Brisbane uni expands exam hours to combat AI – and students aren’t happy

Sydney Morning Herald

by Catherine Strohfeldt

February 24, 2026

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Brisbane uni expands exam hours to combat AI – and students aren’t happy

The University of Queensland (UQ) has expanded its exam schedules to include late-night Friday tests and weekend exams, aiming to combat the growing use of artificial intelligence (AI) in academic dishonesty. Students have expressed frustration over the changes, which shift some exams to Sundays and extend evening sessions until 7:15pm. The university attributes the move to the need for more secure, in-person assessments to counteract AI-driven cheating. Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Kris Ryan explained that the revised schedule is part of a broader effort to redesign teaching methods and ensure academic integrity. While UQ acknowledges the potential challenges for students juggling work, family, or other commitments, officials emphasize their commitment to supporting students and avoiding disadvantage. The new timetable includes two full weekends of exams in March and April, with additional exams on May 2nd. Student reactions have been mixed but predominantly critical. Ciara and Izzy, first-year music and law students, highlighted concerns about balancing university attendance with personal time. Second-year humanities student Ethan pointed out how the increased exam frequency reduces flexibility during crucial study periods. These changes come as part of a larger shift in higher education to address AI's role in cheating, with experts like Professor Niusha Shafiabady warning that over-reliance on traditional assessments may fail to measure genuine learning. The debate underscores broader tensions within academia about AI's impact on education. While some institutions resist its use, others, like UQ, are adapting by increasing in-person exams. However, critics argue that this approach risks prioritizing security over authenticity in assessment methods. As AI continues to evolve

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Originally published on Sydney Morning Herald on 2/24/2026