THE MERCOSUR EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM AND THE CHALLENGES OF CURRICULAR HARMONIZATION: AN ANALYSIS OF REGIONAL INTEGRATION AND ITS EVOLUTION

This study analyzed the evolution and current challenges of the MERCOSUR Educational Sector (SEM), focusing on curricular harmonization and degree recognition among the member states. The central research question examined how the bloc's documentary framework reflects the pursuit of such harmonization and which regulatory obstacles continue to hinder the realization of regional educational citizenship. A qualitative documentary and bibliographic methodology was employed at an exploratory-descriptive level, based on content analysis of official agreements and regulations. The main findings indicate that, although significant progress has been made in establishing a regulatory foundation for academic mobility, practical implementation is hampered by national asymmetries, bureaucratic barriers, and the absence of unified information systems. The study concludes that harmonization requires moving beyond unilateral views of sovereignty toward shared regional systemic responsibility. Effective educational integration depends on continuous monitoring mechanisms that ensure transparency and mutual trust among the bloc's educational institutions.