Quality assurance mechanisms and the sustainability of globalized higher education systems: a systems theory-based mixed-methods study

Introduction As the world becomes more interconnected, educational institutions must contend with the difficulty of upholding high standards in various cultural and regulatory landscapes. Effective quality assurance techniques that address differences in education practices and expectations are crucial for ensuring excellence in international educational systems. This study examines the impact of quality assurance mechanisms, particularly capacity, capability, and self-evaluation, on the sustainability of globalized education systems. It aims to determine whether these approaches consistently support high standards across diverse educational systems. Methods Employing a mixed-methods design, the research integrates data from a structured questionnaire ( n = 400 ), in-depth interviews with students, lecturers, and QA officers ( n = 15 ), and an analysis of institutional policy documents. This triangulated approach enhances validity by capturing both quantitative trends and qualitative depth. Results The findings show that the sustainability of globalized education systems is significantly influenced by effective quality assurance management. Discussion This study emphasizes globalization and acknowledges the growing interconnection of educational institutions, as well as the need for quality assurance. The study contributes a theoretically grounded systems-theoretic model, offering strategic insights for context-aware QA frameworks across diverse global settings.