This study aimed to analyze the impact of integrating artificial intelligence technologies into higher education curricula on students’ cognitive, analytical, and research competencies. This applied quantitative study employed a descriptive–correlational design. The population consisted of undergraduate and master’s students at higher education institutions in Torbat Heydariyeh, selected through stratified random sampling. Data were collected using standardized and researcher-developed questionnaires measuring AI curriculum integration and cognitive, analytical, and research competencies. Descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, multiple regression, and structural equation modeling were used for data analysis. Inferential analyses indicated that AI integration in the curriculum had a significant positive effect on all three competency domains. The strongest effect was observed for research competencies, followed by analytical and cognitive competencies. Structural equation modeling confirmed the adequacy of the proposed model and the significance of both direct and indirect effects. The findings suggest that systematic integration of AI technologies into higher education curricula can substantially enhance students’ cognitive, analytical, and research competencies and support deeper, research-oriented learning.