Microsoft is partnering with higher ed to bring tools, resources, and credentials into classes.
Higher education is navigating one of its most transformative moments. As AI reshapes teaching and learning, Microsoft continues to partner with colleges and universities to support them with the tools, training, and communities needed to build AI-ready campuses. Through global faculty development programs, student growth and leadership opportunities, and AI Skills Navigator—an agentic learning space—we aim to foster a connected ecosystem that helps everyone build meaningful AI skills.
AI Skills Navigator: A campus-wide agentic learning space
AI Skills Navigator is an agentic learning space that brings together AI-powered skilling experiences and credentials that serve the entire campus ecosystem—supporting leaders, faculty members, operational staff, and students. It adapts to the needs of individuals and teams, no matter the role, offering personalized pathways, real-world credentials, and a wide range of content from Microsoft, LinkedIn Learning, GitHub, and other trusted sources. Best of all, AI Skills Navigator, available at no cost, offers flexible learning formats that make it easy for anyone to build skills—no matter how busy schedules get with classes, work, or life.
For campus leaders and operational teams, AI Skills Navigator helps you and your teams build practical AI skills for everyday work, supporting your success in a rapidly changing environment.
As a student, AI Skills Navigator helps you develop practical AI skills that set you apart as you enter the workforce. With employers increasingly valuing AI expertise, you’ll be prepared to meet these evolving expectations.
As a faculty member, AI Skills Navigator will help you gain the AI expertise you are seeking, supporting both your teaching and your research.
Empowering faculty—in the classroom and across the globe
Faculty members are central to preparing students for the workforce. Over the past five years, Microsoft Learn for Educators (MSLE) has supported more than 16,000 faculty worldwide, and through them, hundreds of thousands of students, in developing skills in cloud, AI, cybersecurity and related fields. By joining MSLE, you have access to Microsoft Official Courseware—the same high-quality teaching materials we use to skill Microsoft customers and partners—that you can integrate into your courses and workforce preparation activities.
To support you in bringing AI into the classroom, Microsoft Learn for Educators also offers AI Bootcamps—instructor-led training sessions that help you build and integrate practical AI skills into your teaching. Covering topics such as technical AI foundations, generative AI for teaching, and cybersecurity, these bootcamps offer hands-on experiences for both technical and non-technical faculty.
You can also join the Microsoft Learn for Educators Community—a global network of faculty peers sharing best practices, collaborating on curriculum development, and accessing events and resources designed exclusively for higher education.
Advancing student success through Microsoft- and peer-led communities
Championing AI through the Microsoft Student Ambassadors program
For over two decades, the Microsoft Student Ambassadors program has empowered students from diverse backgrounds to build practical software developer and leadership skills.
In the coming months, the Microsoft Student Ambassadors program will introduce new focus areas for technical and non-technical students—covering AI, cloud, cybersecurity, Excel, and more. As a participant in this program, you’ll have access to hands-on workshops, community projects, and mentorship from industry experts, as well as opportunities to lead events, earn credentials, and build professional networks that support career development and leadership in AI.
Turning learning into proof with Microsoft Credentials
Employers are looking for graduates who have real, job-ready skills—not just a degree. Microsoft Credentials, such as Microsoft Applied Skills and Microsoft Certifications are designed for all levels and disciplines, around real job roles and scenarios. They focus on in-demand skills like AI, data, cloud, and security, providing proof that you have the capabilities employers are looking for. You also get discounted Microsoft Certification Exams and access to Microsoft Applied Skills at no cost to showcase your readiness for the workforce.
Microsoft Credentials are widely recognized by employers and transferable across roles and industries. They let you upskill as technology evolves and stay relevant throughout your career. Some credentials may even qualify for college credit, giving you an extra advantage as you complete your studies.
As part of our ongoing commitment to student success, we’re offering higher-education students 12 months of Microsoft 365 Premium + LinkedIn Premium Career at no cost. This limited-time offer is intended to help you access essential tools, develop your skills, and prepare for your next steps.
Building on today’s foundation for tomorrow’s success
We’re also introducing Microsoft Elevate for Educators and new AI-powered tools—supporting teachers from elementary to higher education in integrating AI into teaching, streamlining class preparation, and supporting student success.
As we move forward in a new year full of opportunities, we want to express our deep appreciation for the dedication and innovation that higher education leaders, faculty, staff, and students bring to campus communities every day. Our partnership is built on mutual respect and a shared commitment to student and faculty success. Microsoft’s role isn’t to reinvent what has already been accomplished but to support and amplify years of amazing dedication and work—through tools, resources, and opportunities that build on that foundation. We are committed to working alongside you to help everyone adapt and succeed in an AI-driven world, ensuring that the vision of colleges and universities continues to guide the future of education and work.
Microsoft