# Conversational AI for Higher Education | Conversation Design Institute > How universities get AI conversations right: student services, admissions support, and staff assistants with trust built in, from Conversation Design Institute. Source: https://www.conversationdesigninstitute.com/use-cases/higher-education --- Use Case # Conversational AI for Higher Education Conversational AI University Program We support institutions end to end: assessment, training, consulting, and building student- and staff-facing conversational AI. Our education-first approach, combined with industry-grade best practices, helps higher education institutions future-proof operations, enhance student experience, and improve operational efficiency. Our education-first approach, combined with industry-grade best practices, helps higher education institutions future-proof operations, enhance student experience, and improve operational efficiency. ## Channels [Chatbot](/use-cases/chatbots) [Voice](/use-cases/voice) ## Industries [Finance](/use-cases/financial-services) [Healthcare](/use-cases/healthcare) [Telecom](/use-cases/telecom) [Government](/use-cases/government) [Higher Education](/use-cases/higher-education) ## Functions [Customer Service](/use-cases/customer-service) ![](https://a.storyblok.com/f/323168/4375x2912/6bd937307d/adobestock_209704870-1.jpeg/m/1800x0/) ## Conversational AI for Higher Education Today, students expect immediate, seamless service across every part of their university experience. At the same time, many universities face growing administrative burdens, resource constraints, and rising service expectations. Conversational AI offers a powerful way to meet these challenges. ![](/assets/images/components/molecules/section-three-circles/illustration.svg) ## The business case for Conversational AI Higher education is under increasing pressure to do more with less: streamlining operations, improving student engagement, and delivering round-the-clock services, all within tight budgets. Conversational AI helps you meet these demands by automating routine interactions, reducing administrative load, and improving access to critical information. It enables you to operate more efficiently while delivering the responsive, personalised support today's students expect. ### 24/7 student support AI assistants provide continuous support for common student inquiries, from admissions questions and course registration to tuition payment assistance and campus services. ### Accessible information sharing Conversational AI simplifies access to critical information, such as application deadlines, financial aid options, academic policies, and campus event schedules, all delivered in an intuitive, student-friendly format. ### Automate student services Automate processes like admissions document submissions, accommodation requests, course change applications, and internship registrations. Reduce bottlenecks, lower staff workload, and improve overall service speed. ### Operational efficiency and cost savings By automating routine student and staff interactions, universities can reallocate resources to higher-priority academic and strategic initiatives while improving service delivery across departments. ### Internal staff support Conversational AI can assist university staff in finding HR, finance, IT, and facilities information quickly, supporting smoother internal operations and reducing reliance on manual processes. ### Crisis and emergency communications During emergencies, such as health outbreaks, weather events, or campus security incidents, AI assistants can deliver immediate, accurate information to students and staff, improving response times and safety outcomes. ### Supporting student wellbeing Make it easier for students to access counseling services, mental health resources, and wellbeing support through confidential, AI-driven interfaces, expanding reach without