The role of robotic process automation in improving administrative processes in higher education

The purpose of this paper is to develop a conceptual framework examining the role of Robotic Process Automation (RPA) in higher education institutions within the broader context of digital transformation. Drawing on literature on RPA, artificial intelligence (AI), digital transformation, and higher education management between 2015 and 2023, the study identifies key determinants and application areas of RPA adoption and links them to institutional performance and academic effectiveness. The review highlights the rapid growth of RPA research and its expanding role across industries, including education. The proposed framework identifies three main application domains: automating administrative processes such as student admission and registration, automating data extraction and analysis to support academic and managerial decision-making, and RPA-assisted student evaluation and grading processes to enhance efficiency and accuracy. Integrating RPA with AI-driven technologies can improve operational efficiency, enable data-driven governance, and free human resources for higher value-added academic and strategic activities. Although RPA is well-studied in business, its strategic application in higher education remains limited. This paper contributes by providing a conceptual model that clarifies the determinants, applications, and impacts of RPA adoption, offering a foundation for empirical research and practical guidance for university administrators seeking to improve institutional performance and learning outcomes.