This study examines students' acceptance and use of ChatGPT in Saudi Arabian higher education, focusing on the impact of performance expectancy (PE), social influence (SI), effort expectancy (EE), and facilitating conditions (FCs) on behavioral intention (BI) and actual use. The research was conducted through a self-reporting survey with 520 students from a public university in Saudi Arabia, using the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT2). The findings partially supported the UTAUT framework, showing significant direct effects of PE, SI, and EE on BI, and PE, SI, and BI on actual use. However, FCs did not have a significant direct effect on BI or actual use, contrary to previous research. The study also found partial mediation of BI in the relationship between PE, SI, and FCs and actual use, and full mediation in the relationship between EE and actual use. The results highlight the importance of SI as the best predictor of ChatGPT use, followed by PE and EE. The study suggests that higher education institutions should provide necessary resources and support to students to facilitate the effective use of ChatGPT and ensure responsible and ethical use.This study examines students' acceptance and use of ChatGPT in Saudi Arabian higher education, focusing on the impact of performance expectancy (PE), social influence (SI), effort expectancy (EE), and facilitating conditions (FCs) on behavioral intention (BI) and actual use. The research was conducted through a self-reporting survey with 520 students from a public university in Saudi Arabia, using the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT2). The findings partially supported the UTAUT framework, showing significant direct effects of PE, SI, and EE on BI, and PE, SI, and BI on actual use. However, FCs did not have a significant direct effect on BI or actual use, contrary to previous research. The study also found partial mediation of BI in the relationship between PE, SI, and FCs and actual use, and full mediation in the relationship between EE and actual use. The results highlight the importance of SI as the best predictor of ChatGPT use, followed by PE and EE. The study suggests that higher education institutions should provide necessary resources and support to students to facilitate the effective use of ChatGPT and ensure responsible and ethical use.