This study employs CiteSpace analysis software to conduct mapping and bibliometric analyses of relevant literature from 2020 to 2024, exploring the hotspots, current status, and development trends in research on university students’ artificial intelligence literacy and their educational preparedness. CiteSpace’s visual knowledge maps can be used to identify, display, and predict research trends, elucidating the structure and development of knowledge[1]. The results show that research on AI literacy is widespread, covering 27 countries and regions, with China, the United States, and Spain being the main contributing countries. Additionally, generative artificial intelligence, AI literacy, and higher education have become research hotspots in recent years, with research topics gradually evolving from initial exploration to specific applications and interdisciplinary integration. The main research focuses include AI literacy, digital literacy, and large language models. This paper provides systematic analysis of existing literature to guide future research directions.