Abstract:

This study, in the research area of social sciences, explores the diffusion and institutionalization of the Bologna Process as a common global reform model for higher education. The study is based on previous research in the field of higher education, and literature on the Bologna Process, the European Higher Education Area, and the European Union. To understand the role of the Bologna Process in the development of higher education, this study explores the historical background of European higher education, the diffusion and institutionalization of the Bologna Process, and diverse policy implications the Bologna Process has brought about. This study finds that the diffusion and institutionalization of the common Bologna Process higher education reform instruments and principles has been successful. The Bologna Process higher education reform model was first diffused and institutionalized in Europe from where it has spread all over the world. From the analysis of this study based the research in the field of higher education, diverse official EHEA and EU document, and literature on new institutionalism, it can be inferred that the Bologna Process has become a legitimized dominant reform model for higher education at global level.

Keywords:

Bologna Process, higher education, global models, new institutionalism.