Curriculum Reform in Higher Education: Aligning With Global Standards

Abstract

This chapter explores the pressing need for curriculum reform in higher education, particularly in light of global shifts in knowledge production, labor market demands, and international policy frameworks. As institutions grapple with increasing calls for internationalization and relevance, aligning national curricula with global standards has become both a strategic priority and a complex challenge. The chapter examines the key global drivers—technological transformation, cross-border academic mobility, evolving accreditation frameworks, and global skills benchmarks—that are pushing universities to modernize and internationalize their curricula. It also considers the tension between adopting international norms and preserving local cultural, academic, and socio-economic contexts. The chapter concludes by offering strategic insights into institutional policies, stakeholder engagement, and pedagogical innovation that can ensure curriculum reform is both meaningful and durable in a rapidly changing world.