overwhelming human support teams. ### Multilingual student engagement Conversational AI can deliver services in multiple languages, helping universities serve their increasingly diverse and international student populations with inclusive, equitable access to information and support. ### Academic success and retention support Conversational AI can guide students through academic milestones including assignment deadlines, exam schedules and study support resources. By surfacing timely, personalized assistance, AI assistants help students stay on track, reduce dropout risk, and boost overall academic success. ## Leverage Conversational AI, at scale Understand how your university can leverage Conversational AI technology with the help of CDI. Work with our experts or give your team the tools and training to build successful AI assistants. [ Maturity Assessment for Higher Education ](https://scorecard.conversationdesigninstitute.com/education )[ Courses and certification ](/courses) ![](https://a.storyblok.com/f/323168/8064x5376/3fee018d76/adobestock_1254265744.jpeg/m/900x0/) ## Trusted by global brands ![](https://a.storyblok.com/f/323168/293x48/4ddb8c8436/hva-white.svg) “CDI is the leading expert in the conversational landscape and we’re really happy they shared their knowledge during the workshops with us. Moreover, we applaud them for making our students enthusiastic about this field of work!” ![](https://a.storyblok.com/f/323168/800x800/a5d1c27770/rick-smart-media.jpeg/m/100x0/filters:no_upscale()) Rick Goossens HvA/AUAS Education Manager ![](https://a.storyblok.com/f/323168/768x260/598672ddd2/rotterdam-university-of-applied-sciences-logo.png) “The partnership with CDI confirms that we’re at the forefront of a rapidly evolving field. Over the past 5 years, they’ve grown into a respected global platform, and we’re proud to contribute to that journey. By joining forces, we’re creating new ways to share applied knowledge across borders. And truthfully, every step of the process has been a pleasure—collaborating with CDI is as enjoyable as it is impactful. ” ![](https://a.storyblok.com/f/323168/800x800/91f7f6072f/marije.jpeg/m/100x0/filters:no_upscale()) Marije Brom Hogeschool Rotterdam AI Researcher and Innovation Lead ![](https://a.storyblok.com/f/323168/900x316/a91a43d996/rmit-university-logo-white-png-900x316.png) “Higher education today faces unprecedented pressure to modernize services, deliver better student experiences, and operate more efficiently — all while navigating tight budgets and complex governance. CDI understands the unique challenges of higher education and brings deep expertise in Conversational AI to support real, sustainable transformation.” ![](https://a.storyblok.com/f/323168/300x300/f7662b3cf4/pater-thomas.jpg/m/100x0/filters:no_upscale()) Dr. Peter Thomas RMIT University Senior Adviser, AI Higher Education Strategy ![](https://a.storyblok.com/f/323168/900x316/a91a43d996/rmit-university-logo-white-png-900x316.png) ![](https://a.storyblok.com/f/323168/1347x532/92575856cc/uu_logo_2021_en_white.png) ![](https://a.storyblok.com/f/323168/1050x419/0f904e6ed1/universityofwaterloo_logo_horiz_rev.png) ![](https://a.storyblok.com/f/323168/1308x534/ed79f15944/stanford-logo.png) ![](https://a.storyblok.com/f/323168/640x133/ad091a5fc1/university-cambridge-logo-white-example-640x133.png) ![](https://a.storyblok.com/f/323168/1001x1000/01fd28d4e2/edinburgh-university-03.png) ![](https://a.storyblok.com/f/323168/797x349/d87aa6d15d/yale01.png) ![](https://a.storyblok.com/f/323168/620x128/ca426f0bb1/7.png) ![](https://a.storyblok.com/f/323168/620x128/1f6aa8a67b/8.png) ![](https://a.storyblok.com/f/323168/620x128/4c26e282bd/4.png) ![](https://a.storyblok.com/f/323168/620x128/c46299c6c7/6.png) ![](https://a.storyblok.com/f/323168/620x128/487d26873f/2.png) ![](https://a.storyblok.com/f/323168/620x128/72efb62409/3.png) ![](https://a.storyblok.com/f/323168/620