Introduction. The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in the field of education marks an inevitable transformation of traditional methods, offering personalized learning and adaptation to the educational needs and individual characteristics of students, management and intelligent automation of university business processes. However, this integration causes certain difficulties: it requires a systematic approach and comprehensive training of subjects of the educational process. The purpose of this article is an empirical study of the practice of implementing and using artificial intelligence tools in the educational process of a university, identifying the features and prospects of their integration in the context of digital transformation of education. In the course of the work theoretical, empirical and mathematical research methods were used. Five state universities of the Russian Federation acted as the research base. The survey was conducted among 294 teachers and 936 students of pedagogical training areas. Research results, discussions. The survey identified: the skills and abilities applied by respondents when using AI; their attitude to technology, assessment of its impact on the educational process and frequency of AI services use; motivation to study and apply AI in educational and professional activities; fears, difficulties and motivation for further development and use of intellectual tools and services. Conclusion. Based on the data obtained, it is concluded that both students and teachers are neutral or positive about the integration of artificial intelligence into higher education. However, students use intellectual tools more often than educators. The survey also revealed a request from university teachers for methodological support and advanced training in the field of practical application of AI in professional activities. In response to this need, the authors proposed a course of additional professional education, including methodological, technical, legal and ethical aspects of the use of intellectual tools and services in teaching practice.