Student success in higher education is central to qualification completion. However, first-year dropout rates at universities of technology remain high, resulting in many students failing to complete their qualifications within the expected time. This emphasises the importance of developing new and scalable support mechanisms to meet the different needs of students. Artificial intelligence (AI) offers a possible solution by offering personalised, flexible, and ongoing academic support.

This study investigates the usefulness of AI-powered tools in boosting student success, with an emphasis on the integration of an AI-powered chatbot into a first-year Mathematics module and evaluates quantitative proof of a relationship between student achievement in a first-year mathematics program at a South African University of Technology and AI engagement. Mathematics is frequently viewed as a high-risk topic because of its cognitive difficulty and historically poor pass rates. A case study approach was adopted to examine how the chatbot supports student learning by providing real-time responses to queries, facilitating access to academic resources, and encouraging consistent engagement beyond traditional classroom settings. Through descriptive, the results show that student engagement has significantly improved, as seen by more frequent participation in academic activities and more contact with learning resources. Students also expressed satisfaction with the chatbot's availability and promptness of assistance. These findings imply that AI-enhanced support systems can successfully supplement traditional teaching techniques, especially in complex programs, and help increase student success and retention.