatGPT Plus subscriptions who choose to move inside the university’s ChatGPT Edu workspace will have the option to import their chat histories and existing GPTs with them. (Note: once inside the university workspace, users cannot export conversations and GPTs out of the workspace if they choose to leave.)  

Can I share custom GPTs created in the U of T ChatGPT Edu workspace with external users?

No. GPTs created under the U of T ChatGPT Edu license are confined to the university's protected environment. They cannot be shared outside the workspace. 

I have a license as part of a ChatGPT Team, can I migrate my account into the university’s ChatGPT Edu workspace?

You can request a university protected license and give up your ChatGPT Team license. However, you will not be able to migrate your chats and GPTs. It is important for you to talk to the Team owner before making any such decision.  

How and when can I purchase a license? How much does it cost?

Each annual license is available for a cost of $350 annually. To request a license, please fill out the request form at the Licensed Software Office (LSO) website to request a protected account. The U of T ChatGPT Edu operations team will review the request and confirm your access and will notify you when your access request has been reviewed and granted. If there is an issue with your form/agreement, we will notify you. Once both the agreement and the user are approved, you will be directed to another U of T software or procurement page to purchase access. This is a safe and secure purchasing option.

I have a ChatGPT Plus account and I used my U of T email address when I registered. Must I migrate my account into the University’s protected Workspace?

No, migrating an existing account is a personal choice. If you want to migrate, please fill out the request form at the Licensed Software Office (LSO) website to request a protected account, and a staff member will be in touch to discuss your particular situation.  

I am a student, can I buy an ChatGPT Edu license?

At this time, we are not distributing protected licenses to students. In some cases, academic departments may sponsor student accounts for specific projects. That may change in the future, but for the time being, students should speak with their faculty advisor regarding ChatGPT Edu licensing.