The Global Challenge of Corruption in Higher Education

Transparency International, one of the leading think tanks working on corruption worldwide, defines this phenomenon as “the abuse of entrusted power for private gain.” Corruption in higher education means also lack of academic integrity. Corruption may be perceived as such and not, grand and petty, monetary and nonmonetary, directly involve students or not. One might not be aware of doing anything corrupt—one might even have the best of intentions. Nevertheless, corruption leads to reputational damage and distrust for higher education among society in general.