en تخصصي Special پژوهشي Research <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:Source Sans Pro;"><span style="line-height:normal"><span lang="EN-US">Funding for higher education critically shapes learning access, institutional capacity, and societal outcomes. As global demand rises and economic pressures intensify, traditional state-based funding is increasingly complemented&mdash;or replaced&mdash;by alternative mechanisms. This review analyzes diverse funding practices in public subsidies, private investment, philanthropic giving, religious endowments, community-based contributions, and hybrid models across varied national contexts. Using a systematic literature review of 48 studies published between 2015 and early 2025, eight thematic areas are identified, highlighting how policy frameworks, economic constraints, and sociocultural factors drive funding outcomes. Diversification strategies&mdash;such as capital campaigns, crowdfunding, and community partnerships&mdash;are noted for enhancing resilience, though disparities persist between institutions with strong versus limited fundraising capacity. The analysis underscores the complex interplay of governance, equity, and innovation in shaping sustainable financing. These findings inform policymakers, institutional leaders, and researchers aiming to design equitable, adaptable funding systems capable of meeting the challenges of a competitive, resource-constrained global higher education landscape.</span></span></span></span></div> Higher Education Funding, Global Policy Trends, Equity, Financing Models, Institutional Sustainability 133 153 http://johepal.com/browse.php?a_code=A-10-1179-2&slc_lang=en&sid=1 Behrooz Shahmoradi 10031947532846004083 10031947532846004083 Yes National Research Institute for Science Policy (NRISP) Ehsan Ehteshamnejad 10031947532846004084 10031947532846004084 No National Research Institute for Science Policy (NRISP)