x128/c0b1dfba8b/logo-1.png) ![](https://a.storyblok.com/f/323168/620x128/a06d68fe85/5.png) ![](https://a.storyblok.com/f/323168/900x316/a91a43d996/rmit-university-logo-white-png-900x316.png) ![](https://a.storyblok.com/f/323168/1347x532/92575856cc/uu_logo_2021_en_white.png) ![](https://a.storyblok.com/f/323168/1050x419/0f904e6ed1/universityofwaterloo_logo_horiz_rev.png) ![](https://a.storyblok.com/f/323168/1308x534/ed79f15944/stanford-logo.png) ![](https://a.storyblok.com/f/323168/640x133/ad091a5fc1/university-cambridge-logo-white-example-640x133.png) ![](https://a.storyblok.com/f/323168/1001x1000/01fd28d4e2/edinburgh-university-03.png) ![](https://a.storyblok.com/f/323168/797x349/d87aa6d15d/yale01.png) ![](https://a.storyblok.com/f/323168/620x128/ca426f0bb1/7.png) ![](https://a.storyblok.com/f/323168/620x128/1f6aa8a67b/8.png) ![](https://a.storyblok.com/f/323168/620x128/4c26e282bd/4.png) ![](https://a.storyblok.com/f/323168/620x128/c46299c6c7/6.png) ![](https://a.storyblok.com/f/323168/620x128/487d26873f/2.png) ![](https://a.storyblok.com/f/323168/620x128/72efb62409/3.png) ![](https://a.storyblok.com/f/323168/620x128/c0b1dfba8b/logo-1.png) ![](https://a.storyblok.com/f/323168/620x128/a06d68fe85/5.png) ![](https://a.storyblok.com/f/323168/900x316/a91a43d996/rmit-university-logo-white-png-900x316.png) ![](https://a.storyblok.com/f/323168/1347x532/92575856cc/uu_logo_2021_en_white.png) ![](https://a.storyblok.com/f/323168/1050x419/0f904e6ed1/universityofwaterloo_logo_horiz_rev.png) ![](https://a.storyblok.com/f/323168/1308x534/ed79f15944/stanford-logo.png) ![](https://a.storyblok.com/f/323168/640x133/ad091a5fc1/university-cambridge-logo-white-example-640x133.png) ![](https://a.storyblok.com/f/323168/1001x1000/01fd28d4e2/edinburgh-university-03.png) ![](https://a.storyblok.com/f/323168/797x349/d87aa6d15d/yale01.png) ![](https://a.storyblok.com/f/323168/620x128/ca426f0bb1/7.png) ![](https://a.storyblok.com/f/323168/620x128/1f6aa8a67b/8.png) ![](https://a.storyblok.com/f/323168/620x128/4c26e282bd/4.png) ![](https://a.storyblok.com/f/323168/620x128/c46299c6c7/6.png) ![](https://a.storyblok.com/f/323168/620x128/487d26873f/2.png) ![](https://a.storyblok.com/f/323168/620x128/72efb62409/3.png) ![](https://a.storyblok.com/f/323168/620x128/c0b1dfba8b/logo-1.png) ![](https://a.storyblok.com/f/323168/620x128/a06d68fe85/5.png) ## About the CDI Standards Framework When organisations want to have more interactions on their conversational channels than their contact centres have the capacity for, they reach for conversational AI solutions to automate a large part of the interactions. ![](/assets/images/components/molecules/about-the-framework/illustration.svg) But this is not easy to do. People and machines have different ways of interacting so building a good AI assistant requires a unique understanding of technology, linguistics, and psychology. CDI has worked with leading organisations around the world and has systematised the proven ways of creating successful AI assistants, and the enterprise capabilities that develop, manage, and grow them: the CDI Standards Framework. CDI Standards Framework ## Unlocking value in Conversational AI The CDI Standards Framework is our definition of what it takes to get AI conversations right: thirty-one standards across six domains, each with maturity levels, grounded in years of experience with the world's leading conversational AI teams. ![CDI Standards Framework](/assets/images/components/organisms/standards-framework-systematic/illustration-layer-1.svg) ![CDI Standards Framework](/assets/images/components/organisms/standards-framework-systematic/illustration-layer-2.svg) ![CDI Standards Framework](/assets/images/components/organisms/standards-framework-systematic/illustration-layer-3.svg) **CDI Standards Framework** is a systematic approach to developing a conversational AI capability: thirty-one standards across six domains, each