Internationalization Strategies of Universities: A Systematic Review

Background and Purpose: Nowadays, internationalizing higher education institutions is one of the most important strategic activities for these centers.The aim of this study was to introduce effective policies and strategies in the internationalization of higher education institutions based on literature. Materials and Methods:In this systematic review, studies published within a ten-year period (2014)(2015)(2016)(2017)(2018)(2019)(2020)(2021)(2022)(2023)(2024) in international databases (Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, ProQuest, and Emerald) were reviewed.Selected studies precisely focused on the internationalization strategies of universities and higher education institutions.Also, the intervening variable was internationalization strategies.Data extraction was performed by the main author.In cases of ambiguity, the data were reviewed, and decisions were made by the second and third authors.The qualitative assessment of literature was carried out based on checklists of the Joanna Bridgers Institute, and the data were subsequently extracted and categorized in Excel software using the data collection form.Results: A total of 8045 documents were retrieved according to our search in databases, as well as snowball search, of which 3224 were duplicates and 4821 were left for review of the title and abstract considering the inclusion and exclusion criteria.Of these, 351 documents were excluded due to lack of thematic relevance, 15 because of no access to the full text, and 5 owing to ambiguity in the results.Finally, 40 documents were approved and their data were extracted.The main strategies were related to allocating budgetary resources, providing necessary infrastructure and services, developing human resources, participating in international events and meetings with stakeholders, informing about the institution's unique actions and features, establishing international centers and offices, concluding cooperation agreements, specifying individual qualifications for attracting students/professors, creating a knowledge economy based on education, offering internationally recognized/dual degrees, developing curricula, promoting mobility, and cultural programs.