Mapping Artificial Intelligence in Higher Education: Educational Challenges and Opportunities – A Scoping Review

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is becoming increasingly integrated into various sectors, including higher education (HE). Universities, particularly in Europe, are facing substantial challenges in adopting AI within academic settings, balancing the potential benefits with emerging educational risks. Existing research offers insights but lacks clear definitions and a comprehensive focus on the pedagogical implications and ethical concerns surrounding AI in HE. This gap calls for a more structured understanding of AI’s impact on teaching and learning practices. This scoping review, conducted in accordance with the PRISMA-ScR extension, maps and analyses the most recent secondary literature (2019–2024) to identify key educational challenges, emerging opportunities, and operational recommendations for AI adoption in higher education, with particular attention to pedagogical and regulatory dimensions. The review followed a two-phase process consistent with PRISMA-ScR guidelines: (1) systematic identification and selection of sources from major academic databases, using defined eligibility criteria; and (2) thematic synthesis of the selected studies, focusing on pedagogical challenges, ethical concerns, and operational recommendations. The review highlights the significant opportunities AI presents for enhancing teaching, personalized learning, and administrative efficiency in higher education. However, it also emphasizes the challenges, including ethical concerns, data privacy, and resistance to change. The findings suggest that while AI has transformative potential, its successful integration requires careful planning, regulation, and ongoing research to address existing gaps and ensure ethical practices.