evaluated through Four Forces, Mindset, Skillset, Culture and Systems, developed together, at the right pace. ![CDI Workflow](/assets/images/components/organisms/standards-framework-workflow/illustration.svg) **CDI Workflow** turns the standards into practice: human-centred, goal-oriented AI assistants at scale. The workflow works for all conversational channels, is technology-agnostic, and covers both declarative and generative AI approaches. ## Discover our case studies [Assessing, improving and implementing the building process for a cosmetics chatbot](/case-studies/cosmetics-chatbot) ![Assessing, improving and implementing the building process for a cosmetics chatbot](https://a.storyblok.com/f/323168/512x512/ad82eeb66d/lipstick.png) ### [Assessing, improving and implementing the building process for a cosmetics chatbot](/case-studies/cosmetics-chatbot) Conversation Design Institute (CDI) was asked to perform a fast track audit. This improved the inter… Cosmetics Partner Support / Customer support [ Read more ](/case-studies/cosmetics-chatbot) [Honeybook explores Agentic Experience Design](/case-studies/honeybook-training) ![Honeybook explores Agentic Experience Design](https://a.storyblok.com/f/323168/665x77/925751431f/honeybook-dark.png) ### [Honeybook explores Agentic Experience Design](/case-studies/honeybook-training) CDI enjoyed hosting a group of talented content and design experts from Honeybook for a one day work… CRM Workshop [ Read more ](/case-studies/honeybook-training) [Boosting Voice AI Performance for Deutsche Telekom](/case-studies/deutsche-telekom) ![Boosting Voice AI Performance for Deutsche Telekom](https://a.storyblok.com/f/323168/1000x492/56fc01afd3/toppng-com-telekom-logo-b-w-capital-one-logo-white-1000x492.png) ### [Boosting Voice AI Performance for Deutsche Telekom](/case-studies/deutsche-telekom) CDI equipped Deutsche Telekom's mixed team of engineers, business stakeholders, and designers with t… Telecom Customer support [ Read more ](/case-studies/deutsche-telekom) [Leading Global HR Services Provider ](/case-studies/global-hr-provider-chatbot) ![Leading Global HR Services Provider ](https://a.storyblok.com/f/323168/2380x1582/4840248cff/hr-icon-white.png) ### [Leading Global HR Services Provider ](/case-studies/global-hr-provider-chatbot) Conversation Design Institute (CDI) was asked to help redesign the chatbot of a global leader in wor… HR Services Chatbot [ Read more ](/case-studies/global-hr-provider-chatbot) [IND embraces Conversational AI as a channel](/case-studies/ind-government-chatbot) ![IND embraces Conversational AI as a channel](https://a.storyblok.com/f/323168/1654x1654/374ed558a6/ind.png) ### [IND embraces Conversational AI as a channel](/case-studies/ind-government-chatbot) The IND is the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (Immigratie- en Naturalisatiedienst). Their 'c… Government Customer support [ Read more ](/case-studies/ind-government-chatbot) [Global Sports Retail Chatbot](/case-studies/sports-retail-chatbot) ![Global Sports Retail Chatbot](https://a.storyblok.com/f/323168/3841x3178/8cc9ae8e5f/adidas-white-iwth-space.png) ### [Global Sports Retail Chatbot](/case-studies/sports-retail-chatbot) A Forbes 500 sports retail brand launched their customer service chatbot in the US market in 2020\. I… Retail Customer support [ Read more ](/case-studies/sports-retail-chatbot) [Migrating Hansgrohe's Chatbot, Hans](/case-studies/hansgrohe-chatbot-hans) ![Migrating Hansgrohe's Chatbot, Hans](https://a.storyblok.com/f/323168/516x114/b4b7a3b9da/hansgrohe.svg) ### [Migrating Hansgrohe's Chatbot, Hans](/case-studies/hansgrohe-chatbot-hans) The Hansgrohe Group, a leading German sanitation company, is known for its premium brands Hansgrohe… Utilities Customer support [ Read more ](/case-studies/hansgrohe-chatbot-hans) [Migrating Trulet’s Chatbot, Trudi](/case-studies/trulets-chatbot-trudi) ![Migrating