Abstract
Digital transformation in higher education represents a comprehensive strategic process that transcends technological modernization and embraces institutional, managerial, and pedagogical innovations. This paper explores the evolution of digital transformation in Kazakhstan – from informatization and digitalization to a fully integrated transformation – based on a systematic analysis of 44 academic publications. The study proposes a structural model of university digital transformation, integrating three key dimensions: strategic management and institutional processes, technological ecosystems and pedagogical innovations, and the development of human capital. The findings demonstrate that digital transformation serves as a crucial framework for bridging the digital divide, enhancing institutional efficiency, and ensuring the sustainable development of higher education. Moreover, the proposed model contributes to the alignment of national digital policies with university strategies, reinforcing competitiveness and adaptability in the global digital environment. The study provides theoretical and practical insights for universities navigating digital transition toward sustainable growth.