API access is for Faculty and staff who need to connect AI models to code, applications, integrations, automation, research workflows, or other tools. It is different from using ChatGPT or Claude in a web browser. Students cannot request API access individually.

At UT Austin, API access may be provided through Portkey after AI Studio has added your user account. Use this page to understand what API access is, how OpenAI API and Claude API differ from the chat tools, and how to log in to Portkey after access is confirmed.

Quick Links

• Portkey login: https://app.portkey.ai/login

• Portkey documentation: https://portkey.ai/docs/introduction/what-is-portkey

• OpenAI API quickstart: https://platform.openai.com/docs/quickstart

• Claude API overview: https://docs.anthropic.com/en/api/overview

• ISO AI Services Decision Matrix: https://security.utexas.edu/iso-policies/cloud-services/decision-matrix#ai-services

What API Access Is

Request API Access

Before requesting API access, be ready to describe:

Use the AI Tools and Services request form to request access: Request API Access

After AI Studio confirms your access has been added, use the Portkey login steps below.

Team or Department Workspaces

A Portkey workspace can be used when API access needs to be managed for a team, department, research group, or project instead of a single individual.

A workspace helps keep users, access, and usage organized under the correct group. It also makes it easier for AI Studio to identify the responsible owner for the workspace.

To request a team workspace, include:

• The requested workspace name.

• The EID of the main user the workspace should be tied to. This is usually the PI, department head, manager, or approved project owner.

• The EID of each individual user who needs access to the workspace.

• A brief description of what the workspace will be used for.

• Dollar amount budget for workspace. We recommend starting at $50 if you’re unsure about a budget.

Each user must be listed individually by EID before access can be added.

What Portkey Is

Portkey is an AI gateway platform. In plain English, it is a managed layer between your application and AI model providers. It can provide a unified way to access model providers, route requests, monitor usage, and support governance for AI applications.

For UT users, Portkey is the place you may log in after AI Studio has added your account for API access. Portkey access does not replace UT data guidance, project approval, billing approval, or human review of AI output.

How To Log In To Portkey

1. Go to https://app.portkey.ai/login.

2. Select Single sign-on (SSO).

3. Enter your UT EID email address in the Email Address field, using the format yourEID@eid.utexas.edu.

4. You will be redirected to the Microsoft login page.

5. Enter the same UT EID email address.

6. Log in through the University of Texas at Austin authentication page.

7. Complete Duo multi-factor authentication if prompted.

If login does not work after your access has been confirmed, contact AI Studio at aistudio-support@austin.utexas.edu.

OpenAI API

The OpenAI API lets developers and approved users call OpenAI models from software instead of using the ChatGPT web interface. Use OpenAI API access when a project needs to send prompts from code, receive model output in an application, connect to a workflow, or use AI features in a system outside ChatGPT.

Examples:

• A script that summarizes public documents.

• A prototype application that sends user questions to an OpenAI model.

• A workflow that classifies text, drafts responses, or extracts structured information.

• A coding or research tool that needs model access through an API key.

Claude API

The Claude API lets developers and approved users call Claude models from software instead of using the Claude web interface. Use Claude API access when a project needs Claude in an application, integration, automation, batch workflow, or custom tool.

Examples:

• A service that routes prompts to Claude from an internal application.

• A batch process that summarizes or classifies approved text.

• A workflow that uses Claude for drafting, analysis, or structured extraction.

• A custom tool that needs Claude model access outside the Claude browser experience.

Before You Use API Access

Review UT guidance before sending data to an API.

• Check the ISO AI Services Decision Matrix: https://security.utexas.edu/iso-policies/cloud-services/decision-matrix#ai-services

• Do not send sensitive, confidential, protected, unpublished, or personally identifiable information unless the use has been approved.

• Do not put API keys in public code, shared documents, screenshots, chat messages, or tickets.

• Use the least access needed for the project.

• Review model output before using it in academic, operational, research, or public-facing work.

FAQ

Is API access the same as using ChatGPT or Claude in a browser?

No. Browser access is for using the chat interface directly. API access is for software, applications, scripts, integrations, automation, or tools that call OpenAI or Claude models programmatically.

Do I need API access for normal ChatGPT or Claude use?

No. You only need API access if your project, tool, application, or workflow needs to call an AI model through code or an integration.

What is Portkey used for?

Portkey is a gateway for AI model access. It can help provide a managed place to access model providers, route requests, observe usage, and support governance for AI applications.

Can I use API access with sensitive University data?

Only when the specific tool, account, data type, and use case are approved under UT guidance. Check the ISO AI Services Decision Matrix and contact ISO if classification is unclear.

Who should I contact for Portkey or API access questions?

Contact AI Studio at aistudio-support@austin.utexas.edu.

Support