Sustainable Development of Higher Education before and after the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Bibliographic Review Study

Introduction. The escalation of environmental concerns has accelerated the discourse on sustainability in higher education. Since 2000, research output has expanded significantly, with the COVID-19 pandemic serving as a stress test for universities’ capacities in financial stability, student enrolment, research continuity, and leadership. The aim of this study is to explore how the discourse on sustainable development in higher education evolved before and after the COVID-19 pandemic and to assess the institutional transformations triggered by the crisis. Materials and Methods. This study employs a bibliographic review and bibliometric analysis of publications indexed in the Web of Science database. The analysis utilizes VOSViewer software and Google Trends to map research trends, keyword co-occurrence, and thematic clusters. Results. The findings reveal a marked increase in academic production, thematic diversification, and the growing importance of digital transformation and quality education during crises. Clustered visualizations highlight prominent themes such as the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), online and hybrid learning, and institutional resilience. Discussion and Conclusion. This paper contributes to the understanding of how higher education institutions responded to unprecedented challenges and adapted their sustainability strategies in the face of systemic disruption. It offers practical insights for policymakers, academic leaders, and researchers shaping the future of sustainable higher education.