Systematic literature review on the sustainability of higher education institutions (HEIs): dimensions, practices and research gaps

This article provides a comprehensive examination of how sustainability has been integrated into Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) globally between 2005 and 2025, with a focus on academic programs, institutional operations, financial strategies and governance frameworks. Through a systematic literature review (SLR) encompassing 566 peer-reviewed articles sourced from Scopus and Emerald Insight and guided by PRISMA criteria, the study identifies dominant trends, exemplary practices and persistent challenges, particularly in resource-constrained and post-conflict settings. Employing thematic coding, bibliometric mapping and keyword clustering, the analysis reveals seven principal themes: institutional strategies and governance, financial sustainability and resource mobilization, environmental initiatives, community and social engagement, curriculum and research for sustainability, theoretical frameworks and systemic integration. While environmental actions and curriculum reforms have gained traction, significant gaps remain in strategic coherence, financial resilience and social accountability, gaps that are especially evident in HEIs operating in post-conflict contexts. The study acknowledges limitations in its reliance on English-language sources and selected databases, recommending future research to incorporate grey literature and multilingual materials. The findings call for HEIs to adopt full-integrated approaches, align policies, and set tailored sustainability metrics. The study offers insights for leaders and policymakers to align HE systems with the UN-SDG Goals.