Trulet’s Chatbot, Trudi](https://a.storyblok.com/f/323168/147x41/27775ef1ab/trudi.svg) ### [Migrating Trulet’s Chatbot, Trudi](/case-studies/trulets-chatbot-trudi) Trulet, an Australia-based company, created Trudi—an innovative AI chatbot for real estate that enha… Travel Customer support [ Read more ](/case-studies/trulets-chatbot-trudi) [Expanding multilingual IVR support](/case-studies/multilingual-ivr-support) ![Expanding multilingual IVR support](https://a.storyblok.com/f/323168/5760x4818/c00db0b985/ivr-white-with-spacing.png) ### [Expanding multilingual IVR support](/case-studies/multilingual-ivr-support) A leading global provider of cutting-edge software and services, embarked on a transformative journe… Technology Customer support [ Read more ](/case-studies/multilingual-ivr-support) [Goodcall’s AI Phone Assistants](/case-studies/goodcalls-ai-phone-assistants) ![Goodcall’s AI Phone Assistants](https://a.storyblok.com/f/323168/499x127/f3fa6cc0c8/goodcall.svg) ### [Goodcall’s AI Phone Assistants](/case-studies/goodcalls-ai-phone-assistants) Goodcall is a California-based startup that specializes in delivering AI-powered phone assistants th… Telecommunications Customer support [ Read more ](/case-studies/goodcalls-ai-phone-assistants) [Healthcare HR Chatbot](/case-studies/healthcare-hr-chatbot) ![Healthcare HR Chatbot](https://a.storyblok.com/f/323168/5760x3843/c8444c9d06/cross-white-space.png) ### [Healthcare HR Chatbot](/case-studies/healthcare-hr-chatbot) Over the course of two years, CDI worked with one of the world’s leading pharmaceutical companies to… Healthcare Chatbot [ Read more ](/case-studies/healthcare-hr-chatbot) [Vandebron’s Chatbot, Mick](/case-studies/vandebrons-chatbot-mick) ![Vandebron’s Chatbot, Mick](https://a.storyblok.com/f/323168/140x22/6ae8dda10a/vandebron.svg) ### [Vandebron’s Chatbot, Mick](/case-studies/vandebrons-chatbot-mick) Conversation Design Institute worked with Dutch energy company Vandebron to build and launch their c… Energy Customer support [ Read more ](/case-studies/vandebrons-chatbot-mick) [Vodafone’s Virtual Assistant, TOBi](/case-studies/vodafone-tobi-assistant) ![Vodafone’s Virtual Assistant, TOBi](https://a.storyblok.com/f/323168/493x494/5fb37f832a/vodafone-white.svg) ### [Vodafone’s Virtual Assistant, TOBi](/case-studies/vodafone-tobi-assistant) Vodafone Group Plc, Europe’s largest Mobile and Fixed Network Operator, serves over 300 million mobi… Telecommunications Customer support [ Read more ](/case-studies/vodafone-tobi-assistant) [HP’s Virtual Assistant](/case-studies/hp-virtual-assistant) ![HP’s Virtual Assistant](https://a.storyblok.com/f/323168/250x251/646abfb7cf/hp.svg) ### [HP’s Virtual Assistant](/case-studies/hp-virtual-assistant) HP Inc. is a technology company that believes one thoughtful idea has the power to change the world.… Technology Customer support [ Read more ](/case-studies/hp-virtual-assistant) ## Chatbot excellence package Get smarter, faster. See tangible results in less than 60 days. Work with our experts. ### Get in touch By submitting this form, you agree to CDI processing your data to respond to your inquiry. Submit Form submitted Thanks, we’ll be in touch soon. ### Expert review Our experts perform a detailed evaluation of your [chatbot](/topics/chatbots) or voice assistant. We identify areas of improvement and provide actionable recommendations on how to improve. ### Course Access Gain access to our world-class learning material covering everything from [conversation design](/topics/conversation-design) to [AI training](/topics/ai-training) to AI ethics. ### Bespoke Workshops Put theory into practice. Level up your team’s knowledge through a series of interactive workshops on AI training and/or conversation design. ### Get in touch By submitting this form, you agree to CDI processing your data to respond to your inquiry. 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